Saints & Ignorance!
April 1, 2010 by Authentic Views
It’s that time of the year for yet another eventful long week-end as millions of South Africans receive a much needed break from their routines and pack the roads with all kinds of transport. Some are heading home to see families, others are off to the coast for some leisure, while for Christians/believers it’s the remembrance of Jesus Christ who died and resurrected for their sins. They will be gathering in different venues to worship God, it’s the only time others find to visit church. Opportunistic politicians will also use this opportunity to visit these holly mass gatherings to mingle hoping to sway some votes for the next coming elections. But there are also those who don’t give a damn, for them it’s business as usual.
Catholics are approaching this event amid damning reports of sexual abuse by the clerics hierarchy, a move which throws the challenge to some of the fundamentals from sideline critics who look up to the church for answers in the immoral society we live in. Others in the same religious sector view it with self righteousness as if it’s something which happens only to them (Catholics) while not clearing skeletons in their own cupboards.
One of the things I noticed since I have moved to Cape Town is the dominance of Christian religion among black people. They are very vocal; in fact it forms a large part if not their entire identity. They are quick to judge others’ beliefs, sometimes without much information and often refuse to hear or reason with other opinions. I normally engage and challenge them using the same bible which is their licence to judge. But generally that’s how the Christian world operates in many sectors.
I spent over a decade of my life as a Christian, beginning from while I was a teenager at high school till it lost its meaning. I reached a point of realisation that some of the fundamentals were not what my life stands for.
The church which I was part of is one of segregated communities in the religious world. They emerged from USA and spread through out the world claiming to be the only group of true disciples who live and practise everything the bible teaches. Its leadership is dominantly autocratic, quick to be suspicious when one expresses different views and questioning most of its fundamentals. I’ve seen some hectic churches including that one that they want to move with the times but instead keep creating barriers for fear of the unknown.
I reached a breaking point from barriers and started to question and even challenge some of their fundamentals. Being an exclusive community, I regarded it as a trap that you can only date within, due to fears that someone who doesn’t belong there will wrongly influence you to taste the forbidden fruits which are regarded as the privilege of the few who have walked down the aisle.
I believe that God created life with choices for us to widen the nets and seek what will truly bring satisfaction. One of my favourite bible verse says “everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial or constructive” it appears twice in the 1 Corinthians 6:12 and, 1 Corinthians 10:23. From that verse I challenged the idea of right and wrong, instead suggested that much can be done in educating and informing members in exercising their choices with responsibility than shutting the door of options through ruling out things based on right and wrong. Obeying one group’s fundamental law limits those options.
I also grew uncomfortable of the church’s leadership relying too much on their US counterparts and their tendencies to import a lot of what’s American and expect us to follow that. I felt like it’s important for the church to develop its own identity within the SA context and its ministers should acquaint themselves more with dynamics of our diverse African cultures, without seeking to only point out the wrongs in them.
Some of the challenges faced by their members could be resolved based on the cultural context not just the bible. The other issue was that, the church has a rule which forbids women from preaching to men but it’s a common practice that a woman will be speaking under the guise that she is addressing mainly women. I questioned that on how can I claim to speak with my father in the presence of my mother if I’m not taking to both of them? I had nothing against women preaching to men but it was the contradicting action which I was against.
I also questioned the usage of borrowed material like songs which are sang in other churches, books like Rick Warren’s purpose driven life, videos of astronomers providing evidence of the universe, also looking up to other churches to create a benchmark for remunerating pastors, youth programmes etc…
Then there is the interpretation of scriptures which is the main problem to lots of Christians in this country. The majority of our people in Christian communities are illiterate. In charismatic churches were members are largely in bible studies they often quote verses out of context without establishing who is being addressed, what’s the point, how relevant is it today or to a particular incident? One of my big blunders which is the blunder of many is that people follow Christianity without questioning. When I argue with my religious Capetonian friends who seek to change me, I pose questions which confuse them or they hold on to vague answers.
People are quick to forge blind loyalties with their particular churches and set their minds to the Promised Land, believing that their path is the way to thee. Being too inquisitive is regarded as weakness, only the doubting Thomas of this world, miss the boat while seeking clarity.
It’s the nature of Christianity to look at life selectively and rule things entirely based on right and wrong without posing any question or launch an investigation to establish what may be the cause. Many don’t pay much attention to certain details unless they’re in the line of promoting the same God that some of them are competing about who is the best in representing him among the religious institution.
