Chapter 293

Farmers of Thought presents a Position Paper:
Presented by Maponga Marara iii 29 March 2024
Chigaramboko Svosve ChangaMbire
Reconnecting African Roots and Indigenous Spirituality

Title: Reconstructing African Identity: Tracing Roots and Rediscovering Indigenous Spirituality
Introduction:
In a world of diverse cultures and belief systems, the question of identity has remained a central concern for many individuals and communities. Throughout history, external influences and colonial encounters have significantly reshaped the cultural practices and spiritual beliefs of various societies, including those in Africa. The introduction of Christianity, particularly in its Western form, has played a pivotal role in redefining the African cultural landscape. This paper aims to explore the impact of Eurocentric Christianity on African cultural practices, and the ways in which Africans can trace their roots and reconnect with their indigenous spirituality.

The study commences by examining the question, “What is truth?” posed by Pontius Pilate in John 18:38, which laid the foundation for the Eurocentric perception of truth as a static concept. This view contrasts with the dynamic understanding of truth found in African spirituality, and has contributed to the disconnect between the original teachings of Yeshua and the development of Eurocentric Christianity. Furthermore, the paper delves into the roles of famous Grecian historiographers who have distorted history with falsehoods.
This study also investigates how Christianity, especially its Western form, has reshaped African cultural practices to align with European norms through missionary activities, colonial education systems, and the imposition of Eurocentric values. It highlights the ways in which the influence of Christianity has resulted in the adoption of Eurocentric values and the displacement of indigenous beliefs, knowledge systems, and forms of cultural expression, causing a profound sense of cultural loss and disconnection from African roots.
Moreover, the paper presents a comprehensive guide for Africans seeking to trace their roots and reconnect with their indigenous spirituality. It emphasizes the importance of researching African history and spirituality, connecting with elders and cultural custodians, participating in cultural events and rituals, learning African languages, embracing African arts and cultural expressions, traveling to Africa, and practicing self-reflection and meditation.
Ultimately, this paper posits that reconnecting with African roots and indigenous spirituality is a transformative journey requiring patience, dedication, and openness to learning and growth. By engaging with African history, culture, and spiritual practices, Africans can reclaim their spiritual identity and forge a deeper connection with their ancestral roots. This endeavour not only fosters personal growth but also contributes to the preservation and continuity of African cultural heritage.

The question posed by Pontius Pilate in John 18:38 has laid the foundation for the Eurocentric perception of truth as a static concept. This view contrasts with the dynamic understanding of truth found in African spirituality. The interpretation of truth as “what” rather than “who” has contributed to the disconnect between the original teachings of Yeshua and the development of Eurocentric Christianity.
The labeling of Yeshua’s disciples as “Christians” in Antioch marked the beginning of a separation between Christianity and its Toraic roots, characterized by direct and intrinsically connected principles, in contrast to Western paganism. The development of subjects like astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy in the Western world was driven by deductive reasoning, differing from the inductive thinking found in African spiritual practices. This deductive process has led to the Western tendency to treat truth as static rather than dynamic. The church are now a gathering of faith than knowledge. Knowledge and faith are two distinct concepts that, while sometimes related, have fundamental differences.
Knowledge refers to the information, understanding, and skills that one acquires through experience, education, observation, or reasoning. Knowledge is based on evidence, facts, and logical analysis, and is generally considered verifiable and objective. For example, scientific knowledge is derived from the systematic study of the natural world, using observation and experimentation to establish facts and principles.
Faith, on the other hand, refers to a strong belief in something, often without proof or evidence. Faith is usually associated with religious or spiritual beliefs and often involves trust, conviction, and a willingness to accept ideas without necessarily requiring empirical evidence. For example, religious faith may involve belief in a higher power or divine being, based on personal experience, tradition, or intuition.
While faith and knowledge can sometimes intersect, as in the case of religious scholars who seek to reconcile their beliefs with scientific knowledge, they are fundamentally different ways of understanding the world. Knowledge relies on evidence and logic, while faith is based on trust, hope, conviction (of the unknown and unseen to be seen and experienced, and personal experience. Faith is a servant of knowledge, how will they believe unless they are taught, the one who teaches must have experience for those who do not know to believe. Therefore you can only believe what you do not know. The statement that “Faith is a servant of knowledge” suggests that faith and knowledge are interconnected, with faith serving to support and deepen our understanding of the world. In this perspective, knowledge provides the foundation for belief, while faith allows us to go beyond the limits of our current understanding.
The idea that “you can only believe what you do not know” highlights the notion that faith requires a leap beyond the realm of verifiable facts and evidence. This does not necessarily imply that faith is blind or irrational, but rather that it allows us to explore possibilities and meaning beyond what can be empirically proven.
In the context of teaching, the statement suggests that those who impart knowledge must have their own experiences and understanding of the subject matter. This knowledge, when shared, can provide the basis for others to develop their own faith and beliefs.
Overall, the relationship between faith and knowledge is complex and multifaceted, with each concept supporting and informing the other.

