Most black people consider upholding African cultures as a display of Pan-Africanism and, therefore, acceptable to loathe Western cultures. Yet others, suppose it to be a display of being civilized, when identifying with Western European cultures. Others, actually, assume that the ability to fluently speak in English displays being intellectually superior.
The fact that white settlers invaded Africa, underpins the existence of valuable resources on the African soil. Although having been intellectually superior, the whites still fail to fathom reasons why Africa produces bad leaders. They also struggle to understand why blacks leave their naturally rich continent, to settle in Europe? Ironically, we also have blacks who denigrate their fellow African behavioral patterns—though being also Africans.
All this reveals inability to diagnose this, as symptomatic of what is embedded in the entire human race. African failures actually mirror the general failures of humanity. This is what led Jesus to come on earth. What we see in African people’s behavior could, actually, manifest among the well-regarded white folks—if colonialism were to be applied in reverse. When subjugated by another race, the tendency is to copy the cultural behavior of the conquering race.
One of the reasons why the blacks took up arms was the exclusive behavior of whites—not desiring to mix with the impoverished blacks. But, the most exciting scenario, as observed after independence, in 1980, was the black people stampeding to grab exclusive homes in white suburban areas. This indicates that what motivated the liberating struggle was envy—rather than principle.
The blacks took up arms, in order to acquire exclusive and luxurious life-styles, enjoyed by the whites. Although, the same whites were portrayed as behaving unacceptably? In other words, the superiority of a race is ensconced in perceived advantageous benefits. Even after having been conquered, the superior culture of the defeated race stamps an imprint—not resisted by the succeeding rulers.
Their culture gets adopted, even after having been subjugated. One race can physically claim dominion over another race. But finding it impossible to claim dominion over the acceptable ideas of the defeated race—as long as advantageous to them.
In Jesus’ time, the Greek language was, actually, the language of the elite—used by the educated people. One was considered educated, as long as able to speak Greek. Aramaic was commonly spoken by those considered uneducated—like the rural folks of today. This is notwithstanding that the Romans had long assumed power from the Greeks—toppled after the death of Alexander the Great.
The Roman Empire could not do away with the prestigious culture of the Greeks. However, those Greeks could not lay claim against usage of their considered good educational system and culture—having lost power to the incumbent Roman rulers. The duplicity remains in that—although having assumed power—the Romans could not come up with better ideas. They found value in adopting the culture of their defeated predecessors.
God’s Kingdom, principally, carries survival values that cannot be rejected by any rational person. Having noticed the value in Christianity, one of the Roman Emperors, Constantine, sought to establish Christianity, alongside his Empire. Christian authorities, at that time, could not advance everything proffered by the author of Christianity—Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, those Christian leaders compromised much—in order to appease the Emperor. The Church became subservient to the governing authorities. Right at that point, the precedent was set—shaping the current culture of Christianity. The most convenient Scripture—encouraging Christian leaders to remain in this fallacy is Romans 13. All leaders in government are there, by God’s authority.
As much as, even Jesus was subject to the governing authorities, He did not take orders from the governing authorities. He maintained God’s will, rather than just please the governing authorities. Jesus was the perfect example of being law-abiding to the governing authorities—yet fulfilling His mission of being the Christ. He displayed what was not considered as subduing the powers that be—but subduing the powers that be, is what Jesus came for.
The principle of exerting authority over the conquered subjects is of this world. This is the prime source of humanity’s problems—as distinctly manifesting in African behavior. Jesus instructed His followers to behave differently. Christian failings are principally on inability to apply what Jesus said (Matthew 23:1-12).
The Roman Catholic Church—being first to interact with the governing authorities—sought to follow the leadership pattern of this world. This is what gave birth to the papacy—now accepted as the real authority in Christianity. Interestingly, those denouncing Catholicism, actually, adopted the same leadership principle, without dilution. They exercise the same authoritarian principle in their respective denominations. Physically, humans appear different—culturally, classically, racially, ethnically or tribally.
All these perceptions are distinctly caused by envy and inability to distinguish one’s own worth, on this planet. But, a person who does well—producing value—becomes respected and adulated—without consideration of such factors. The racial or ethnicity background of that particular person becomes irrelevant.
North America seems to have appreciated that reality. Any person of high value, is easily granted citizenship in America. This is why America is home to any of the major religions of the world. Whoever crafted the American constitution, must have been enlightened, somehow, in understanding this philosophy.
However, it is equally on that principle that America’s enemies view that country’s constitution as unacceptably permissive. Most sins—not acceptable in other parts of the world—appear as acceptable in America. While no-one can argue that America should not be viewed as model for good behavior, no-one can also argue that America carries some semblance of liberty. This is why people from various nationalities desire to acquire America citizenship.
