Returning to Our True Root and the God of Our Ancestors

Returning to Our True Root and the God of Our Ancestors 

The word "root" signifies "origin," which also speaks volumes about the culture of the people and their way of life. Tradition is an inherited pattern of thoughts or actions, and as such, it can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on the knowledge and awareness of the people at that time.

It is baffling to see how people mistakenly believe that the resurgence of idol worship in various villages and communities is a form of "tradition." What do they mean by that? When people carve wooden or stone idols or dress them in painted clothes and worship them as gods, they are not upholding tradition. They are merely following a misguided path that is disconnected from true African roots.

It is concerning to see that many people do not understand where these idols originated from or what they represent. They have blindly accepted these idols without questioning their origin or purpose. These idols were introduced by their ancestors from different lands such as Igalaland, Igboland, and Yorubaland, but the true intentions behind their introduction have been lost. If we keep tracing the origin of these deities we will discover that some were even from outside Africa.

The truth is that idol worship is not our African root. It is not the God of our ancestors. It is a misguided deviation from our true origins. Our earliest ancestors worshipped the true God, but over time, they went astray and started worshipping these man-made idols. This is similar to what happened to the children of Israel in the Old Testament. It is now time to return to our true roots, to the true God.

We must stop blindly following the footsteps of our ancestors without questioning their actions. We must seek to understand the true history and origin of our traditions, and distinguish between true African roots and misguided deviations from them.

True spirituality is not about worshipping idols or following rituals blindly. It is about finding a connection with the divine, with a higher power that transcends human understanding. This is what our ancestors sought, and it is what we must seek as well. We must return to our roots by turning away from these idols and seeking the true God. We must find our own path to spirituality, one that is based on love, compassion, and understanding. We must open our hearts and minds to the divine and allow it to guide us on our journey.

Indeed, returning to our true roots is not just about looking back to the past, but also about looking forward to a brighter future. The Bible has much to say about this topic. In the Old Testament, God repeatedly warns the Israelites against turning away from him and worshipping idols. He tells them that they will face consequences for their actions, such as exile and destruction.

However, in the New Testament, we see that God's love for humanity is so great that he sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. Through Jesus, we are offered a new covenant, one that is based on love, forgiveness, and eternal life. Jesus is the embodiment of God's love for humanity, and he calls on us to return to God, to repent of our sins, and to live a life of faith and obedience.

So, when we think about returning to our roots, we must also consider the roots of Christianity. Christianity teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to turn the other cheek, and to walk humbly with God. It teaches us that we are all children of God, no matter our race, ethnicity, or background.

When we embrace Christianity, we are not just returning to our roots, but we are also embracing a new way of life, a life that is guided by love and compassion. We are embracing a faith that transcends our human differences and unites us in our shared humanity.

The Bible also teaches us that we should not be bound by the chains of the past. In Isaiah 43:18-19, God says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

Christianity is not just a foreign religion that was imposed on Africa; it is a religion that is deeply rooted in African history and culture. In fact, many of the early Christian fathers were African. Saint Augustine, for example, was a North African theologian who played a significant role in shaping Christian doctrine. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, tracing its roots back to the fourth century.

Furthermore, African values and morals align closely with Christian teachings. African values such as respect for elders, family ties, and communal living align with Christian teachings on honor your father and mother, love your neighbor, and care for the vulnerable. The concept of Ubuntu, which emphasizes our interconnectedness and the importance of community, is a perfect reflection of Jesus' teaching to "love your neighbor as yourself."

When we embrace Christianity, we are not turning our backs on our African heritage, but rather we are embracing a faith that is compatible with our culture and values. Christianity offers a way for us to reconcile our past and our present, to build a bridge between our African roots and our future.

Christianity also provides a framework for reconciliation and healing in a continent that has suffered from the wounds of colonialism and slavery. By embracing Christianity, we can forgive those who have wronged us and focus on building a brighter future for ourselves and our communities.

We must not forget that Christianity is not just a set of beliefs or rituals; it is a way of life that calls us to love, forgive, and serve. As African Christians, we have a responsibility to use our faith to build a more just and peaceful society, one that reflects the values and teachings of Jesus Christ.

So, let us return to our true roots, not to the idols and misguided traditions of the past, but to the true God who loves us and calls us to love others. Let us embrace Christianity not as a foreign religion, but as an expression of our African heritage, values, and identity. Let us be like the great Christian leaders of Africa, such as Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Athanasius of Alexandria, who showed the world the power of love and forgiveness.

My dear brothers and sisters, I invite you to embrace the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Let go of the chains of the past, and embrace the bright future that awaits us. Let us follow in the footsteps of those great African Christian leaders who showed us the way.

In summary, Christianity is not just a religion; it is a way of life that is deeply rooted in African culture and values. It offers us a path to reconciliation, healing, and love. It calls us to be the light of the world, to be salt of the earth.