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.
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).
4 comments:
Very interesting post. I'm glad you commented. I agree with you that it's foolhardy and dangerous to dismiss africa as "cursed." We risk superstition, racism, and all sorts of backwards mindsets if we quickly jump to that conclusion.
But I'd like to add a clarifying point or two. I don't buy heavily into the "curse" language that some sensationalists use. But still, there do seem to be non-soteriological curses that can happen if, for example, a believer submits to sin and is cursed with addiction. Or a father abuses his child, effectively cursing that child to wrestle with that abuse the rest of his life and possibly abuse future generations of children.
Second, it would seem that people are distinct from culture such cultures could manifest collective sin/error which no particular person is uniquely guilty of, or which only a few individuals are guilty. Yet, by being part of a culture and not fighting against the worst parts of it, people can be led into sin and suffer a "curse" from their culture even if they themselves or even their families are not intrinsically cursed.
I agree wholeheartedly with you. Unfortunately, some want to isolate the types of incidences you describe to certain cultures but what you describe is true of any human being or culture. And yes, innocent people do suffer due to the collective sinfulness of their cultures.
And unfortunately people are liable to treat the sinfulness of a given culture like it was the curse of a whole ethnicity or race.
Speaking in the most general terms, much of U.S. culture is individualistic and pluralistic--which can be good in some settings but also very bad. Much of urban and African-American culture (which I'd distinguish from african or black culture) suffers the faults that Bill Cosby called out about 10 years ago--absent fathers, denigrating education, victim mindset, etc.
Individuals and families have the freedom to stand apart from any respective culture that would like to claim them, but we can do ourselves a disservice by passively embracing everything about our given cultures, as if "Americanism means 'holy, annointed of God" or "White means 'special'" or "Black means 'great.'"
You can find people of all races in any worthwhile field of study and vocation, proving that there is no difference in gifting, etc. Unfortunately, cultural baggage will hold us back if we are too wedded to it. But I like the way you put; the sinfulness of a given culture is not a curse to ethnicity or race. Thanks for your comments and insights.
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