In this paper, we will explore the implications of this disconnect between Eurocentric Christianity and its original African spiritual roots. We will also delve into the roles of famous Grecian historiographers who have distorted history with falsehoods.
Christianity, especially its Western form, has significantly reshaped African cultural practices to align with European norms. This transformation occurred through missionary activities, colonial education systems, and the imposition of Eurocentric values. The impact of Christianity on African culture includes:

1. Religious beliefs and practices: Western Christian missionaries introduced new religious beliefs, denouncing traditional African spiritual practices as pagan or primitive. This led to the erosion of indigenous African spiritual systems and the adoption of Christian theology and practices.
2. Education: Colonial education systems promoted Western Christian values, prioritizing European languages, history, and culture while neglecting African knowledge and traditions. This contributed to the displacement of African cultural identity.
3. Social norms and values: European colonizers and missionaries imposed their social norms and moral values on African societies, altering gender roles, family structures, and community dynamics.
4. Cultural expression: Christian missionaries discouraged traditional African forms of cultural expression, considering them unholy or heathen. Africans were pressured to adopt European styles of worship and cultural expression.
5. Language: The spread of Christianity in Africa led to the displacement of indigenous languages in favor of European languages, further contributing to the erosion of African cultural identity.
   The influence of Christianity in Africa has resulted in the adoption of Eurocentric values and the displacement of indigenous beliefs, knowledge systems, and forms of cultural expression. Many Africans have experienced a profound sense of cultural loss and disconnection from their roots.
   To trace back their roots and reconnect with indigenous spirituality, Africans can take the following steps:
6. Research African history and spirituality: Learn about pre-colonial African history, cultures, and spiritual practices from African authors, historians, and spiritual leaders.
7. Connect with elders and cultural custodians: Seek wisdom and knowledge from community elders, traditional healers, and cultural custodians.
8. Participate in cultural events and rituals: Attend events and rituals that celebrate African heritage and spirituality to experience traditional practices firsthand.
9. Learn an African language: Learn a relevant African language to understand spiritual concepts and rituals embedded in the language.
10. Embrace African arts and cultural expressions: Engage with African music, dance, art, and literature to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage.
11. Travel to Africa and visit sacred sites: Visit places of historical and spiritual significance on the African continent to deepen your understanding and connection to indigenous spirituality.
12. Practice self-reflection and meditation: Develop a personal spiritual practice that incorporates elements of African spirituality, such as ancestor veneration, divination, and meditation.
    Reconnecting with African roots and indigenous spirituality is a transformative journey requiring patience, dedication, and openness to learning and growth. By engaging with African history, culture, and spiritual practices, Africans can reclaim their spiritual identity and forge a deeper connection with their ancestral roots.
    Tracing African roots and reconnecting with indigenous spirituality is a personal and transformative journey. It requires patience, dedication, and an openness to learn and grow. By engaging with African history, culture, and spiritual practices, Africans can begin to reclaim their spiritual identity and forge a deeper connection with their ancestral roots.
    what are the benefits of being culturally grounded?
    Being culturally grounded offers numerous benefits for individuals and communities alike. Here are some of the advantages of maintaining a strong connection to one’s cultural roots:
13. Identity and self-esteem: A strong cultural grounding fosters a sense of identity and self-esteem. It helps individuals understand their place in the world and appreciate the unique values, beliefs, and traditions that have shaped their lives.
14. Community belonging and social cohesion: Cultural grounding promotes a sense of belonging to a larger community. Shared cultural experiences and practices create strong bonds and facilitate social cohesion, fostering supportive relationships and a sense of unity.
15. Mental well-being: Research indicates that a strong connection to one’s cultural heritage can contribute to positive mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Engaging in cultural practices and rituals can provide comfort, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
16. Preservation of traditions and wisdom: Being culturally grounded helps ensure the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge, wisdom, and practices. This intergenerational sharing contributes to the continuity of cultural heritage and the enrichment of future generations.
17. Cultural resilience: A strong cultural foundation can act as a source of resilience in the face of adversity. Cultural practices, beliefs, and social support networks can help individuals and communities overcome challenges and maintain their cultural integrity.
18. Education and personal growth: Engaging with one’s cultural heritage provides opportunities for ongoing learning and personal growth. Exploring cultural traditions, histories, and practices can broaden one’s perspective, enhance empathy, and promote critical thinking.
19. Cultural exchange and appreciation: Culturally grounded individuals can serve as ambassadors for their culture, sharing their traditions and perspectives with others and promoting cross-cultural understanding, respect, and appreciation.
    Being culturally grounded (that is true consciousness and “BEING WOKE”, contributes to individual well-being, community resilience, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It is a powerful resource for personal growth, social connection, and the promotion of cultural diversity in an increasingly interconnected world. FOT

