Africa and Prophecies; the Black man’s Religious Bondage
I am not afraid to look at things differently especially when everyone has a particular opinion on them. This has given me the courage to always weigh things differently even when everyone does not. I have been able to achieve some sort of mental scaling of events or opinions at the point of discussion and this sometimes makes my friends angry. As an African Child, I grew up not just knowing God but getting so soaked into Christianity as a religion that I began to look even deeper to find answers to millions of questions that arise daily. It may be hard for a feeble-minded person to try out what I doing therefore, I will like to state clearly that the opinions and ideas contained in this post are mine and mine alone. It is not meant to be used as a compass to judge every religious leader especially those within the confines of Christianity. I also wish to state clearly that message contained in this article is not and should not be seen as a means to castigate True Prophets and Prophecies. Having said this, please join me as I try to look at Africa and how we perceive prophecies using Nigeria as a case study.
Foundational Background
Christianity as a religion was never part of African civilization till the coming of the colonial masters. History has it that Christianity was first seen in North Africa in the 1st or early 2nd Century AD. The big question to ask is this; was Africa without any religion before the coming of the colonial masters? I will not want to go into answering this question because I believe that Africa was in existence years before the coming of the colonial masters. At least we all know and can testify through history that Civilization started in Africa. Let me shift from the origin of Christianity to its usage and adoption between the Western world and Africa. It is common knowledge that the Westerners who were perceived to be the heralds of Christianity in times past have sort of lost that stronghold on the teachings and values they brought to Africa. It is either they have changed the Bible or that the African men and women of God they handed the word over to have decided to speak and teach from both sides of their mouths without recourse to the bible which should serve as a manual to good Christian living.
Looking at the happenings all around the world and how most Westerners who are believed to be Christians behave in terms of physical outlook and behaviours, one will be tempted to doubt if Christianity is truly what they say it is. Ranging from the kind of dresses, makeup, lifestyle and so many other things they showcase over the television and the internet which has become the compass of living for an average African child, one will so much as doubt everything that comes out of the mouth of any perceived man or woman of God. The very question to ask is this; is Christianity a Fallacy? We may not have the answer to this question but we must try to look at things objectively and constructively. Let us say the early Christians are from the Western part of the world, let us also say that the bible which they handed down to us in Africa is truly the word of the God they preached to us. Why do we keep seeing them go contrary to what is boldly written in the bible? Well, I am not here to stand as a judge because my intention is not to mess any bodies mind on things about Christianity but the truth is that some of our African men and women of God have found a very easy but dangerous means of controlling the minds and lives of their members or followers as the case may be.
Prophecy or mind Control?
You have heard of this word Prophecy as many times as you may not remember. One thing I know you may not have done is to ask yourself some important questions about Prophecy.
· What is Prophecy?
· Where does Prophecy come from?
· How do you recognize a true Prophecy?
· Who gives Prophecy?
I will try to look at these questions one after another in other to open up some hidden facts about what we see and perceive as Prophecy.
What is Prophecy?
The dictionary will define Prophecy as a prediction of what is to come i.e. futuristic view of a person, something or an event. There is another meaning which must look at critically. In Christendom, Prophecy is viewed as a word or utterance given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit which portrays Gods minds and intentions about a person, place or a particular event. Looking at these two meanings, one will say that the latter is purely used in Christendom and every other religion. Although they may not use the same meaning to define the word Prophecy, whatever meaning they give it will certainly have some connection as that of Christians.
Where does Prophecy come from?
From the definition of prophecy, what can say that prophecy comes from God i.e. it is a gift given to those who align themselves to the dictates of their maker. There is a serious question which most of us Christians are afraid to ask or even find answers to. Does every Prophecy come from God? The moment you begin to understand that not all prophecies come from God you will be able to develop the ability to distinguish the true prophecy from the false one. If you ever believe that there are no fake prophecies then you are deceiving yourself and you are bound to make wrong decisions based on these fake prophecies you have received.
How do you recognize a true Prophecy?
This is where most Christians get it all wrong because they have made themselves too open for anyone to feed them with prophecies whether true or false. Let us look at what the scripture said about true Prophecy.
First, biblically speaking, prophecy builds up the church and does not tear it down. It is rooted in Scripture. It is also affirmed through collective discernment (source).
If you look at the 1st letter of St Paul to the Corinthians, you will understand better the gifts of the Holy Spirit and what they are meant for. A Prophecy can not be true if it does not edify the body of Christ the question to ask is this; who is this body of Christ? For anyone who accepts that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came and died on the cross for our sins and that he resurrected on the third such a person is a believer and therefore has a part in the body of Christ. Now, if you receive a Prophecy that does not edify you rather destroys you in the long run, it means that such Prophecy is false and not of God. You can take your time and go through the scriptures to know more about Prophecy because that is the only way for you to get proper knowledge and wisdom of God in you.
Who gives Prophecy?
As Christians, if you have not come to understand that prophecies do not come from your pastor rather from God who can give the same Prophecy to whoever He chooses, you will Contin to worship these men and women who portray themselves as mini gods just because they have made you understand that you can not receive prophecies on your own or from any other place. The sooner you begin to read through your Bible the better for. The problem we have is that we have decided to leave the word of God in the hands of a few who are now using it to manipulate every single one of us. God gives Prophecy to anyone he chooses.
Have you wondered why Africa is still underdeveloped even in the midst of all these prophecies and Prophets moving up and down? The westerners understand what Prophecy is and how it must build a nation that is why you see them enjoying true development. It is high time Africa comes to understand that religion is not supposed to be bondage rather it is meant to be the key that unlocks the chains that hold us captive. We can change our continent if we look at the region from another perspective rather than what we do now.
Thank you for reading my post today...
Davinchysax Loves you.
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