Sin as a Source of Friction among Humans
Sin, in its simplest form, can be described as a condition of friction that disrupts harmony among humans. The first recorded instance of this failure to coexist is the story of Cain and Abel. Cain’s inability to live peacefully with his brother, who pleased God more than he did, led to the first act of murder. This extreme manifestation of sin—rooted in envy and discomfort—reveals the destructive power of unchecked emotions. Cain’s story serves as a timeless lesson, echoed in Jesus’ teachings, about the dangers of allowing sin to fester in the human heart.
For example, in modern times, workplace conflicts often arise from envy and competition. A colleague who feels overshadowed by a peer’s success may resort to sabotage or gossip, mirroring Cain’s destructive behaviour. These small-scale conflicts, when left unresolved, can escalate into larger societal divisions.
Global Divisions and the Zimbabwean Context
Today, the world is divided along racial, class, and geographical lines. However, these divisions are not the focus of this discussion. Instead, we examine the impact of sin through the lens of Cain’s behaviour, using Zimbabwe as a case study. Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, provides a compelling example of how sin—manifested in deceit, exploitation, and conflict—has shaped the trajectory of a nation.
Historically, Zimbabwe was part of the Munhumutapa Kingdom before being colonized by white settlers led by Cecil John Rhodes in the late 19th century. While the Munhumutapa Kingdom was not as technologically advanced as Western civilizations, it was a sovereign entity with a rich cultural heritage. The arrival of the Pioneer Column marked a transformative period for the indigenous population, but it was also rooted in deception and exploitation.
Deception and the Fall of Lobengula
Lobengula, the Ndebele king, was misled into signing the Rudd Concession, a settlement agreement that he did not fully understand. This act of deceit by the white settlers led to an uneven conflict, with modern weaponry pitted against traditional spears. The Ndebele were defeated, and Lobengula’s kingdom collapsed. The settlers’ refusal to recognize Lobengula as a king—referring to him instead as a chief—highlighted their duplicity and disregard for indigenous sovereignty.
A similar example of exploitation can be seen in the colonization of India by the British. The East India Company used deceitful treaties and military force to subjugate local rulers, leading to centuries of economic exploitation and cultural erosion. These historical parallels demonstrate that the sin of deceit is a recurring theme in human history.
Colonialism and the Hypocrisy of Christianity
The white settlers, who claimed to be Christians, exploited the ignorance of the indigenous population. They seized land under false pretences and introduced Christianity in a manner that contradicted its core teachings. This hypocrisy cast Christianity in a negative light and hindered its acceptance among the local population. The settlers’ actions were a grave sin against the principles of Christianity, which emphasize love, justice, and fairness.
It is not only the Africans who suffered exploitation, of using Christianity. During the Spanish colonization of the Americas, missionaries often forced Indigenous people to convert to Christianity while exploiting their labour and resources. This contradiction between preaching and practice undermined the credibility of the faith and left a legacy of mistrust.
Ian Smith’s Influence and the Rhodesian Dilemma
Ian Smith, who became Prime Minister of Rhodesia in 1965, was the most influential figure in shaping the country’s direction during a critical period. He argued that implementing a one-person-one-vote system among a majority population that was inadequately educated and inexperienced in governance would be imprudent. This stance resonated with the white settler community, who feared that rapid democratization would lead to instability and economic decline. Smith’s government unilaterally declared independence from Britain, a move that was met with international condemnation and labelled as rebellious by the British authorities. This marked the beginning of a 15-year guerrilla war.
However, attributing sole responsibility for the conflict to Smith overlooks important nuances. By the 1960s, many black Africans had acquired a good education and were capable of contributing to governance. Violence, therefore, should not have been the only path to independence. Smith’s argument for gradual political reform was rooted in his belief that stability and economic progress were prerequisites for successful self-governance. Yet, his refusal to accommodate the aspirations of the black majority fueled resentment and armed resistance. Britain ought to have facilitated the properly guided transition, before advocating for black majority rule.
Britain’s Role and the One-Man-One-Vote Philosophy
Other African nations had achieved independence through the one-man-one-vote principle, though not all demonstrated commendable governance afterwards. Britain’s condemnation of Smith’s regime appealed to the black population, who saw it as support for their struggle for majority rule. However, Britain’s motives were not entirely genuine. Two key reasons underpinned their stance:
- Facilitating Corrupt Leadership: Britain sought to install pliable, corrupt black leaders who would ensure a steady flow of mineral resources to British coffers. This strategy had already proven effective in countries like Uganda under Idi Amin and the Democratic Republic of Congo under Mobutu Sese Seko. These dictators’ poor governance did not concern Britain, as long as they continued to supply resources. Propaganda portrayed Britain as opposing such leaders, while behind the scenes, they supported them to maintain economic interests.
