Hmm. Do the orishas evolve/change? Or do their followers? They'd better.

The systems obviously change. Lucumi is different from old world, is different from Candomble, is different from modern Nigerian. But as for the orishas.

Because each of us carries with us orisha "just" by being born (Ori), and we have a mission here on earth, when we die our Ori returns to Olodumare to report its progress and ultimately that Ori will return again to learn more, it seems Yoruba cosmology would support evolution, as it has an emphasis on spiritual progress and elevation. (Specific views on Ori will be different, I believe- but this is the main concept taught in Lucumi)

Ways in which we honor the orisha have to change of course as well- this one of the keys to surviving the diaspora. Casacarilla became used in Cuba instead of efun. Pumpkins were offered to Ochun instead of elegbede. Some Orishas became grafted onto others. Orishas are not immobile and static- they are mediators between the One and the Many. If we live, we change. If Orisha is a living tradition, it changes.

The minds of their priests are another thing. Fundamentalism is a danger to any religion. But so is solipsism. There seems to be a strange trend (I will call it the 'Protestant' trend- for reasons that may or may not be clear) to make traditional methods of religious expression be considered old and blind, and that a personal relationship can be sought without adherence to traditional means of worship. This is sad. The traditions are so rich- and they WORK. Contact, dialog, and transformation happen in these systems- they help their followers live and live well. But it is rarely a system that fails itself- it is the people. Strict blind observance without ever understanding WHY our traditions are the ways we are, where godparents do not teach their godchildren, and lack of knowledge is a considered a personal weakness (instead of a growth opportunity) to the point where people make up things rather than seek the answers from knowledgeable elders.

I hesitate to say it, but you cannot have a religion of priests. There will always be those who actually take their crown seriously and strive to evolve and change, for such is life. Just because someone has the money to make Ocha before someone else does not infer that they are more knowledgeable. Chinua Achebe said in 'Things Fall Apart' : " Old age is to be respected. Wisdom is to be revered."

The wise will always evolve.

My eight cents,
Jesse