The behavior of humanity is controlled by influence from other people—whether good or bad. Those positively influencing others, provide beneficial survival values. But those survival values cannot, necessarily, be tangible—unlike material things—like gold and other mineral resources. Such abstract principles are more superior to gold, money or any other object—regardless of how expensive.
This explains the reason why, Africa—considered as richest, in terms of mineral resources—is the home of poverty and many other vices. This has got nothing to do with race, religion or any other factor, necessarily. Except inability to identify with what benefits others. What can one offer, to benefit others?
For instance, a person with a musical talent, can be the greatest asset for any country. I suppose, a world-class footballer can be the greatest asset—when compared to diamond and other mineral resources of a country? This is notwithstanding that football is simply a pastime activity—only enhancing entertainment without producing tangible value.
As a maxim—adopted in general usage—a human being is more valuable than mineral resources. There is no denial in that consideration. What was created in God’s image cannot be compared to anything else, in terms of value. But, how can that be true of humans with unacceptable behavior? Can one honestly put value in a drunkard—spending most of his life begging for cash to buy drugs and cigarettes? Can that person, honestly, be more valuable than gold?
This highlights what has been the problem of humanity, throughout the ages. The precious gold is considered as more valuable than the known aimless bums in our society—yet there is no truth in that consideration. The person hooked in drugs is still more valuable than gold. Anyone assuming that gold is more valuable—is worse than the person being disdainfully considered as unacceptable.
In actual fact, the person who denounces a drug zombie, sits in assumption of comfort that does not exist. As long as unable to appreciate the need for value-addition in his environment, the person would still be useless. This, obviously, describes the caliber of Christians that this world churns out.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16) (ESV).
The value of a person is determined by being able to improve the value of others. The value of Jesus was in dying for humanity, so that they could come to terms with what they were created to be. Instead of effectively influencing change and good standard in the environment, Christians take comfort in denouncing those not enlightened.
Migrations are necessitated by what the person considers as beneficial to him and his family. Relocating to an acceptable environment from an unacceptable one, is viewed as virtuous. I often use the analogy of the effects that are projected in light and darkness. The light is needed more, where there is darkness, not where there is light, already. Darkness is the one that disappears in the presence of light. When leaving others—in pursuit of comfort—the person displays being valueless.
This is different from one desiring to be identified with areas where darkness exists—so as to make a difference. “Does my existence on this planet make other people glad that I live?” If the answer is no, what other value can be construed in that person? At least the drunkard bum is better off—as, potentially, able to eventually discover his real worth.
It is fundamentally, impossible to help a person who assumes being better than others—based on his standard of living and material acquisitions. Apparently, that person may express pity towards the disadvantaged. But not willing to be part of their misery—let alone share whatever he views as products of his hard work.
Salvaging humanity from their current conditions is what Jesus came for. Jesus does not consider anyone valueless. Everyone carries the potential of adopting the status of being God’s Child. In its current confused state, Christianity is up for denouncing all those not subscribing to Christianity. Most of them are not willing to carry the cross, expected of their Christian calling.
Racism, or any other form of segregation is instigated by assumption of being better than other races. This is a symptom describing falsehood that emanates from Christianity. A human being—created in God’s image—cannot be racially identified. Like God, that person cannot be associated with race, color, ethnicity or religion.
Change is possible, as long as a person looks at Jesus—being the model of what true Christianity implies. Of course, this is not a popular teaching. But those estranged by the philosophy of loving their fellow men should not assume being Christians. This is why Jesus gave a poignant statement—through the apostle John, at the island of Patmos:
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:15-20) (ESV).
Jesus saw what currently prevails—and accordingly provided counsel—through the apostle John. What is projected on this website should not, necessarily, be viewed as better than everything ever produced in Christianity. Hopefully, one or two individuals may find this new? How all this is applied by the privileged readers, is little to do with the author.
What remains indisputable is that the value of any person is as determined by other people. The person’s possessions can, actually, be the opposite of what is commonly viewed as valuable. This world becomes a better world, as long as its inhabitants are conscious of this reality—rather than despising others—in consideration of self being better and more important.
Unless this confusion is completely eradicated, the salvaging of the lost humanity remains unattainable. Nothing else is of greater importance. The racial outlook of the person is not important. The class of the person is not important. The ethnicity and religious condition of that person are not important. But what benefits others— as emanating from that person—is of greater importance.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from 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 reliefs to those having witnessed strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. In a simple conversational tone, most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long awaited providential oasis of hope.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99