Obama: The WRONG Reasons to Leave His Church

Barack Obama gave all kinds of reasons for leaving Trinity United Church of Christ and none of them reasons that should of had him high-tailing it out of there 20 years earlier! This is some of his reasons that he stated in his resignation letter to the church:

. . . our relations with Trinity have been strained by the divisive statements of Rev. Wright, which sharply conflict with our own views

. . . because of my candidacy and membership at Trinity, these controversies have served as an unfortunate distraction for other Trinity members who seek to worship in peace

No, Obama did not leave the church because it was becoming spiritually detrimental to his soul, but because it was harming him politically. This is disturbing because many of us can see why he should have had nothing to do with that church from the get-go. Many black and non-black Christians who love the Word of God know that believers in the Trinity United Church of Christ must not be practicing "Berean Christians" like those Christians in Acts 17:11:

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

Did Barack do as the Bereans did and see if what was being taught is true? There is much heresy in that church from what I've seen already not only with Rev. Wright, but TUCC teachers like Dr. Dwight Hopkins. Even Barack couldn't seem to understand what the scriptures plainly wrote about topics such as the sin of homosexuality (Barack "sayings" coming in another post).

What are the warning signs Christians need to heed when choosing a church? Here are a few warning signs that Barack Obama should have heeded to warn him to run as fast as he could away from that church!

• Unbiblical teachings (Trinity's teachings on homosexuality, Black Liberation Theology, Womanism)
  
• Focus on ethnicity instead of the Bible (Black Value System, Black Liberation Theology)
  
• Acceptance of those whose lifestyles are contradicting God's word (Gay ministers, approval of Gay marriages)
  
• Using the pulpit more for entertainment than expounding of biblical doctrine
  
• Sin is celebrated rather than condemned (Barack's condemnation of black churches that teach against homosexuality and praising Rev. Wright for his acceptance of that perverted lifestyle within the church)
  
• Practicing of pagan ceremonies within the Church (such as Kwanzaa)

I truly wanted to vote for Barack Obama before the political firestorm. My reasons for doing so? I thought he could be a very good uniter of all people of different racial backgrounds. But now not only is he a person that can't be trusted by Whites, but Blacks too! How can I trust a man to be president and gauge the character of others to make his decisions for the best of our country when he can't even see the bad character until too late -- of his own pastor? That is one of the questions being asked over and over again.

That was troubling to me, as I even had a post titled how I can accept some of Barack's mistakes and still vote for him. Eeewwee! Yes, I was blind...but now I can see! (That post has since been deleted).

I will pray for Barack Obama to now choose a church that will be strong in the teaching of God's word and not afrocentric, but Christ-centric. A church where anyone who visits will not be racially offended, but whose only offense will come by the gospel of Christ!

cm

A writer says that Christianity is not for blacks...but the Nguzo Saba is?

"Blacks are practitioners of Christianity; it is not their own religion which is why Christianity is not a uniting catalyst for blacks." H. Lewis Smith, The Spirit of Christmas and Kwanzaa.

http://www.blacknews.com/pr/burythatsucka501.html

Somebody finally said what Karenga has been saying all along. Christianity is a "white man's religion" which is the reason why Karenga created the Nguzo Saba (seven principles) and Kwanzaa to begin with! He created a set a values that he felt black people needed because Christianity was not for us! Mr. Lewis goes on to say:

"The seven guiding principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. These principles, which are applied from Kawaida, set a value system specifically for the black family and are a worthy foundation in which to base one's conduct."

This article that appears on the Blacknews.com website is very revealing and reflects an attitude present in many who ascribe to Kwanzaa and its principles. It is more than just a holiday to celebrate, but a challenge to the religion of Christianity, which the writer believes teaches a subliminal message of white supremacy! Did Jesus give his life to save only the white man? The most famous bible verse in the bible does not support that belief:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 (New King James Version)

Very simplistic yet not very easy for many to accept. Very sad that this writer rejects the notion that Christianity has all the principles that anyone needs to make themselves a better person especially when you see that this man is actively involved in many "worthy" black causes.

