So why are there so many problems in Africa if Christianity brings with it God’s blessings? Part 3 of "Are Africans Cursed?"

In the lecture that provoked the claim that the real problem with Africans is that they are cursed, I had made the following points:

1.    One of the main problems with Africa is that African Christians have not learned to apply God’s Word at the worldview level, so even though we claim to be followers of Christ, we still don’t have a comprehensive Christian worldview. I gave several examples:

a.     Frightening violence in supposedly Christian nations – Kenya in 2008 and Rwanda in 1994 (considered to be among the most Christianized nations in the world before the 1994 genocide that claimed almost one million lives).

b.    Debilitating corruption that routinely multiplies the suffering endured by so many. At just the time when there exists the technology to grow enough food for every human being on earth and more, people continue to die of starvation in Africa. Dambisa Moyo’s book, Dead Aid, is helpful in diagnosing some of the problems from an economic perspective. But I would argue the problem is primarily moral/ethical.

2.    We cannot change the structures of any society without nurturing the mind. So apologetics is a task the church cannot afford to ignore.

3.    Three reasons why we can’t ignore apologetics:

a.     We are commanded to nurture the life of the mind.

b.    Nurturing the life of the mind is a form of spiritual warfare.

c.     We can’t apply God’s word to our lives without using our minds.

That, in a nutshell, is what turned out to be quite controversial. I love it when people disagree with me, because, if I’m wrong, I have an opportunity to learn the truth. In this case, though, I don’t think I am.

Mind you, this is only part of the problem. In the spiritual realm, spiritual formation, for example, is a big problem. Teaching the sciences is another problem. I’m sure there are others.

ARE AFRICANS CURSED? Part 2

As I said in my previous post, this is one issue that I, and perhaps many others, could easily dismiss as nonsensical. Aren’t there more substantive problems in this world that are much more worthy of our attention? What about, for instance, the question of evangelism and salvation?

This is a legitimate concern. Frankly, I sympathize with it. I’d rather talk (or write) about something different – like where to find a good doughnut or a samosa, or whether the Lakers will hold on to a good enough record to stay in the playoffs, now that they’ve crawled in there. Even a philosophical problem, like the logical viability of epiphenomenalism, would be a delightful alternative for me.

But here is the problem, or the proverbial elephant in the room (a phrase very popular in the US where there are no elephants, except in the zoos. Go figure). We have to contend with these two facts: (1) Africa DOES INDEED carry more than its fair share of troubles, and (2) “the curse” is still being used as one of the explanations for this. So, as philosophers would say, even if we reject (2), we have to explain (1) – translated, even if we deny that the problems have anything to do with “a curse” (2), we still have to explain why the problems are there (1).

In my previous post, I said the curse does not apply to Africans, however it is to be understood and explained. In this post, I want to offer another reason why the curse claim must be rejected. This second reason is this: millions of Africans have accepted the Gospel, and the Gospel promises to exterminate all condemnation from anyone who accepts Christ. With so many believers, the effects of the curse should be far less, even if it were there (though, as we saw, it isn’t).

Take a look at these verses:

Romans 8:1-2    Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

1 John 1:9    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and PURIFY US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.

Paul even tells us that Jesus became a curse for us when He was hanged on the cross (Galatians 3:13). And if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed (John 8:36)! If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are truly free! There are no two ways about this. There are no ifs, ands or buts – we are free in Christ! Why rational human beings reject the Gospel is perhaps the most profound mystery to me!

Here is Paul again:

2 Timothy 2:20-21 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.
 IF A MAN CLEANSES HIMSELF FROM THE LATTER, HE WILL BE AN INSTRUMENT FOR NOBLE PURPOSES, MADE HOLY, USEFUL TO THE MASTER AND PREPARED TO DO ANY GOOD WORK.

So, are Africans cursed? Oh puhleeze! (I also wanted to say, “Just Grow Up!!!”, but I will be professional and winsome this time).

Next time I will tell you what I think is wrong with us Africans. But, remember, I would also like to hear what you think. So, if you stop by, please say hello (leave a comment).