Since a child there were many things that turned me off from the practices of the church, most of it based in hypocrisy and the fact that I knew in my heart the Bible was edited (which I later learned to be the whole truth- the book is heavily edited, and even the Vatican admitted it contains 14 plagiarisms, though they refused to site which ones in the 30's or 40's when they made the admission).
In this day and age we fortunately have documentaries like the one from the Christian Robert Beckford who had the courage to investigate the falsehoods of his religion, and report the truth in his film 'Who Wrote The Bible, and now this book by Jeremiah Camara that flatly tells it like it is.
As a community we have to wonder why a religion forced upon us, and used as a justification at one time for enslaving our people, would be clung to without so much as a desire to see the Original version of the Bible? How many church-goers know what 'King James' really stood for? If they did would they still cling to his version of the Bible? And why does the Bible need a version? How much was lost in translation? How much has been edited out purposely?
These questions need to be asked and answered by individuals truly interested in truth.
I look forward to reading this book, and applaud Mr. Camara's courage for saying what has needed saying for far too long.
Spirituality is beautiful and truly uplifts, but mental chains, are just that... mental chains. Let's seek truth regardless of how uncomfortable the process may be.
What are your thoughts ?
note:
Flaming comments will not be tolerated. This is a rational discussion for rational people looking to speak truthfully, not with the heat of propaganda in our hearts.
Friday, September 5, 2008
To-Buy List: Holy Lockdown
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Believe (Black Faerie) Dazjae(C)06
2 comments:
the days of light and darkness.
in america we find our sorrows within inconsistencies and discrepancies within all areas of our society. our structure and foundations have been marred by most often true abuses from improper instruction of biblical principles.the holy orders of the bible and it's mis-handlings of information and power alongside,appropriating text and ideas from ancient religions is true. through centuries this known world has witnessed and experienced violence, forced change, and loss in the name of christianity. in america ,black and brown people were held as the servants and slaves of whites due to whites uplifting themselves as those who are closer to god and one with god. the evidence of these errors and the implications of oppressive tactics are sure and have been planted within global communities of difference. war, famine, and genocide are deeply rooted within the foundation of missionary practices in which they have considered those in whom they extend "love", inhuman. missionary teachings (regardless of the individuals heart) strengthens barriers of difference by committing them to a "lowly sinner" thus, controlling the mind,will and emotions of all known people(including whites) in the known universe.
therefore,coupling the shifting foundation of text with white supremacy and miseducation,it's affects on people of color with force and unrelenting violence would lead some to believe that, the affects of slavery is the reason the black church is still functioning today. there is an intellectual assent toward blacks by blacks that believe by accepting and applying the found errors of the christian faith only render subservient behaviors based upon the tools of corruption and oppression.
but, i must say that this gospel though incomplete and confining saved physical lives of all our ancestors within north america. this gospel gave an inner strength by jesus being "a friend to the friendless" and providing "joy in the midst of sorrow" and "the peace that passes all understanding".it gave way to a community that had leaders and churches that were black and made sure this, new found black community received what was needed. was it perfect? no. but, the building of a community came from within this bible that some how with all of it's error became a conduit for a people to grow. black people began having a voice that became unified and strong. the hymns and spirituals did not always have meanings to christ. the music was often coded for freedom and journeying to the north. with this i believe that the text was interpreted toward freedom and change and that doctrines and theology were secondary. the black church became a place of politics, well being and safety, with opportunities for family insurance, banking and lending. when there was a problem in the community the black church was there to calm the storm. as the black community grew through the church so did the resistance of it's power through church bombs and burnings. the black church was the center and the main stay of the community.
now, the dismantling effects of integration ignited a thread of incongruent textures within the black church. the climate began to change with devastation and an emotional crisis at hand. we had been at war for many years in different areas of our lives. we lost martin, malcom, the black arts movement was redefining black, many black organizations were being infiltrated and compromised and we realized that equality meant the break down and destruction of the black community. the games of religion became old and new within the mid 60's to the early seventies when, black freedom fighters were jailed and killed not much stood but, the church. this, is the gross beginnings of disassociation and the disregard of the black the community. the money that would fuel the community and black churches now were in white hands and funding white communities. the doctrine of christ became a tool within black hands with selfish hopes of independent gains and relations. the good shepherds became corrupt, mis-leading and self gratifying and shaking hands within the white house.the black church is a placebo for the lonely and those caught in nostalgia which, becomes a feel good for dutiful service and allegiance. the church is now an economic pool of wealth with the doors closed to it's investors. it is a market place for greed and american consumers.unfortunately, i do not believe that this turning hand within the black church is due to text or hermeneutics. most people who attend church have no idea what the bible says and would not care if you expressed or could point out it's flaws. the allegiance to the church is based on loneliness and the death of the black community. the coming and goings of regal women in church hats and men in suits is common dignity lost in mass and is re-visited each sunday. it is nostalgia that holds us back from the courage to look at the wrong within our churches and ourselves. it is no different from freedom fighters and poetry of old that, we try to recapture in a day of anaesthetic dreams. the truth is a painful journey. the truth with in the church is desolate yet, a real thing. within all black movements or non-black movements there are misleadings in gross misrepresentations and a milestone of mistakes. the words within the bible do not harm when accompanied by personal discovery,love and truth. it can inspire to achieve the goals set in front of us all-this has been proven throughout history. however, it takes a lot of love,patience change and time for healing. truth accompanied by the courage to change and to heal is what the church needs.
saudade
Peace Jubal-Lee *_^
You wrote:
most people who attend church have no idea what the bible says and would not care if you expressed or could point out it's flaws. the allegiance to the church is based on loneliness and the death of the black community. the coming and goings of regal women in church hats and men in suits is common dignity lost in mass and is re-visited each sunday. it is nostalgia that holds us back from the courage to look at the wrong within our churches and ourselves. it is no different from freedom fighters and poetry of old that, we try to recapture in a day of anaesthetic dreams.
Thankyou for taking the time to extend such well-considered commentary. You raise some very strong points about how our community has come to the point it has, while fairly looking at the church from it's positive to negative attributes.
Your voice is much appreciated.
Love&Light
-PZ
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