Mr. Lewis laments the fact that blacks are not united, but would he truly want to unite with the millions of blacks who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and ascribe to the Bible ONLY for their guiding principles of life?

cm

White Racist made to Attend Kwanzaa Ceremony for Commnuity Service

I just read an interesting article on the website of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel of January 10, 2007, titled: "Court-ordered volunteer learns how it feels to be a minority"

It's about a 67-year-old former Volunteer Fire Department chief, Terrence Stapleton, who was convicted of disorderly conduct. He was convicted of a hate crime, for using his German shepherd to chase Mark Bratton, who is black, from a fishing spot. Stapleton and fellow firefighter Mark Weber, used racial slurs as well as Weber who threatened Bratton with a gun. Weber will be sentenced later this month.

As part of his probation, Stapleton, has to do 100 hours of community service, half with Black organizations. With that sentencing, Stapleton was sent to a Kwanzaa celebration to learn about it and the black culture. According to the article, Stapleton was more comfortable standing in the back and left early. But before he left, he did join hands and participated in the concluding shouting in Swahili of "Harambee!" meaning "working together as one."

Wow! Stapleton did more than I would have done myself at a Kwanzaa ceremony. I have gone to one before and with all the talk of one improving the black community, and understanding what Kwanzaa was truly about, I didn't participate in anything! I stayed in the back myself and was not comfortable with the over-emphasis of one's blackness. My last Kwanzaa ceremony I participated in which was led by Karenga himself, I was not only uncomfortable for myself, but for the non-blacks that were in the audience as well.

Here is a man who clearly is a racist in his attitude and actions. Using his dog to chase this black man away while his friend points a gun at him? Just to claim a fishing spot? How insulting was it to have his dog chase this man away, reminiscent of the old racist days in the south where these same German shepherd dogs were used by the police to break up civil rights demonstrations chasing and biting black demonstrators.

But also insulting is the thought that the majority of black people celebrate their heritage by using this black racist holiday of Kwanzaa. What was this racist white man supposed to learn here, that it's okay for blacks to be inclusive of their ethnicity? If this celebration was anything like the one I attended in San Diego, black racism would have reeked in this man's face.

Here are some of the things I got out of a one-day celebration held by Karenga himself. These are some of the things that were said in this very public Kwanzaa celebration by Karenga and guest speakers:

"white man is the oppressor"
"black people are the only chosen ones appointed to bring good into the world"
"the ancestors would bless us through eternity"

Hopefully, this Kwanzaa ceremony that Stapleton participated in wasn't as black radical as the one I witnessed on December 31, 2005 here in San Diego. But I totally object to a white racist learning about blacks through a Kwanzaa participation. That would have been equivalent to punishment for me if I had been forced to participate in Kwanzaa as well.

I am a fan of the TV show "Wife Swap" and I remember one show where a black wife swapped places with a white wife who's husband used the "N" word openly. That disturbed the black wife so much so that part of her list of things that the white family had to do was take a tour of an Underground Railroad Museum. I'm not sure where this was and I had never known about it before this TV show, but I was impressed how that tour affected this white racist. That changed his attitude as well as his children and before the show was over, he promised the black wife that he would never use the "N" word again.

Now that's what I call effective use of "ethnic education" for a white racist. At least it worked and it dealt with factual historical information. Not pseudo-celebrations such as Kwanzaa. The fact that Kwanzaa is associated with "getting to know black people" I find very insulting and evident of the need for the world to be educated on what Kwanzaa is truly about.

