"What's
Up With "Kwanzaa?"
By Pastor John E. Coleman B.A. M.A. Edited
December 2010
Kwanzaa
A Perspective For Many African Americans
From
A Biblical Pastor's Perspective:
I've
been accused of not loving the brothers enough because
I do not ascribe to the practice of Kwanzaa in the local
church. I would ask this of the many Pastors. Just this
one lone question. If Jesus was here, would he affirm
our practice of this in place of all of the sayings
and dictates that He has prescribed? If the Pastor is
not able to answer that one, why should we permit the
practice of something that outright speaks against much
of what we practice in the Christian faith? What would
your pastor answer if asked the question? Would you
dare ask him? If not, why not? Next time I plan to address
the question of those in the church that have raised
objection to these practices, what has happened to the
ones that spoke out against this? Do you know some of
these people? Could it be that there is some kind of
conspiracy to keep silent those that object to such
practices? We shall look into this next time. Enjoy
the reading.
Commentary:
I love the community that I live in. I also love the
arts and crafts, the language culture that comes from
a community that has always striven to be the best that
it can be as it reflects pride in themselves. When something
new arrives on the scene of my community, I must be
fully aware of what that something is. Is it not right
to investigate certain practices within my community
with skepticism following that, provide criticism that
will stand up under rational analysis? As I go through
this process of analysis I must at the same time define
the world view of this particular belief system through
the grid of the bible. These kinds of analysis are expected
from a Christian regardless of the racial background
of the Believer.
You see my Christianity is the force which determines
what is right and wrong concerning modern day worship.
I would ask you to think along with me concerning this
issue of "Kwanzaa" as an intelligent Christian
who is only in a search God's truth. It would be wrong
and basically prejudicial to view Kwanzaa from a bias
view without first investigating its origin. Every belief
derives from a particular world view. These world views
determine what a person or a group of persons believe,
and that belief is appropriate to those persons believing
it.
I believe no other person has the right to say or even
imply that any group of persons ought not hold to a
particular belief system. This ministry and the mind
set of it's leader, shall never dis-allow individuals
to hold to any particular belief. As long we live in
America one can believe what ever they choose to believe,
I would pray that what ever that belief is that is would
never be used to harm or falsely convey ideas of another
person. Let me clarify. If one believes in a particular
way, I will fight for their right to retain that belief.
I believe that American liberty is what that is all
about. But, what of this Kwanzaa, Can we say that this
is biblical? That is the sole objective of my placing
these writings up every year.
I
will never for the purpose of self advancement come
against any persons individual belief for reasons other
than clarification of the biblical standard. This ministry
deals with Christian apologetics. This discussion is
dealing with the teaching that many in the African American
Community have embraced as a new spirituality which
is in the opinion of this Christian far from the teaching
of the "Biblical Perspective".
Will the African American Family read the Bible and
let it speak loud and clear on the subject matter set
before us?
Exodus
20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Deuteronomy 6:14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of
the gods of the peoples that are round about you;
2nd
Kings 17:35 with whom Jehovah had made a covenant, and
charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods,
nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice
to them:
Jeremiah 25:6 and go not after other gods to serve them,
and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with
the work of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
Jeremiah 35:15 I have sent also unto you all my servants
the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying,
Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend
your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them,
and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to
you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your
ear, nor hearkened unto me.
We therefore are to be careful that our investigation
into other cultural identities never remove us from
the tried and verified teachings of the scriptures.
We must also keep in mind that if we do not have a firm
grasp upon that which is true, we are more apt to fall
into decline as we compromise the teachings of the scriptures
as we flow with the culture further away from the God
of the Holy Bible. Many people within the inner city
community as well as those in rural areas; have become
solidified in a secular world view during Christmas
time. Year after year there are more questions that
have to be answered. Those ideas of Christianity have
stood he test of time and eternity. Our traditional
way of thinking about God, the Christ child and this
time of the year is now questioned and challenged by
many within the church. The switch has taken place.
