[teejay]

>Of late I started a discussion with my brother about religion
>and the world.
>
>I asked him, "Can religion solve Africa's problems?"
>
>We got into an interesting discussion, but I realized he was
>younger than me and had yet to be hit by the realities of this
>world. But I did not downplay his faith as he kept watching
>TBN.
>
>Why I asked that question is that Africa's problems are meant
>to be solved by Africans not by Westerners who came as
>missionaries to Africa spreading God's word.
>In that case religion is a human construct but not God. God
>existed before man, God created man, man sinned and God came
>back again through Jesus Christ.

A true missionary knows what love is all about and they say that Africa’s problem s are not theirs, then of what use is the message they bring with them.

>But wait a minute, what happened to our African "religion"...
>I put it in quotes because God is boundless and religion has
>boundaries.

True religion has not boundaries. This religion is Jesus Christ through whom the father has been revealed unto us. He has left us his Holy Spirit at our disposal. If we listen then our lives will surely resemble what our lord really wants us to be.

>My point is Africans need to start analyzing the religions
>brought by the white man because these are their constructs
>and their religions suited their needs. Africans need to
>redefine their religions and themselves and create things for
>themselves by themselves for their unique needs.

Kiwanche you know Africa have always had its religions but they too have not helped solve Africa’s problems. What you call the Whiteman’s religion did not bring all this problems on Africa. How hunger is for instance related to the spread of religion-Christianity for that matter coz you seem to be talking about it.

>Forget the western world for a moment and let us ask
>ourselves, "how come we were not missionaries spreading the
>"african gospel." Spreading our word, our word embedded in
>God's love and existence as our creator. Where is our
>heritage, our faith that suits our needs.

Would you please expound more? What is this you call African Gospel? In any case speaking of God you must be well aware that it is not white neither black it is just Love and so is his Word. And by the way I only know of Christ’s Gospel.

>I am tired of going to churches and seeing my african brothers
>and sisters dying of hunger and aids. Indeed religion is one
>dimension of life the metaphysical but let us get back to
>reality and make sure we are fighting for everything African,
>music, sports, politics, our economy (not capitalism but let
>us create our own system of finance)....and many more because
>after all

These all has got nothing to do with religion. We must talk about these epidemics that Africa is facing and how religion can play its part in finding the solution to this problems and not Africanisation which is another thing all together. Well it is written that when you see another person go without clothes and you have two, give them one. If they are hungry and you’ve got little food please do share. Aids is here thank you for talking about it but you must also remember that caring for the sick is our responsibly as Christ always taught. But Kiwanche you have not noticed one thing. People are so self centered beginning with our very own African leaders right from the Church to the secular ones that these plea (Christ’s) always go unheeded. The church leaders on their part have coveted and converted the church into a money minting machine. On the pulpits Prosperity theology reign supreme. In fact look around you. The church has become famous with the rich and famous. I miss the words of Christ, at such times, when he casts his eyes and looketh at the widow humbly toss her only coin to the basket and approvingly endorse her efforts as worth much more for she has done that full heartedly.

Kiwanche the scriptures say that in the days of end people shall become lovers of money and themselves. Mzungus Africans and everyone have neglected their part. They all say they love God yet they fail to Love that beggar who always sits by the Church door. They never carry him to the church neither show him Love. How then do they Love God whom they have never set eyes on? Africa’s problems are everybody’s problem. If only we Africans loved ourselves. Be tired of Going to the Church but don’t be tired of doing what is demanded of the church by Christ. These building (Church) have only become mere gathering points where lies are told blankly on the pulpit and people without shame utter a reverent amen. To what, I wonder.

>GOD IS BOUNDLESS NO ONE CAN DEFINE HIM FOR US NOT EVEN THE
>WESTERNERS!!!!

And not Even the Africans