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the influence of Eurocentric Christianity on African cultural practices has led to the displacement of indigenous spiritual beliefs, knowledge systems, and forms of cultural expression. However, the process of tracing African roots and reconnecting with indigenous spirituality offers an opportunity for Africans to reclaim their spiritual identity and foster a deeper connection with their ancestral roots.
By engaging with African history, culture, and spiritual practices through research, community involvement, linguistic immersion, artistic expression, travel, and personal reflection, Africans can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. This process not only promotes personal growth but also contributes to the preservation and continuity of African cultural heritage.
As we move forward in an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial to recognize the importance of cultural diversity and respect for indigenous spiritual practices. The reconnection of Africans with their spiritual roots serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring power of African cultural identity in the face of historical challenges and transformations.
Sources:

1. Mbiti, J. S. (1990). African religions and philosophy. Heinemann.
2. P’Bitek, O. (2011). African religions in Western scholarship. JKF Publishers.
3. Asante, M. K. (2015). African indigenous religions. In The Wiley-Blackwell companion to African religions (pp. 21-36). John Wiley & Sons.
4. Bediako, K. (2004). The roots of African Christianity. In Christianity in Africa: The renewal of a non-Western religion (pp. 3-32). Edinburgh University Press.
5. Olupona, J. K. (2014). African spirituality, religion, and the body. In Body and spirit in the religions of Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean (pp. 11-33). Oxford Handbooks Online.
6. Ray, B. C. (2008). African religions: An introduction. Nova Publishers.
7. Adogame, A., & Shankar, S. (2013). Religion on the move!: New dynamics of religious expansion in a globalizing world. Brill.
   Scholars worth reading for further studies
   There are several prominent African scholars who have championed decolonisation and advocated for a more inclusive and representative understanding of knowledge. Some of these scholars include:
8. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: A Kenyan writer and academic who has been a vocal critic of colonialism and its impact on African cultures. He is known for his works such as “Decolonising the Mind” and “Moving the Centre: The Struggle for Cultural Freedoms.”
9. Achille Mbembe: A Cameroonian philosopher and political theorist who has written extensively on postcolonial theory and African identity. His works include “On the Postcolony” and “Critique of Black Reason.”
10. Frantz Fanon: A Martinican-born psychiatrist and philosopher who played a key role in the Algerian independence movement. His works, such as “The Wretched of the Earth” and “Black Skin, White Masks,” explore the psychological impact of colonialism on the colonized.
11. Bibi Bakare-Yusuf: A Nigerian academic and co-founder of the arts and culture organization, Cassava Republic Press. She is known for her work in promoting African literature and fostering a decolonised approach to cultural production.
12. Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni: A Zimbabwean-born academic and author who has written extensively on decolonization and African development. His works include “Coloniality of Power in Postcolonial Africa: Myths of Decolonization” and “Empire, Global Coloniality and African Subjectivity.”
    These scholars have made significant contributions to the discourse on decolonization, highlighting the importance of challenging colonial legacies and reclaiming African identities and perspectives.
    Author: Maponga Joshua iii Marara Joshua Maponga is a well-known Zimbabwean preacher, philosopher, public speaker, author, writer, musician, and entrepreneur. He holds a degree in Philosophy (BA Theology) from Andrews University and is a Seventh-Day Adventist. Maponga is known for his diverse interests and talents and has a following of people who believe in his philosophies. He has traveled widely and has been involved in various ministries and endeavors throughout his career