Imani (Faith) The Seventh Principle of Kwanzaa

Imani (ee-mah-nee) (Faith) - the seventh and last principle of Kwanzaa - To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. - Karenga

More from Karenga -

"Unity brings us together and harnesses our strength, but faith in each other and the Good, the Right, the Beautiful inspires and sustains the the coming together and the commitment to take the work to its end." pg 64-65 of Kwanzaa, Celebration of Family, Community and Culture. 1997

"In the context of African spirituality, it begins with a belief in the Creator . . . it is taught that we are in the image of the Creator and thus capable of ultimate righteousness and creativity through self-mastery and development in the context of positive support. Therefore, faith in ourselves is key here, faith in our capacity as humans to live righteously, self-correct, support, care for and be and be responsible for each other and eventually create the just and good society."

From what others say of Imani and Kwanzaa:

RecordOnline.com - Faith or Imani focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves and helps us strive for a higher level of life. By affirming our self-worth and confidence in our abilities, we triumph in righteous struggle. Kwanzaa is not based on religion, per se, but the celebration does put emphasis on believing in something (be it a higher power or one's self) in order to survive. A community is only as strong as its individuals and families. We must believe in ourselves and our ability to thrive in troubling situations. (by Carolyn Massey)

www.doth.com - Affirmation: I will have faith, strong and unshakable in the Supreme Deity and its Grand Goodness and in myself and the inherent goodness of others. I will sweep away all fear of the unknown, past regrets and concerns for the future from my mind and meet each day with active faith. I will give thanks for both expected and unexpected good and will help others have faith in themselves and others.

Kwanzaa principle of the day, Imani: (about.com) The principle celebrated on the final day of Kwanzaa is Imani, or Faith. On this day, those who celebrate Kwanzaa focus on the faith they have in themselves, their parents, teachers, leaders, and what is right.

In the paragraph by Karenga near the top of this page, he describes us a being in the image of the Creator and capable of righteousness through self-mastery. Of course, that's contradictory to the nature of the Christian where righteousness is obtained through Christ only and not by anything one does themselves. (2 Cor 5:21). The rest of the examples of Imani urges faith in a "creator," faith in onesself, faith in the "inherent goodness" of man - contrary to man's inherent sinfulness.

Next: Final Commentary on the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles of Kwanzaa)

Kuumba (Creativity) the Sixth principle of Kwanzaa

Kuumba (Creativity) - To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. - Karenga

More from Karenga on Kuumba:

"It is a commitment to being creative within the context of the national community vocation of restoring our people to their traditional gretness and thus leaving our community more beneficial and beautiful then we, i.e., each generation, inherited it. The principle has both a social and spiritual dimension and is deeply rooted in both social and sacred teachings of African societies."

From others and what Kuumba means to them:

Guiding spirits honored as Kwanzaa continues - Democrat and Chronicle.com, Rochester, NY - "David Anderson held what looked like a chalice high over his head as members of an audience of about 60 shouted names in his direction. The names were likely those of parents, grandparents, siblings — representations of spirits that, while long gone, will always serve as guides in the struggle to maintain responsibility, respect and charity in one's life. Anderson then, as a part of the sixth day of Kwanzaa celebrations held in the Rochester area, poured water from the Kikombe cha umoja, or unity cup, over a bowl of soil as a remembrance to ancestors. He also says, ". . .it's important for the younger generation to recognize elders and learn from their teachings. This is also the way the principles of Kwanzaa, which include faith and collective work and responsibility, should be recognized throughout the year."

Living Kwanzaa: The sixth principle is creativity - RecordOnline.com, Josephine Finn represents the principle of creativity. “I tell people that when we make an honest effort to learn or do whatever we must, the creative spirit in the universe will assist us in that task,” she says.

Kwanzaa dinner unifies friends - Lawrence Journal-World, “For me Kwanzaa is a reminder of my heritage, and it’s a time for me to celebrate the survival of those tribal traditions that got my people through slavery,” said Turner, a Kansas University doctoral student and director of AARP Kansas.

When describing Kuumba in the first paragraph, Karenga used words such as "sacred" and "spiritual." The celebrants of Kwanzaa in the other paragraphs considered ancestors as "representatives of spirits" and that we'll be assisted by the "creative spirit" in the universe. Not claiming to be religious but showing religious qualities, Kwanzaa remains a borderline religious ceremony.

