There are a few men in my office who declare themselves “saved” Christians. They came to our party on Friday night, sitting quietly sipping their Fanta’s. However; one boy came up to me at the end of the evening and asked for a glass of red wine – these men do not drink… Sometime later in the evening he “declared” his love. Since then we have engaged in discussions about marriage, during which time he stated that it was time someone (meaning him) put a proper ring on my finger. Later this week we discussed how ‘relationships’ work in North America. I was asked if people in North American “play sex” before marriage (this man is 28), and I felt ridden with guilt that I have either corrupted this person or that he thinks I am going to suffer terribly in my afterlife. The latter thought was confirmed when, as I was walking down the main street of Butare last night, I heard my name being called. It was my friend who wanted to take me to his Zionist Evangelistic Church. We sat quietly in the church that overlooks a beautiful valley – a testament to the existence of something great – and listened to the choir rehearse. Eventually my friend leaned over to ask me THE question, “why are you not a Christian?” This has become a common theme of my time here and no matter how well try to I articulate my beliefs, they are rarely understood. I explained about my travels and experiences with different faiths, all of which allow my soul to choose a path that brings comfort, peace, and encouragment to be true to myself. Afterward my friend shook his head and sucked on his teeth – the typical response. The discussion continued about the purpose of faith and as I attempted to draw parallels between faith systems, it yet again became obvious that because I do not believe in the one and only GOD – I did not have true faith.
The reason I chose to journal about these, specifically this, interaction is because the conclusion of this repeating conversation always leaves me anxious. Very few of the Christians I have met here acknowledge the goodness that can come from other faiths (even other forms of Christianity – my friend stated last night that Catholics “lie”) nor allow themselves to question anything about the faith to which they prescribe. It terrifies me because it demonstrates just HOW the genocide could have happened. When you have a country/culture of people who are not taught/encouraged/permitted to think critically about ANYTHING they have been told or to accept the beliefs of others – propaganda can be a VERY powerful tool. I am not saying that they should not be faithful to their religion. However, that faith should come after one has qusetioned how/why they believe. Many of the people I have met here enter their faith blindly and the intolerance of other faiths is something that could have detrimental effects to a community. I do understand a country that has embraced their faith after suffering such trauma; however, it is like a cyclical process...the unquestioning belief in yet another set of values. Yes their beliefs might focus on 'goodness'- but the behaviour of following the word of someone without challenging or determining exactly WHY or HOW that code fits with your values results from the same unquestioning faith that lead to genocide.
The reason I chose to journal about these, specifically this, interaction is because the conclusion of this repeating conversation always leaves me anxious. Very few of the Christians I have met here acknowledge the goodness that can come from other faiths (even other forms of Christianity – my friend stated last night that Catholics “lie”) nor allow themselves to question anything about the faith to which they prescribe. It terrifies me because it demonstrates just HOW the genocide could have happened. When you have a country/culture of people who are not taught/encouraged/permitted to think critically about ANYTHING they have been told or to accept the beliefs of others – propaganda can be a VERY powerful tool. I am not saying that they should not be faithful to their religion. However, that faith should come after one has qusetioned how/why they believe. Many of the people I have met here enter their faith blindly and the intolerance of other faiths is something that could have detrimental effects to a community. I do understand a country that has embraced their faith after suffering such trauma; however, it is like a cyclical process...the unquestioning belief in yet another set of values. Yes their beliefs might focus on 'goodness'- but the behaviour of following the word of someone without challenging or determining exactly WHY or HOW that code fits with your values results from the same unquestioning faith that lead to genocide.
3 comments:
Interesting topic. I always enjoy talking with people who have this form of absolute faith what is the purpose of faith? Was Jesus’ example something to encourage you wait for someone else to die for your sins? Or was the demonstration of the most profound gift any single person could give to a people? To give the ultimate of yourself so others may benefit. So do you worship the man, the gift or the act of giving? And does that mean that given the same would you lay your life down to save others? Would you stand naked and take what evil comes with an open heart or would you ask for someone else to make that sacrifice?
And how old is this story? As old as mankind? Is it a story of truth or is the actions played out in the story the truth? How does one test that? Is truth something that is and always was? If so, it should be time independent no? So faced with the prospect of evaluating what is truth and what is untruth I submit that the answer is time. What is will be subject to repetition. Drop an apple from your waist. It has always fallen to the ground.
It is always such a pleasure to read you and your experiences in South Africa. You are far more articulate than I think I could be in calculating the different exchanges that you encounter on a daily basis. I agree with your remark about how the genocide could definitely happen due to the lack of critical thinking that is allowed within this country. It is sad that people are not given the opportunity to see how different cultures and peoples think and feel play a valid role in the shaping of us all. I can honestly say that, given the short amount of time that I have known you, I am so fortunate to have met you because you continue to breath a life and new understanding into me every time I read your entries.
You are totally right about the privilege of our birth place, and it is hard, I am sure for you, to continue to come to the realization that you will be leaving soon and coming back to the place that you live. But, you must understand and realize that you should not feel guilty for this, at least I hope that that feeling passes. I know its hard, I hope you feel those of us that know you, with you along on this journey and know that we are never that far behind you!
It's true; not many can appreciate that there are many paths to "God."
I've always thought of it as a "faith insecurity complex." To be threatened by another faith must be because of some insecurity or instability of your own faith, or more specifically, authority.
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