Lets compare the teachings of "Christ and Kwanzaa"
First,
lets allow a definition of what Kwanzaa from someone
that believes in its significance. I will read the definition
as I received it from another web site. I shall provide
the definition without tampering what the author's point
of view.
Defining
Kwanzaa By Bill Smith
Every
year for seven days, beginning December 26 to January
1, African Americans celebrate their heritage and honor
the traditions of their ancestors during a season called
Kwanzaa. It is an expression of unity and positive values
in our struggle for equality in America. The important
aspect of this holiday is for African Americans plan
for the year to come and working on ways to make themselves
a better people and their communities a better communities.
In 1966, Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a major
contributor to black nationalist ideology during the
1960’s, created this cultural holiday based upon
ancient African customs. After the Watts riots, Dr.
Karenga, who felt his people had lost touch with their
African heritage began to research ancient African ceremonies
and celebrations.. He wanted to unify and instill in
them a sense of pride in their culture. He studied the
cultures of the Yorubas, Ibos, Ashantis, Zulus, and
a variety of other African ethnic groups. Although each
group celebrated a little differently, there were many
things the festivals had in common. He felt that there
should be a special time during the year set aside for
this purpose, during which he incorporated many African
customs traditions, symbols, and words from Swahili,
a language spoken throughout East Africa and many other
areas of the continent.
Kwanzaa, Swahili for first, Dr. Karenga added an "a"
to create the name for the holiday. The prescribed rituals
and ceremonies at the heart of the festive reflects
African experiences, particularly the traditional agricultural
festivals of first fruits and to honor the seven principles
known in Swahili as, Nguza Saba. This involves a special
set of goals to be memorized, discussed, and achieved
during Kwanzaa and throughout the year. The harvest
festival was a way of rewarding each member of the tribe
for all of their contributions during the year where
everyone, including children and the elderly, had a
job to do.
By working together, hence the Swahili word, Harambee,
everyone had food to eat for the whole year. The tribal
leader said a prayer for each member of the tribe and
also gave honor to the tribal ancestors. After the ceremony,
there was feasting, music and dancing which lasted till
the wee hours of the morning.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of the past present and future.
A time for all African Americans to join together as
a family, community and a nation. It is an event that
inspires one to practice the things studied so that
they can be guided all year long. The principles, symbols,
and ceremonies that are a part of this uniquely African
American event celebrate the beauty of working together
as one for the good of the community. Hence the Swahili
word, Harambee. The proverb often quoted during Kwanzaa
celebrations is, I am because we are, because we are,
I am.
Bill
Smith (Mr. Smith Believes this is a valid concept)
The
Various Definitions Of The Days Of Kwanzaa
Principals
Of Kwanzaa
#
1 Umoja (U-mo-ja) Unity
Symbolized by lighting the black candle in the center
of the kinara, Umoja (U-mo-ja) is the first principle
of Kwanzaa. It encourages us to work for togetherness
in our family, the community in which we live, and our
nation.
One
God! One Aim! One Destiny! Marcus Garvey
#
2 KUJICHAGULIA (Ku-ji-cha-gu-lia) Self-determination
The
second principle of Kwanzaa is (Ku-ji-cha-gu-lia)
Kujichagulia
which is symbolized by lighting the first red candle
on the kinara. It encourages us to define, create and
learn traditions about ourselves rather than allow ourselves
to be defined by others.
We
have been named; we should now become "namers"
Lerone Bennett, Jr
#
3 UJIMA (U-ji-ma) Collective Work and Responsibility
Symbolized by lighting the first green candle on the
kinara, (U-ji-ma) implies that African-Americans must
work together for the betterment of our communities.
Key to growth as a community is the spirit of co-operation.