Next, the last day of Kwanzaa, Imani (faith).

Nia (Purpose) the Fifth Principle of Kwanzaa

"To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness." - Karenga

What a few others say about Nia:

The African-American Registry - "The fifth principle of the Nguzo Saba is a dedication to the collective vocation of building, developing, and defending our community, its culture and history. This is done to regain our historical initiative and greatness as a people, and add good and beauty in the world. The hieroglyph Nefer-ancient Egyptian (picture) symbolizes beauty and good. Nia focuses on Black people as heirs and custodians of a great legacy, generational responsibility, and joining together for personal and social purpose."

Star-Telegram (Detroit) - "We celebrate Kwanzaa as a way of paying respect to our ancestors, who we've been able to trace back as far as the 1600s," said Jeff Wardford, chief operating officer of his own company, Taylarmade Consulting. "Although it's a seven-day celebration, we embrace the principles as principles to live by every day," he said.

Ritesofpassage.org - The fifth day of Kwanzaa is a day for reviewing our purpose for living. Each family member should examine his/her ability to put his/her skill or talent to use In the service of the family and community at large. Take time to reflect on your expectations from life: discuss your desires and hopes with family and friends. On this day you should try to determine if this purpose will eventually result in positive achievements for family and community.

All About Kwanzaa - Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

"Purpose" appears to be a common objective of those who celebrate this principle of Kwanzaa. Also reflecting upon the ancestors of the past is also a popular Nia activity.

The only problem I have with this principle is the focus on black people as a "great" people. The constant digging and looking for greatness as a people seems to be an underlying objective of this principle. That focus is at odds with reality. Groping for past greatness when the present shows deep trouble with blacks. We have the breakdown of the family, illegitimacy, drug-abuse, and rampant loss of morality within the black population and tons of other social ills. Looking for greatness won't help us and our immediate problems of today.

Most importantly, what's ignored is the spiritual deprivation of man. Until the black individual comes face to face with his failing before God and his need for salvation, all of the seven principles put together won't help him.

Next, the 6th principle of Kwanzaa, Kuumba (Creativity).

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) The Fourth Principle of Kwanzaa

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together..

This is Karenga’s original idea of Ujamaa taken from his 1997 book on Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa, a Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.

"The fourth principle is Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) and is essentially a commitment to the practice of shared social wealth and the work necessary to achieve. It grows out of the fundamental communal concept that social wealth belongs to the masses of people who created it and that no one should have such an unequal amount of wealth that it gives him/her the capacity to impose unequal, exploitative or oppressive relations on others" pg. 55.

What others say about what Ujamaa means to them:

From the Chicago Sun-TimesTo build and maintain business enterprises and profit from them together. This principle is the "Made in America" tag. It's supporting neighborhood businesses. It's choosing which salesperson gets your commission for a big purchase like a major appliance or car."

Rites of Passage.org - "Out of the fundamental concepts of "African Communal Living" comes the fourth principle of Kwanzaa. In a community or family, wealth and resources should be shared. On the national level, cooperative economics can help African-Americans take physical control of their own destinies. On this day, ideas should be shared and discussed for cooperative economic efforts to provide for needs as related to housing, education, food, day care, health, transportation and other goods and services."

From the "Afrocentric Experience" website - "On this the fourth and middle day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics. Let us strengthen our resolve to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together...However, our community exists not only in the "real" world, but in cyberspace too. Here, sites established by Africans, throughout the Diaspora, exchange not only information, but goods and services on a global scale. In the true spirit of Ujamaa, these sites are always eager to publicize each other’s addresses."

Of course, there are many, many other examples of the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa, that can be found. Most understand that this princple was created by Karenga for blacks to build business for blacks and by blacks. And even today, most who celebrate Kwanzaa, share the same purpose and understanding of Karenga that this principle is stressed primarily for black people.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) the Third Principle of Kwanzaa

Ujima - To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Not a bad principle if one applies that to all people. In fact, as Christians, we are also urged to help those who need help and to help people solve their problems.