While love is regarded as the key, more often love is spoken of that being a practise. Others would practise love so they can do self promotion on how they’re being good people.
Fear rules the Christian world. That fear results in guilt even on natural things, fearing that they may be contrary to God’s will. Being sexually aroused is one of the natural occurrences not just to humans and it happens especially when a man is attracted to a woman. But when I was a church member I heard lots of my fellow brethrens confessing and cursing on how the devil could put them under such lustful siege.
I once blocked adult entertainment on DSTV only for it to catch up with me via the click of the mouse. It starts with desire, fighting it off with guilt. When giving in to desire I enjoyed the action but the after effects would leave me fearing that hell will break and blazing furnace will torch me alive.
When things went wrong I wouldn’t view them as part of nature, instead it would come across as the punishment for being disobedient but the habit disappeared when I stopped judging myself or fearing the worst. Fear of consequences, judgement and hellfire is the motivation for many Christians. They feel trapped by the same God because he will punish them severely if they turn their backs on the church.
Most read only the bible or books which keep them in the same route. They would criticize the work by other authors who challenge what is believed instead of using it to seek their own truth. Even the same bible encourages testing of the spirits and that is achievable through interrogation.
Part of Christians’ problem is self esteem and self efficiency. They are comfortable to belong under the Holy banner but have got nothing to show on individual capacity. And that also ties them with the church because they believe that’s where life and God is, everything else is not real.
In all this, I’m not against Christian churches or religions but I’m addressing ignorance which makes many buy into cheap tactics and remain engulfed while there’s so much more to learn. It created prejudices among black communities who find themselves in the crossfire sometimes, especially when it comes to their traditions. Many regard the presence of Christianity to exist so black people can abolish their traditions. It informs others when faced with decision making on which church to join, others leave churches coz they can not find or create balance.
Some churches can be detrimental to children who grow up there. Their parents seek to inject them with their beliefs without an option to explore the world and make informed choices. Faith is not about blind following but establishing God’s reality. Christians miss the point when they think they exist to defend God’s honour, to make rulings without establishing sufficient facts to back up their message.
Today’s society is no longer looking for new religion but a better reality. There are people who feel trapped in my similar situation, I say to them it’s time to go out and explore, expand your knowledge and help solve some of our human kind riddles.
By Authentic Views ©
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soul sista on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 3:25 am
A bit too long but nice one…
The Christianity thing is something that I sometimes question.
I guess I’m more spiritual than religious…
Madala on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 3:53 am
Just got grabbed by the quote of the day- Gandhi was correct! In fact, if he had leaved in our mordern days he would have use the term “SO-CALLED Christians” coz the real Christians should b like Christ….
shybear on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 8:58 am
pple r always criticising christianity n often pointing out how judging n ignorant the christians r. Can sum1 pls stand out firm n also adress the ignorance on the non-christians’ side? i can also do it but ive done it so many times that im beginning to view it as a useless debate to go into. 1st step is to belive that the Bilble is the ultimate word of God,then u apply ur mind into it n choose how u interprete it, at the end of the day u r completely in charge of ur life n its upto u what u do the entire 6 days b4 u can come to church on Sunday.
Pple only choose the scriptures that supports their views,lyk u chose the Corinthians n only that particular verse, out of the entire Bible?
Dee on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 9:27 am
at Shybear, even Satan quoted scriptures when tempting Jesus, what more will the none Christians? There is a great misconception of what Christianity is and how Christians should live.
Mmapula on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 9:48 am
what i say in terms of religion is that people should have the freedom to believe what they choose to believe, we should stop imposing our beliefs on others.thanks for the article.
Noms on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 10:11 am
Too long will read it l8a
Fruity on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 10:11 am
The problem with people is that they never read the entire verse in the Bible, they just quote the part that suit them and claim ‘that is what the Bible says’. Even murderers quote the ‘an eye for an eye’ verse to justify their action. Christians are human too and the moment you announce to people that you are a born again christian they put you on a pedestal and impose their expectations of how a christian should behave on you, which is not fair at all. Being a Christian mean different things to different people hence so many churches, each church interprete the Bible in their own way and if you dont agree with what a certain church preach you are more than welcome to leave that church and look for another one or even better start you own church but at the end of the day the Bible say that the Truth shall set you free…
The other thing that most people overlook is the fact that Christianity is not just a religion, it is a lifestyle. It should be reflected in a person’s day to day action, we are not just Christians on Sundays, we christians everyday but most importantly we human and not perfect but we are striving for perfection. When a christian try to point a wrong doing on a person, they get accused of being judgemental, there is a huge difference between judging and correcting and most people get it twisted most of the time.