- Perpetuating White Supremacy: By promoting the narrative that black leaders were inherently less capable, Britain reinforced the idea that white administrators were superior. This sustained the myth of white supremacy and justified continued Western influence in Africa. Ian Smith’s ethical governance, as depicted in his memoir The Great Betrayal (1997), was seen as a threat to this narrative. Had Rhodesia succeeded under Smith’s leadership, it could have established an ethical, prosperous society that rivalled Britain itself. This appears as what caused Britain to avoid supporting Smith.
Sanctions and the Aftermath of Independence
The severe sanctions imposed on Smith’s government were designed to cripple it, despite the relative stability and economic progress achieved during his tenure. Interestingly, human rights violations were not a major concern for Britain during the guerrilla war. However, after independence in 1980, Robert Mugabe’s regime was marked by widespread abuses, including the Gukurahundi massacres. Despite this, Britain awarded Mugabe a knighthood, signalling their tacit approval of his leadership as long as it served their interests.
The 2017 coup that brought Emmerson Mnangagwa to power further illustrates Britain’s strategic involvement. It is rumoured that Britain’s support was crucial to the coup’s success, as they had grown disillusioned with Mugabe’s violent land reform program. Mnangagwa’s corrupt and authoritarian rule has not drawn significant criticism from Britain, as long as their economic interests remain secure. The narrative of sanctions is often emphasized to portray Britain as opposed to Mnangagwa, but the reality suggests otherwise.
The Legacy of Colonial Culture
The culture of exploitation and abuse established during colonial rule was adopted by Zimbabwe’s post-independence leaders. Instead of fostering a culture of service, many black leaders sought to replicate the privileges once reserved for white settlers. This shift from servitude to supremacy led to economic decline and social unrest. The collapse of Zimbabwe’s economy is often attributed to the land reforms of 2000, but the roots of this decline can be traced back to 1980 when the culture of entitlement and corruption took hold.
The Rhodesian era, under Smith’s leadership, was marked by industrial success and a diligent workforce. However, the post-independence focus on personal enrichment rather than national development eroded these gains. This highlights the enduring impact of colonial-era attitudes and the failure to transition to a culture of service and accountability. This, however, does not necessarily imply the assumption of the superiority of the white race. It portrays the impact of subjugation.
Reflections on Smith’s Argument
Ian Smith’s argument for gradual political reform was not without merit. He believed that stability, education, and economic progress were essential for a successful transition to majority rule. However, his refusal to address the legitimate aspirations of the black majority and his reliance on racial hierarchies undermined his credibility. The tragedy of Rhodesia lies in the failure to find a middle ground between Smith’s caution and the demand for immediate equality.
Ultimately, the legacy of colonialism and the sins of exploitation, deceit, and greed continue to shape Zimbabwe’s trajectory. The challenge for the nation—and humanity, as a whole—is to move beyond these destructive patterns and embrace a culture of service, justice, and mutual respect. It is sin that causes humans to desire to be served rather than to serve others.
The Biblical story of Lazarus and the Rich Man bluntly illustrates that the purpose of living is to serve others. There is humility in serving others; being what elevates a person to greatness. The exploitative white community in Rhodesia could not understand this perspective; hence they left for greener pastures. Rather than feeling envious of those whites, Zimbabweans ought to have emulated only their positive aspects instead of envying their good lifestyles.
Sin is amplified more by envy than by selflessly serving fellow humans. The leaders of our time cannot embrace this principle, as it is not appealing to those who desire to live comfortably. However, no comfort surpasses serving others. Joseph became a blessing to his people due to his admirable service in Egypt. Willingness to serve, even as a slave, is the best option for this finite body before perishing.
Conclusion: The Path to Redemption
The narrative reveals that all humans, irrespective of race, are affected by the sin that led Cain to murder his brother. Manifested in envy, deceit, and exploitation, sin has profoundly impacted humanity. From Cain’s murder of Abel to the exploitation of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources, the consequences of sin are evident worldwide. However, redemption lies in embracing the principles of service, humility, and justice. By prioritizing the well-being of others over personal gain, we can overcome the destructive legacy of sin and build a more harmonious world.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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