What was the creator’s intent of this principle and how do people celebrate it today? Let’s take a peak and see!

In Karenga’s 1997 book on Kwanzaa, A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture, he says the following:

"…the principle of Ujima supports the fundamental assumption that African is not just an identity, but also a destiny and duty, i.e., a responsibility."

So the primary thrust of this "collective work and responsibility" is to help the African brother’s or sister’s. In other words, if one is black, if their skin color is black, then those are whom the black is to help.

Now let’s see how the general public celebrates this day of Ujima:

From an article in the Chicago Sun-Times:

"Ujima (Collective work and responsibility): The expectation is that everyone contributes and everyone has an opportunity for a job. We saw this play out in Illinois' minimum wage referendum and Chicago's "big box" debate. The nation is diminished because we have failed to deal responsibly with universal health care and school funding.

From an article in a Bowling Green newspaper:

"Today is the third day of Kwanzaa, Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility, a day Starks said reinforces the "it takes a village" mentality people should take when viewing their role in their community."

While not religious, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that has become religious, Hardin said. "It is hard to separate religion from where we are as a people," Hardin said. "We are a religious people."

I found that article particularly interesting because while not claiming to be a religious celebration, this celebrant does consider it religious. Please click on the above links to read the entire articles.

From an article on the Stamford Times:

STAMFORD — "Ujima" is the Swahili word used to describe the celebration of collective works and responsibility on the third day of Kwanzaa when the obligations to the past, present and future are recalled along with the roles individuals play in their communities and the larger world, according to one Kwanzaa history.

African cultural identity and "connectedness" along with the Nguzo Saba principals are key Kwanzaa themes along with an emphasis on the unity of black families, according to the center.

Although Karenga says in his Kwanzaa writings that the principles are for world-wide use, the message that many blacks are getting is that it is created just for the black family.

Kujichagulia - Second Principle of Kwanzaa

In his 1988 book on Kwanzaa, The African American Holiday of Kwanzaa he says the following about self-determination:

"It demands that African people define, defend and develop ourselves instead of allowing or encouraging others to do this. …And it is a call torecover and speak our own special truth to the world and raise images above the earth that reflect our capacity for human greatness and progress."

How do others understand Kujichagulia? From the Tolerance.org website there are a few examples of what this second principle means to people.

"The principle of Kujichagulia reaffirms our need to always know ourselves in our uniqueness and specialness as persons and as a people. Itteaches us to always honor the divine in us by defining ourselves, speaking our own special cultural truth in the world and making our own unique contribution to the forward flow of human history, Karenga says.

Kujichagulia emphasizes the importance of the individual in shapinghis/her own destiny."

"Many African American families elect to choose African names for themselves as a way of paying homage to their ancestors who were stripped of their own names years ago. As William Wells Brown reminds us: "A new master might often change a slave's name and this indicated that the slave had absolutely no rights."

More thoughts on Kujichagulia later. I was going to do some major writing on this principle, but the week is catching up to me.

Feel free to comment on this even if it’s not completed.

Commentary on Kwanzaa

I am dissecting the Nguzo Saba, one day at a time as it’s being celebrated by Kwanzaa enthusiasts world-wide. How do I know it’s being celebrated all over the world? I was interviewed yesterday by a reporter from a Canadian newspaper after spotting my website entry from Kwanzaa’s section in Wikepidia (which I've learned has been since removed because you can't make self entries) and my daughter spending a year abroad for her collegiate studies in French, called me from Paris to tell me about French blacks asking her if she was going to celebrate Kwanzaa. Just a couple of examples but enough to convince me that it is indeed recognized around the world.

Again, I am of the belief that Kwanzaa is a holiday that shouldn’t be touched, especially by those who call themselves Christians. Why? The holiday’s roots are anti-American, anti-Christian, racist towards whites and Jewish people. On my website (www.christocentric.com/Kwanzaa), I use Karenga’s own writings to show his true intentions of creating Kwanzaa. He admits in his first book on Kwanzaa that he created it as a substitute to not only our Christmas holiday, but the Christian religion, or any religion where one prayed to what he called “spooks!”