‘ My people perish because of lack of knowledge’ Christianity does not mean you should follow the movement blindly, do you own research and then make your own decision, never join the movement to impress others or because you want prosperity or a husband coz you would remain unfulfilled when you dont get those things…
Mathaz on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 11:39 am
I am a born again christian and proud to say that my belief in god is not based on God’s wrath should i act or behave against his will. If i do sin, i know that i am in right standing with God and his grace is sufficient enough to forgive me of my sins. The devil is the accuser and he is the one who accuses you if you give in to sinful desires, God would never ever ostracise you because you did not listen to him. God is love and he loves us so dearly that him who knew no sin had to be crucified on our behalf so that when the devil comes and accuse us of sinning then he can say that he was wounded for our transgressions.
I fail to understand what your gripe is against christianity. So many issues you raise but vaguely so…
Sslave on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 11:56 am
“Faith is not about blind following but establishing God’s reality” SMH nc nc nc Ubhedile this tym AV. You need Jesus lol
Authentic views on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 12:09 pm
My point here is that there’s too much attention churches put to what’s right and wrong with threats of hell or consequences for the wrongs. This tend to control people and make choices informed by fears of being wrong. Many Christians loose their individual identity and adopt the Holly banner, I regard Christianity as the personal walk with God based on personal experience, one can be part of the Holly banner but that doesn’t mean loosing unique individuality. The scripture that I quoted says everything is permissible, I quoted it because many Christian I’ve interacted with don’t know that. They seek permission or approval and a pastor or someone superior may rule something wrong based on his knowledge or experience and not give that person a chance to do his own test and make informed discovery. Bible is full of principles to inform one for guidelines while establishing his own. I think churches should be educating people more about using the bible constructively, learn personal responsibilities when making choices not religious set guidelines.
Mathaz on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 12:23 pm
When you are a true christian, it is not you who live but Christ who lives in you so I guess you would lose your former self which you lable as your identity. It is not up to the church to teach us about the Bible, but the Holy spirit is our guider and will teach us and reveal to us the true meaning of sciptures.
If one really lives according to God’s will then that verse that you quote will not be applicable because we view our bodies as the temple of the Lord and everything that we do/think or how we act and behave is guided by the word.
Nontri on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 1:14 pm
Well you are right about people making their own choices but I think non-christian people also have fear by always pointing at christians and expecting them to behave a certain way. Yes there are people who are christians just because they were raised that way and they go to church every Sunday, but it differs once you receive God and the holy spirit wavuma that he is the saviour; things get automatically revealed to you and it feels indeed as though you are born again. My point is you wouldn’t be speaking like that if you were a born again. Not judging you ofcourse. God bless
lwandie on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 1:24 pm
Interesting read A.V you described a road I have travelled well.Most Churches can’t quite seperate doctrine and actual biblical principles.Faith is such a personal honest relationship which should never be used as a weapon for emotional guilt trips.
I always tread carefully where matters of religion are concerned because people tend to get a little touchy,but I hope for people to exersice tolerance in other people’s faiths.Is christianity really the only way,or is it because by default it is all we have ever predominently known in Africa? Would we have the same convictions if we were born in the Middle East or somewhere else?
Bee on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 1:54 pm
Well mna people um more spiritual and i believe in God not to the bible. I made my self a favour by asking Lord to guid me throughout so i won’t have to read some black n red book that was written by some1 like me (human being)
Authentic views on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 2:24 pm
Just to sum up last few responses, I believe that the spirit of God reveal things indeed and shape our lives and opinions. The bible also says we must test the spirit, so for me it’s important that I don’t take anything at face value, I believe in digging deeper and establish some facts to inform my convictions. I derive satisfaction which I can relate a bible verse to a personal experience or an event which is happening. And if we were all obeying the spirit there w’d be nobody who is trapped in rules and regulations and driven by fears. Christians should be enjoying the freedom and liberation in Christ, we should be practising responsibilities for our freedom and being the example to non-believers. I wrote about this because freedom is what is lacking in today’s Christian world. They only see things in good vs evil without taking into consideration that God is capable of turning evil intention for intended purpose like it happened with Joseph after being sold to slavery by his brothers.
