GOD IS NOT A CHRISTIAN

GOD IS NOT A CHRISTIAN

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you. I am not a theologian, but I am eager to discuss God and I believe that my thoughts, while possibly differing from yours, speak to the same God. I have written a paper which will be distributed, and while it is more disciplined than what I will present, I am aware that I have been asked to talk about problems affecting Africa. However, it is important to note that problems exist in other parts of the world as well, such as the state of emergency in Texas, the war in Ukraine, and tribal problems in Nago kabak. Therefore, my presentation should be understood in a broader context.

We are discussing Africa because we are currently located in Africa and our focus is on the continent of Africa. During the devotion, it was mentioned that there are diseases in Africa, which is true, but it's important to note that diseases exist everywhere. As theologians of the Christian faith, it's also important to acknowledge that Christianity is a relatively young religion, emerging after the time of Christ. Before I share my thoughts, I encourage those present to read the book "God is not a Christian" by Des, as it has greatly influenced my perspective. I believe that Christianity is a human creation that came into being after Christ's ascension, and I invite open-mindedness in considering this viewpoint. While I identify as a Christian, I also study other religious texts such as the Hindu Gita and I am familiar with Hindu mythology.

I have read the Mahabharata and I encourage all of you to do the same. The writers of the Mahabharata claim that those who have not read it have read nothing, and I agree with this sentiment. The Hindu Mahabharata was written 5,000 years before Christianity and is 11 times longer than the Christian Bible. When discussing the Christian Bible, I am referring to the Bible that includes the 12 canonical books, sometimes known as the Apocrypha. As I watch the Hindu Mahabharata, I begin to see theology, as the characters in the book are taught theology under a banyan tree. I recommend reading the Mahabharata to gain insight into theology before Christianity. The works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, from whom St. Thomas Aquinas heavily borrowed, are also important in shaping modern Christian theology. African theology, such as the theology of Arun Miller among the Eura peoples, is also significant. As students of theology and comparative religion, we must be familiar with Islamic theology as well. It is essential to be humble and open-minded when exploring different theologies. Personally, I am hesitant to align myself with any specific denomination, as I believe organized denominations can limit our understanding of God. It is crucial to avoid confining God to a narrow space, as the danger of theology lies in restricting our perception of the divine.

One of the major challenges facing Africa is religion, which hinders progress. Many mistakenly believe that all issues can be resolved through prayer and fasting. However, the true Divine instruction is to work hard and cultivate the Earth. Despite this, there is an abundance of religious figures in Africa, such as prophets and apostles, who often engage in questionable practices in the name of miracles. This phenomenon is not limited to Kenya, as similar occurrences can be observed throughout the continent.

There is a significant number of individuals contributing to the African issue, but many are hesitant to address it, especially theologians. There seems to be a trend in African theology that focuses on making people feel good rather than encouraging them to be good, which is not in line with biblical teachings. The Bible I refer to is clear and direct, as seen in the story of Prophet Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel. The Bible emphasizes the importance of making a choice between worshiping God or false idols, without room for ambiguity. Similarly, in Joshua 24, Joshua urges the Israelites to choose between the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the Amorites, declaring his commitment to serving the Lord. The Bible warns of false prophets and deception in the last days, emphasizing the need for discernment. In Paul's second letter to Timothy, it is highlighted that challenging times will come, reinforcing the importance of staying true to the teachings of the Bible.