Of course, all that divisive speech has been toned down if you read his latest book on Kwanzaa, but if one views his founder’s message of 2006 on his website (in pdf. form), one will find that his message is still racially inclusive to blacks. His intention is for black people to celebrate this holiday for them only. Karenga feels this is necessary because the principles in Kwanzaa he says,

“ . . . represent values and vital teachings of our ancestors about how we are to live good lives, rightfully relate to each other and the world, and teach our children by word and deed what it means to be an African man and woman in the world.”

Kwanzaa is more than just a cultural celebration. Many are using it for “spiritual” wisdom while refusing to call it a religion. As a Christian, I don’t need Kwanzaa because to know how to live good lives is taught to me in what is called the Bible. The principles I need for living are all found in that book. My ancestors don’t provide me the spiritual principles necessary, although there is much wisdom to be gained by them, but to live right, my family has pointed to God and His principles found in the bible.

There is a myth within the black community that knowing one’s heritage is necessary for their self-worth. That myth alone is what pushes events like Kwanzaa and Black History month, or Black history period. Self-worth does not come through our heritage, but through knowing who we are in God. Culture is turned into a religion by afrocentrics insist that one is not “black” if they don’t prescribe to their “religion.”

Well, on to the breakdown of the Nguzo Saba. Kujichagulia is next, which is Self-Determination in Swahili, principle number two of Kwanzaa.

The First Principle of Kwanzaa: UMOJA (UNITY)

Umoja (Unity)

To strive for and maintain unity in the family,
community, nation and race.

This is the first principle of Kwanzaa for the first day ofKwanzaa. Unity sounds innocent enough and who can find fault in this first principle? What is so wrong with wanting to unify the "race?"From a Christian perspective, which will always be the perspective I write from, there is only one race - the race of mankind. Is the intent of Kwanzaa to unite the race? Take a closer look from the creator of Kwanzaa, Karenga, and his views on race from his 1997 book on Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.

"The ultimate level of unity for African people is Pan-African unity or unity of the world African community. This is also called unity of the race." . . . Pan-Africanism requires and urges that we see ourselves and act in history as an African people, belonging to a world community of African peoples." pg. 48.

I do have a problem when there is emphasis on unity in the name of one's color of their skin. Karenga makes the mistake of assuming world cohesiveness among African and African-American peoples. But diversity is tremendous and true unity would be impossible in this life time. Even as I write this, Ethiopia's military is attacking Somalia. 35,000 Somali people are seeking refuge in Kenya. Not even within Africa is there unity among Africans.

But in addition to utopic unity, there is the disturbing call for unity of all black people. How bothersome if it were a call of unity for white people? Some feel that because we are the minority, we are justified in calling for unity of blacks only. Reverse racism I call it and a move to create even more divisiveness within our great melting pot of a country.

From a Christian perspective, the first step in unity as a people is reconciliation with our God. To strive for unity is in vain unless God is at the helm. In the following passage, Christ prays to the
Father for unity within the body of believers:

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23

Complete unity Christ speaks about here is for all of those who will believe in Him. He didn't even call for unity of all people, but unity within His body of believers! That's a tremendous challenge in itself! One of my more difficult debates has been with another person who calls himself a Christian! We couldn't come to an agreement on much we were discussing and he didn't even want to share his personal faith. Something that most Christians are all to eager to discuss. Disunity within the body of Christ -- forget the color of one's skin!

Tomorrow: the second principle of Kwanzaa - Kujichagulia - (Koo-jee-cha-goo-lee-a) - Self-Determination

Introduction to Kwanzaa

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa and I’ll use each day of Kwanzaa to write about each of the principles found in the Nguzo Saba. But first I’ll start with an introduction about Kwanzaa. The creator of Kwanzaa, Ron Karenga, posted on his website (pdf form) the 2006 Founder’s Message. This is something that he does every year. Some comments about this message before I get into the first principle.