I wrote for the fun of it because I observe human behavior and I like sharing information about what I find, I’m also trying to communicate sense, to provoke one’s thinking, expand someone else’s knowledge and open the minds of others to what they may be taking for granted. That’s why I’m inspired to write.
Hottie on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 3:40 pm
Ow cum d likes of nonkawu dnt post comments on articles lik ds, except if its ‘-:,:@.
phesh Macwili on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 3:42 pm
Quote Of The Day:
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” MAHATMA GANDHI
The bible tells me I am created in Christ image. this is a journey and those who know thw truth lets go out there and win those souls. and grow in Him who gives eternal life. God’s standard is very high, and don’t conform to the standard of these world and hate what God hate which is sin. and owe no one except love. The Holy Spirit is there to be your comforter and it will reveal all these things to you. The Kingdom of God is the best man, we call it Zion where God is your only Source and Bible is your constitution if its not in the constitution I dont entertain it. Lets strive for Holiness, to be Christ like the word of God is not just a fancy talk but power. The word word of God is for correction as well if you tell people these things they tell you you being judgemental, if I have an issue in my life and you see it its not inline with the constitution tell me with love thats what love is. life in the Kingdom is the best life ever, you leave in perfect love that cast out all fears. lets get people in before its too late, I keep asking God why me Lord how did I get your grace, the salvation. it overwhelms me when I think about it.
The truth shall set you free. Our minds needs to be renewed accepting Christ as your personal saviour it doesnt just end there you must grow in trust me the Holy Ghost will show these things to you and do things out of obedience not abligation. the bible says I have a mind of Christ meaning I have the ability with in me to be holy. lets help one another in this walk the enemy is attacking Christians out there. but my desire is that before Christ come we will win as many souls as possible.
Lela on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 3:47 pm
Why cnt people js embrace what they blv in. No comment on d article cz i hvnt read all it. All i know is that im sinner saved by grace.
Kem Moc on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 12:38 am
I dnt believe in fictional characters. Nice read
Jackie on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 4:46 am
Many people engage themselves to christianity, for their own personal GOOD.
Funky K aka FK on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 4:10 pm
most of you guys made good points and I agree with you. Same here, I am tired of getting to baseless debates.
AV – read the whole chapter and use that verse in both instances in context.
Christians don’t tell people what is wrong or right. The BIBLE does. So says the LORD. If you can understand that, then you will understand christianity.
*****The majority of our people in Christian communities are illiterate. In charismatic churches were members are largely in bible studies they often quote verses out of context without establishing who is being addressed, what’s the point, how relevant is it today or to a particular incident? *****
AREN’T YOU DOING THE SAME THING?
Unfortunately, the BIBLE is un upgradable to suit you and me. God said it in the beginning and HE is still saying it today. Whether you and I change, He will not release the second, third, twentieth version to suit you and me. GOD DOES NOT CHANGE AND HIS WORDS ARE TRUE AND STANDING.
As a christian who is not ashamed to say it – I will quote this scripture Ephesians 5:15-17. Just understand what the Lord’s will is.
Kem Moc on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 4:47 pm
Iv never met a street wise christain, they are weak.
Brown Shuga on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 5:16 pm
`lol @ fictional characters
AV you make interesting observations…. I’m not qualified to comment on the topic but you’re so right about Cape Town an d Christians. Maybe they think it’s the only way they can survive the Republic of CT without having to shoot its president heheheh
Lela on Sat, 3rd Apr 2010 1:34 am
Kem Moc that’s cz you’ve never met me.
sponono on Sat, 3rd Apr 2010 11:56 am
interesting view..I like the Ghandi quote, coz I also have a problem with bible-thumpers, coz they dont do what Jesus would do..and I like that guy..but eish religion is such a complex topic that you can spend days debatng the validity of certain things…so for me best to have faith in God and belive in the posibilities of anything and just do the right thing, dont intentionaly hurt people and spread love as much as you can
nana on Sat, 3rd Apr 2010 1:28 pm
@BS – I take offense as Im a Christian (a literate one) and live in Cape Town.
@Christians and NoN Christians- we reject that which we dont understand (whatever context u choose to interprete it in)
As for the quote, Y is Gandhi not seen as Judgemental when he makes comments about Christianity , is it bcoz he is Gandhi.
