If you listen closely to the Indigenous people of the land you will hear the word "decolonization." According to Britannica, decolonization is the "process by which colonies become independent of the colonizing country. Decolonization was gradual and peaceful for some British colonies largely settled by expatriates but violent for others, where native rebellions were energized by nationalism." I propose that "decolonization" is a requirement to communicate the true Christian message.
Are we able to communicate the person of Christ without also demanding that our own cultural expectations be met?
Several years ago my family and I attended our denominational district meetings where Native American Pastor Cecilia Spotted Bear lamented from the platform, "Why didn't you speak to us about the Great Spirit? The Great Spirit we would've understood." But instead of finding common experience and listening to the stories of the Indigenous people of Turtle Island, the name that many Native tribes call North America, the Christians of Europe forced their cultural expectations onto them. The settlers and missionaries of early American history preached a "civilized" religion that required the "savages" to learn English, wear European clothing, and other "English ways" in order to follow Christ. It was a violent and cruel takeover.
In the Bible, Paul wrote, "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 NIV
Paul recognized the need to speak to future Jesus followers in a language and a cultural context they could understand. Paul presents his message in a way that shows love and respect to his audience. What profound words Paul wrote, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV
Another example of how decolonization is a requirement to communicate the person of Christ is the story of Peter's dream. "About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. Then he heard a voice saying, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean.” The voice said to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven." Acts 10:9-16 NRSV
Peter was challenged to change his thinking about his own Jewish cultural heritage so that Cornelius and the Gentiles would believe and follow Jesus Christ. Peter goes on to say, “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all." Acts 10:35-37 NRSV
In what ways do I need to "decolonize" my faith? Am I expecting others to conform to my way of life before they can believe? Do they have to listen to my music? Do they have to dress in my style? Do they have to follow my rules?
Do I truly believe that Jesus is "Lord of all?"
May the God of all help me to grow in cultural intelligence and humility so that I may honor all of creation.
More Sources:
Mark Charles - American indigenous historian/pastor
African Indigenous theologian
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tY-yZgijw3k&feature=youtu.bePastor Cecilia Spotted Bear links
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