The following is the introduction to the message:

"The season of Kwanzaa has come again, this celebration and season of joyous harvesting and sharing of good in the world. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the recovery and reconstruction of this ancient celebration which has found a valuable and enduring place in the hearts, homes and daily lives of over 28 million people throughout the world African community.

This year’s theme is, of necessity, focused on the Nguzo Saba as a vital source of principles and practices to bring increase and sustain good in the world. Indeed, they represent values and vital teachings of our ancestors about how we are to live good lives, rightfully relate to each other and the world, and teach our children by word and deed what it means to be an African man and woman in the world."

I immediately have problems with this introduction such as:

1. Kwanzaa is the recovery and reconstruction of an ancient celebration? What ancient celebration? His earlier books said he created this celebration as an African-American celebration not African.
   
   
2. Karenga says that the theme is focused on the Nguzo Saba, to bring increase and sustain good in the world. This is not just cultural. This is getting into a "way of life" like religions."
   
   
3. "What it means to be an African man and woman in the world." – This is still a racially inclusive celebration.

What many people don’t understand about culture is that it should be tied in to your way of life, your religion as many cultures do things differently, even within the same religion. But in Karenga’s opening paragraphs, we see that he’s using culture to define one’s entire world. The good they do, their principles of living and so on. I would ask Karenga at this point, what does one need God for if all of this "good" would be accomplished with just this cultural celebration and following the Nguzo Saba?

Next: UMOJA - Unity

Responses to Cobb's Blog

I've always wanted to get a true understanding of those Christians whom after finding the truth about Kwanzaa, still insist upon supporting it. I've been participating in a debate with Cobb, who considers himself a conservative Christian. As I'm learning more about him, something he reveals to me helps me to understand even further the thought process of those who profess to know Christ, but would support the worship of man in this celebration called Kwanzaa.

In a closing statement he had made to me, Cobb said the following:

"I am thankful to live among people who recognize that there are multiple valid interpretations of holy works and that throughout history there have been many paths to the truth."

As a Christian who believes in the inspired word of God called the Bible, I see immediately a major contradiction. He's a Christian who believes in multiple interpretations of holy works and many paths to the truth. As a bible believing Christian, there is only one true word of God and only one path to God: through Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of mankind. If I've misunderstood Cobb, I'll welcome him here in "my house" to correct me.

Cobb goes on to say:

"It is an acknowledgment that human beings speak different languages and come to universal truths in different ways. More directly, we are fortunate that African Americans, at a crucial point in history decided to move beyond the same pulpits and the same messages, to confront restrictions on their liberties and minds from a new perspective. The best of that perspective embodied in works of the Black Consciousness, Black Nationalist, and Black Arts Movements, is still alive, and some part of that is carried forward in the spirit of Kwanzaa."

Those who love Kwanzaa, love the "black consciousness." Honestly, I'm still not sure what that's supposed to mean. But it appears that those who subscribe to this black consciousness, want ALL blacks to possess the same type of consciousness. I figure that I'm black and have a conscious, that's as far as my black consciousness goes. What shapes my mind is my own life experiences as dictated to me through the word of God. Perhaps I can hear from people as they explain what "black consciousness" means to them. My world isn't shape by the color of my skin. I do experience things because of my color at times, but my life's consciousness doesn't dwell on color. Maybe that's why I don't fit this black consciousness thing.

When one falls in love with God and his Word, you want to guard the sacredness of anything about Him with your life. The way to better living (an abundant life) is through God's word and anything else that attempts to imitate it we must expose. Thus my writings regarding Kwanzaa.

Though claiming to be a non-religious celebration, it imitates several religions. It has lighting of candles such as you see in the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, it has pouring of water and libations as in ancient African religions that practice ancestor worship, it has gift giving as in Christmas, the holiday is even spread through many days as the Jewish spread the days over in Hanukkah. And most strikingly, it is celebrated near the Jewish and Christian's seasonal holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas.