Sade on Sat, 3rd Apr 2010 8:58 pm
Funny because all of you that like Ghandhi’s qoute you wouldn’t follow him! Jesus wasn’t a door mat! To all God’s beloved well done on representing. I enjoyed reading your posts. It shows that “greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world”. We are more than conquerors. Proverbs 4:20.
Authentic views on Mon, 5th Apr 2010 9:12 am
When making analysis of all the views & comments, I have not been swayed from viewing many Christians for being ignorant. Christians who participated went on into defence of their faith without engaging my views which led to my departure from a particular church. They challenged me over one bible verse I’ve quoted ignoring the context on which I was quoting the verse. I do not expect a modern day version of the bible like some suggests but I take the bible at it’s historic context, I scan events in relation to the current times we live under. The says “be on guard, be alert” the point is examine the scriptures, find relevant meaning, don’t make up meaning. Study the context and sync your point with it. For example if a Christian knows the scenario of what was happening between Job and his friends, they would quote any of those verses to convey certain message like to encourage someone else but those who are not bothered by the context easily pick sounding words in those verses and encourage others. Ignorant is like other sins Christians are fearful of and you may findout that some of the things which are fearful judging them as sins aren’t actual sins but due to lack of understanding context they thought its sins. I hope you all understand that and fight the enemy of ignorance.
Funky K aka FK on Mon, 5th Apr 2010 7:52 pm
I was not defending my faith – it does not need to be defended. Yes, you might have your reasons for leaving the church – all based on fundamentals. There is a lot that is happening in churches and when you go deeper into those things, they are not even in the bible even though they make up the fundamental beliefs of that church. This is not the first church to have that, hence I did not challenge you on that. This is not new. If all christians can take a back seat and look at their churches, I promise you, those buildings will be empty. However, as an individual, you need to ask yourself, why do you go to church? The answer lies there. Instead of leaving that church, why don’t you engage them? Now you no longer go to church or call yourself christian because of this????
Yes ignorance – My people are perishing because of lack of knowledge. Search the scriptures and you shall know.
*******Part of Christians’ problem is self esteem and self efficiency. They are comfortable to belong under the Holy banner but have got nothing to show on individual capacity. And that also ties them with the church because they believe that’s where life and God is, everything else is not real.********
I’m lost = please help me. What do you mean with the above?
Kem Moc on Tue, 6th Apr 2010 12:16 am
Funky its very easy.. It all means stop wastn ur time on thngs that myt not even exist.
Lela on Tue, 6th Apr 2010 12:24 am
Nc nc nc,nkm nkm nkm *shaking my head like my granny would*
Lela on Tue, 6th Apr 2010 12:25 am
Infact I choose to be ignorant in Christ than be all knowing outside Him.
Kondjeni on Tue, 6th Apr 2010 11:03 am
“I cannot believe in a God who wants to be praised all the time.” Friedrich Nietzsche
I know of people who wouldn’t even read the Da vinci Code because of what it says about Jesus. The mere thought of challenging our christian believes makes us scared of being condemend to hell.
I recently watched the movie “The Book of Eli” – the way that man was out to get the book so as to have power and control over the people pretty much says it all.
We are so intend on living by the books (Bible, Koran etc) and totally ignoring what is in our hearts – for God lives IN us.
GA on Tue, 6th Apr 2010 12:28 pm
hm….ke neng ke trya go commenta on this article but i cant squizz it all into one clear paragraph….but i do have a view.my view.
Interesting read AV, interesting comments everybody….
Authentic views on Fri, 9th Apr 2010 7:11 am
@ FK, The reason I said some christians have problem with self esteem and efficiency is that; I have come across lots who don’t believe in themselves, who don’t believe they can function if not tied to their particular church. Who would reject anything in their view is contrary to the church doctrine. Some believe God in good times and moarn evil when facing hardships. The bible talks about importance of experiencing hardships. Others are comfortable to evangelise people in shopping malls but wouldn’t dare to do so with their colleagues or people they interact with regularly like neighbours. And they only do community projects that are church initiatives and wouldn’t think and initiate their own even in a smaller scale. For example I know my talents or what I’m good at, I can always use it anywhere, like if I’m a maths expert I can assist even one child in my residential complex than waiting for the church to create a platform for me. That’s why I said that.