Everyday Jesus Is The Answer To Africa's Problems

Angelina K. Morrison

Opposition is the fuel that fires the spirit of an undaunted writer. This is my blazing belief.

Every time I take my quill, sorry, bend over my keyboard to give corporeal form to the agitating thoughts that surge furiously in the grey matter of my brain; I do so as an act of transparent conscience, selfless devotion, and sedulous response to a truly unique and priceless call. A redoubtable writer must hear a celestial sound from above, and give terpsichorean application to such lilting verses.

Africans need to rise up, and solve Africa's problems. The santaclausian temperaments of the West are a mere facade, and until we do something meaningful for ourselves, we will remain rooted right where we are. A bird that fails to plume its wings for an artistic flight remains in fruitless inertia.

If my last piece—The Black Mind: The Core Hindrance To Africa’s Development— ruffled a few feathers, I wonder what this headline will do? One may ask: Are you barking mad, Mama Angie? Another will wonder why I offer myself to blood-thirsty wolves to devour my embonpoint frame—that is if they can see me. What has black empowerment got to do with Jesus Christ? Is it not an intriguing case of attempting to mix chalk with cheese?

However, it would be hypocritical of me not to share my deepest convictions in the light of other conflicting solutions. I have surveyed the frontiers and assayed our unyielding problems, and consequently seen what I believe to be the core issues; and hence, my unbridled passion in hitting a home run. Do I expect to be feted, and a large meed hung around my supple round neck with "Kpanlogo" (a Ghanaian music and dance) blaring in the background? No, I actually expect flagrant phrases to be foisted on my rotund frame—the very type that inflames passions.

Having said that, there is a reason why some oppose anything that mentions religious figures—Jesus included. I have weighed my avowed critics' position, and I understand their frustrating views. The laws of rigorous intellectual thinking dictates that I do so. As to whether my seething critics take time to do the same to equally understand mine is another matter. Without doubt, I know the deep hole in which my fearless critics are stuck. In truth, we claim to have tried religion, but we have been disappointed. It is a charitable admission—our hopes have been dashed! In fact, the excesses perpetrated when there was no separation between church and state equally justifies this disposition. Moreover, some who claim to be religious live very questionable lives. However, the lasting question we may need to ruminate over is this: Must we throw out the baby with the bath water? Is that the most sensible course of action?

It is rather puerile and perhaps even infantile to blame a manual when you choose to skip some steps. In a similar vein, if I offered you an elixir or panacea for your crushing ailment, and you choose to mix it with water or other strange substances; are you not likely to see zero effect? What we have on the continent, and if I may focus my attention on Christians, is a lip service to the faith. We are engaging in a hotchpotch type of Christianity: part flesh, part Spirit.

There are times when I am confronted by the puzzling question: Do we truly have Christians in government? Go to church on Sunday; and take a bribe on Tuesday, or give one on Wednesday. And we wonder why the faith is not working for us? Or, hear preaching about hard work, and yet, fail to apply our best strengths and skills to develop ourselves and our community. Even more, receive lessons on stewardship; but lie, mismanage, or embezzle public funds when in office or power.

Our hypocrisy is writ large. And if today, people have no respect for Christians, it is our cup that has duly become full.

How can we be Christians on Sunday only? What? Jesus becomes a reality only for a day—we are cheating ourselves. We get into politics and for personal gain we sear our consciences with hot iron. Yes, we call it the rules of the game. Now, when the rules of the game conflicts with what Christ expects; who or what do you follow?

The practical application of Jesus' principles and living the way He expects is where change truly lies. Professing Christ without corresponding action is a foolhardy and deceptive existence. We have many Christians in Africa; however, we are intrinsically and extrinsically corrupt. Let's up the ante. Cast the net wider; we are perhaps among the most religious [every one included] continents in the world, nonetheless, we rank highly on corruption indices. Now, pause and ask yourself: Is it the atheist and non-religious folk that contribute to all the corruption? In all truth, it may very well be the person sitting next to you at church, or kneeling next to you in the mosque.

Shall we write more laws; and still pay the judges off? Or, tighten traffic laws; and still tip the traffic officers? Or, raise port fees to increase revenue; and still slide envelops through pigeon holes? Or, cry for more aid; and share it with our friends and family?

I remain firm in my view of what I know works. The transforming power of a true relationship with Jesus, I know, and some others will testify, changes a person's life more than any threat of punishment or corpus of law. Positive and negative reinforcement can only go so far. The former suggestion is what changes a person's nature. Show me a true Christian, and I will show you an exemplary soul. And if someone knows, or can suggest something else with a similar or better practical effect, and by which we may solve Africa's moral problem, let them write on such. Personally, I shall read with overpowering interest and abiding glee.

There are some who will place a charge of parochialism at my door. They reject empirical evidence available to all who are interested. Yes, they will label me with all kinds of obscenities for what I say. But, it is the terrain for anyone who beats the activity track. Aristotle was right when he said, "There is only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." Thus, I shall offer my most radical effort and suggestions to a people interested in real change. They can shoot both the message and the messenger—it is their inalienable prerogative.

Africa has an inherent problem, and we must wake up to see where our problem really springs from. Is it theories or systems that Africa needs? We know much, but we have 'faulty' hearts. Greed, corruption etc. is a certain palpitation of the African heart. Yes, it is in the blood, and policies do not have the required alembic propensities to expunge its every vestige.

On the other hand, we do not need churches running the nation; experience shows it does not work. Nevertheless, we need a framework that should set us on course for true transformation. Call it comical, quixotic, chimerical, naïve, or whichever word you may; until our core problem—yes, our moral problem—has been solved, or even improved, we will only build upon porous foundations. And hence, I offer the suggestion of a lifestyle that follows Jesus' teachings throughout the week: I call it Everyday Jesus. It will influence the way we live. Carrying on with the same type of false Christianity will not take us anywhere.

When this new transition occurs, most of our corrupt politicians and leaders—who are believers—will amend their selfish ways, and start showing true empathy for the people that they lead. For the tenets of their faith will have a crystal effect on how they lead and manage the continent's resources. After all, Africa has enough resources to see radical development. And if our past poverty was an imposition, then our failure to change and embrace true prosperity is an even worse choice.

It is our unbreakable willingness to embrace change that will surely set us up for a truly glorious future. But, will we ever accept this fragrant challenge or carry on as usual?

Angelina K. Morrison

angelinakm75@gmail.com