My world is Christ-centered, thus the name of my website Christocentric as opposed to afrocentric. Instead of my world being ruled by the color of my skin, it is ruled by the things of God as it relates to Christ.

More musings later.

Kwanzaa in Church - An Abomination?

Vision Statement of Kwanzaa Church (www.kwanzaachurch.org) - "Guided by God’s vision and the principles of the Nguzo Saba, Kwanzaa Community Church is a loving church, empowering its members to pray for and usher in the Kingdom of God."

Guided by God's vision and the principles of the Nguzo Saba? What happened to the Word of God - the Bible? I emailed this church before I decided to write this commentary. I gave them my website to examine Kwanzaa more closely. Sadly, I've had no response to my email to them dated 11/27 of this year.

My complaint all along about Kwanzaa is how people are using it as "self-esteem" builders, or as a way of life. If this was just a cultural celebration, then there would be no talk of principles, but talk of history, of past acts of honorable ancestors, appreciation of where we are from and where we are going. But no, Kwanzaa has not only become a way of life for people, now the church has jumped on the bandwagon, not wanting to be left out. This church is just an example of many. many churches that are using Kwanzaa in their services and like this church, for their ministries.

This church says that the, "Foundation of our purpose and vision - Focused on Jesus Christ." Is the focus truly on Jesus Christ? That is the question that not only needs to be posed to this church but to any church that attempts to mix culture and religion both as a way of life.

Another problem I have is the emphasis on African-American culture in the church. Is there a wonder why many churches are so segragrated? The emphasis of Kwanzaa for African-American unity was probably what has drawn this church to it because of their own desire to emphasize the black culture.

I don't see a problem with a predominantly black church or predominantly any ethnic church, as long as the message preached and taught is for all -- the way that God intended it to be! Emphasis needs to be on God's word as taught in the bible, and unity not just for one group, but for everyone!

Kwanzaa is black separatist and so is this church. No matter how much Jesus is talked about, if one trusts in their culture "plus" Jesus, then is God truly the object of their faith?

cm

Another Grouped Duped into the Kwanzaa "Unity" theme

I will begin postings from organizations or people that write about Kwanzaa being used to "practice daily its principles" or for uniting the black family to make their lives better. Below is my first example in my newly formed blogosphere.

"OCKG is a Non-Profit organization made up of members of the Omaha Metro Community whose mission is to draw our community together through celebrating Kwanzaa and practicing its principles in our everyday lives. First Fruits is seeking support from the local business community to sponsor events, and volunteers from the community to donate their time and talents to the various events." (Omaha Community Kwanzaa Group)

What celebration do we have in which we are urged to practice the pricinciples of it in our everyday lives? Whenever I see Kwanzaa being used as a means of uniting folks, it is this purpose of it that causes me to bristle. Why give people the impression that black people need something/someone other that Jesus Christ to improve our lives?

This is a dangerous idea because then the world will begin believing the same, which is why our president, our market places and etc. all begin to offer Kwanzaa greetings for the black people, under the assumption that we all need it.

I found out about this group from reading an article published on an Omaha, Nebreska news website: KETV.com. The article starts with this opening title: "Group Wants To Unite Community By Celebrating Kwanzaa." One of the organizers of the group, Rick Cross, says the following in the article: ""If you just follow the principles you should be able to find out how to move in a direction to make your life better for yourself, for your family and community," said Cross.

So is Kwanzaa JUST a celebration of culture? Or is it going beyond just honoring dead ancestors but establishing a way of life? What about celebrants whom are also followers of Christ? Who's making life better for you, God or Kwanzaa? Biblical principles or the Nguzo Saba?

We can't serve two masters as our God is a jealous God. Only He must we serve and look to for our lives day to day improvement and growth.

Blog scripture references:

God as a jealous God: Exodus 20:5

Better men and women through Christ: 2Corinthians 5:17