Spiritual Reality: In a recent article in the Herald (Nigeria), a British scientist from the University of Manchester, England, admits that the man Christians worship or call Jesus Christ was more of an African descendant than the pure white, long hair, blue eye, six feet tall, groomed candle-holding dude without a tan. Before Richard Neave’s reconstruction, the ethnicity of Jesus has always been in debate to even if John the Baptist is really related to him. There are also other profound spiritual struggles and question on how the world should look, and acceptance of the way it is. I am not a scholar on biblical teaching, history or even a Christian, but that shouldn’t make a difference in seeing a shifting revelation. Despite today’s postcard of Christ image, quietly some question why he was the only Caucasian male where it is believed that everyone had bronze skin, wool hair in an extremely warm area in the East. He was not adopted, or flown in from the West. Figuring religion with or without DNA has always been complicated, especially surrounding conflicts over this mystical being that spread peace and calm like an eagle gliding through the air. Even since Muhammad, who outlived his sons and died without a clear heir, conflict between Shia and Sunni Muslims continues. Maybe they are trying to settle whose culture or “faith” is the real descendants and representative of the true Islam. Could that be quietly an issue with Christianity after the crucifixion, searching for a leader? Today’s altar call is not an attack on Christianity, religious doctrine, to promote racial divide, or a protest to mount a new piece of artwork in the pulpit, or halls with a bronze skinned male holding a sword in wool clothing looking over a flock of sheep. It is simple an outside assessment without the scriptures, hoping to reduce pockets of internal divisions often based on one’s ability to tithe, skin colour, socio-economic status where some believed their pigmentation makes them closer to the man, and thus ignore our community plights in general for the common good. What score would be given some of his disciples today? These disciples now could use another John the Baptist. I do not want to equate followers’ undivided love like someone being in toxic relationship where love can cloud one’s vision. This quiet affirmation, personal obedience and gratitude often call for calm even in high tides.
As I traveled to some of these old historic churches, it seems some have lost their stride, power and influence. Today’s polls also say that non-believers are increasing. When the pulpit relinquishes its core, and struggles with changes on social issues such as marriage equality, abortion, political ideology, and ministry with a rating system like hotels for profitability while the homeless man searches for a meal few feet away, these altars will remain empty The deviation from one’s parents’ upbringing is not a struggle due to unconceivable economic conditions. Some who stay on the street corners are not there because of who is making the altar calls. They too have problem separating these men’s moral compass from their messages. They have friends who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender and others who could use reconciliation between gangs that have taken over the communities, and yes, even an ex-offender who could use a job connection. How can the young-people reach the altar when so-called preachers have more bodyguards than the prime minister? One now has to make an appointment even for confession or talk about their struggles. After these resurrection ceremonies, the church has to stop being just another building. Only few today have the courage and they are older, as personal strengths have diminished. Even when they die, the new generation has no idea of their contribution to the community.
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