Church notes
Am I a Christian, Am I a moralist, Am I Religious
I heard the preacher say “this book of the Lord shall not depart from my mouth”, the entire congregation just kept nodding their heads scribbling words down. The church looked properly cleaned today, the altar had a new colour tone and the choir looked dashing in their outfits. It was one of those special Sundays where everyone wore their best, high rise Gele, loud makeup, new shoes if possible, a fake smile for dessert, everyone was perfect in the sight of each other and of course a sectioned seat for different categories. I stared at the clock at intervals, the ticking was annoying and I wanted to be done with the service in no time. I looked across the church hall and caught glances with my mother, the type that reminds you that you've done something wrong, I quickly turned my face off and hissed silently, “let this cup pass me by” I whispered.
Chinasa my friend with whom I am well pleased heard me and giggled, “what's funny?” I asked her keeping my voice low and my head down. “you're meant to take down notes Uloma, that's why your mum is staring. you look so out of place.” she said
I adjusted my belt, unbuttoned the top of my shirt, stretched my legs and sat upright. “Chi I don't think there's anything new in what pastor mike is saying today, besides I don't even read the notes after writing it” I made a goofy face and giggled. “lol I know you don't, nobody reads it” her response sounded tired I could feel it, she has been writing for more than an hour and still going. “let's take a bathroom break, it is getting stuffy in here” I bent my head and held my stomach, one of the usher's Sis Shade walked up to me and signalled that I can't be sleeping whilst the service is still on and advised I button up and sit properly amidst other things she stated. Chinasa interjected, telling her that I wasn't sleeping and only needed a bathroom break, the overly dressed Sis shade looked at both of us with so much disgust written all over her face. You can say she's one of those sisters who were always quick to conclude and apportion blame. “well only one person at a time, you cant leave when daddy is still preaching” she smiled sheepishly at the word of daddy. My head became hot, my body felt like I was being cooked by Alice as a porridge ( the witch who kidnapped Ralia the sugar girl). Why would she call him Daddy?
Chinasa stretched her note towards Shade, “Help me write while I get her sorted out, make sure you document everything Daddy says” The sarcasm was glaring, I wanted to laugh but I had to keep my cool. “Oma, stand up let's get you some painkillers” She held my hand across her shoulder, picked up both of our bags and walked me out through the back door. At this point the congregation seemed distracted and Sis Shade looked like she was going to explode, my mother looked at me and made some sign language asking what was wrong, I touched my stomach and she smirked and turned her back. we got to the bathroom and let out a loud laugh, it was 2hrs of intense scriptural reading and the air outside felt so different.
A few weeks ago I was on a Twitter space that had over a thousand listeners from across the world discussing religion. The space had pastors from different denominations and even imans, the questions and topics were broad so the host always rolled it over to the next day. I’m not one to have Religious talks with, in fact, I run from such a gathering, but the discussions were interesting and I couldn't just leave.
Religion is a unique merger of culture, spirituality and society. It has the power to transform and destroy a person or community's state of mind. One of the speakers stated that reading the bible ideologically or literally was wrong and it won't be understood in its full and true documentation if done that way. I have always read the bible literally, for instance, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”, the five-year-old me understands this in basic English which relates to nothing ever existed except God. it is difficult to understand abstract figures as humans that is why imagination helps us fill in the gaps, over time we build on this imagination and it becomes a part of us.
In Africa, there’s something particularly interesting about the interpretation of Christian scripture. Emphasis is placed on power, spirituality and patriarchy. This is not strange when you consider our culture, It is normal actually. After all, we can only know what we know. It takes a sincere and subtle approach to unlearn and to submit to new patterns in life. If you come from a culture that glorifies powerful people, you might rationalize some things in scripture. For instance:
After reading the story of David, the conclusion would be that despite him being an adulterer and murderer, he was also a worshipper and a man after God’s heart, “Grace covers all” would be the phrase to summarize it all. Later on, when you are confronted by an alleged rapist Pastor, as long as he works great miracles and exudes extreme excellence, you may also assume he is operating on a different level of grace. What about Elisha, an inspired prophet who killed children that mocked him, you may be led to also excuse anointed Men who physically assault members; and when you read about unmarried Paul who wrote 2/3rds of the New Testament but yet held misogynistic views on marriage, you may conclude it’s okay for men to dismiss equality. It’s the same way scripture has been used to justify racism and slavery, It’s nothing new. We use a version of scripture that aligns with our existing prejudices.
That something is in the Bible does not make it righteous.
Beliefs tend to operate within a social context. No sentiments attached but I must say the writers of scripture used their cultural frameworks, and that’s okay. However, we the readers must possess the discernment to differentiate between the mind of God and the words of men — the Spirit and the letter. There are very badly behaved people who call on the name of God. Men and women who relish destroying the self-esteem of church workers, and people who are running businesses and accumulating assets. The propensity to shape information according to our worldview is not just a religious phenomenon. The world also has a habit of rewriting the stories of captains of industry who have brilliant minds and develop innovative products. Yet, they are truly shitty people. Humanity may eventually see that religion is riddled with inconsistencies. Relationships are less difficult, It emphasizes individuals rather than routines. It is based on a simple principle: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. To put it another way, love your neighbour as you love yourself.
History and active landmarks have their place. The acceptance of fundamental principles. Then there’s the ever-changing character of a relationship with God. Faith in his everyday promises to us.
We presume the original model of the church is the design we should still be employed in the internet age because we take everything in the Bible literally. It’s why some pastors resisted starting digital churches until COVID-19 compelled them to do so. Although the Bible remained unchanged, pastors understood that various forms were conceivable. It did not grow more spiritual to have a digital church. Christians, on the other hand, grew more contemporary. If you insist on scripted Christianity, you will not be able to perform great things for God. Because an established pattern is predictable, it does not need faith. Glory and wonder aren’t found in the safety of a safe environment, They don’t shy away from taking risks.
True innovation can only be found in risk,and it is in this way that Christians will alter the world so that many more people might be saved.
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