#
4 UJAMAA (U-ja-ma) Cooperative Economics
The fourth principle of Kwanzaa is U-ja-ma Ujamaa, symbolized
by lighting the second red candle on the kinara. Ujamaa
is based on the concept that African-Americans must
own, support and maintain Black businesses. To build
viable institutions within the African-American community
that will speak for the collective and defend our interests,
we must pool our resources together and participate
in the spirit of Ujamaa.
At
the bottom of education...there must be economic independence.
Booker T. Washington
#5
NIA (Ni-a) Purpose
The fifth symbol of Kwanzaa, Ni-a Nia, is symbolized
by lighting the second green candle on the kinara. Nia
involves recognizing that we all posses a divine purpose
and taking the responsibility to develop to our potential.
#6
KUUMBA (Ku-um-ba) Creativity
The sixth principle of Kwanzaa, Ku-um-ba Kuumba is symbolized
by lighting the last red candle on the kinara. It challenges
us to use our God-given talents in a way to strengthen,
enlighten and uplift our people and all we come in contact
with.
#7
IMANI (I-mani) Faith
Symbolized by lighting the last green candle on the
kinara, I-mani Imani encourages us to have faith in
the creator and our people. To believe in God, our parents
and our family, leaders and the goodness and victory
of our struggle.
Now
lets look at my response to Kwanzaa from the biblical
perspective.
#
1 Umoja (U-mo-ja) Unity
Symbolized
by lighting the black candle in the center of the kinara,
Umoja (U-mo-ja) is the first principle of Kwanzaa. It
encourages us to work for togetherness in our family,
the community in which we live, and our nation.
As
we read this definition of unity we must analyze what
the word of God says about the term. If we are professing
Believers we must do the work of comparison for the
sake of not compromising the true standard that God
has established throughout the generations of men. Lets
look and see.
Psalm
133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!"
What
is this unity that the bible speaks of in this text?
(1)
If it is the kind spoken of in Genesis 13:8 "And
Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray
thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and
thy herdsmen; for we are brethren." (I do not have
a problem, but please keep in mind that we are to have
this with all mankind, for the bible says that all mankind
are brothers; 1st John 3:15 "Whosoever hateth his
brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer
hath eternal life abiding in him."
(2)
Thus we understand that the world has
a way of displaying a brotherhood of humanity.
(3)
Acts
4:32 " And the multitude of them that believed
were of one heart and soul: and not one [of them] said
that aught of the things which he possessed was his
own; but they had all things common."
(4)
Romans 12:16 " Be
of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind
on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly.
Be not wise in your own conceits."
(5)
Romans 14:19 " So
then let us follow after things which make for peace,
and things whereby we may edify one another."
(6)
2nd Cor. 13:11 "Finally,
brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of
the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and
peace shall be with you."
We
can see that by the use of these scriptures alone, and
needless to say this does not exhaust the theme of a
unity of persons in the bible. We do not require as
Christians a theme of unity in Kwanzaa in order to fulfill
the biblical mandate.
If
we are not Christian, I think that the person should
seek to use what ever they can to bring about a better
life. If you as a reader require this in order to live
a better life; great. If you are a Believer, read your
bible. Study it, believe it, the Lord will assist you
as well as sustain you in that belief.
#
2 KUJICHAGULIA (Ku-ji-cha-gu-lia) Self-determination
The
second principle of Kwanzaa is (Ku-ji-cha-gu-lia)
Kujichagulia
which is symbolized by lighting the first red candle
on the kinara. It encourages us to define, create and
learn traditions about ourselves rather than allow ourselves
to be defined by others. We have been named; we should
now become "namers" Lerone Bennett, Jr
Now
many of you might ask what is the matter with this,
the bible does not teach this does it? Lets investigate.
(1)
Deut. 29:18 " lest
there should be among you man, or woman, or family,
or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from Jehovah
our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest
there should be among you a root that beareth gall and
wormwood;"
I
believe that the script for the believer warns us concerning
turning away from our God of confidence. This is a warning
of going after other gods.
(2)
Psalm
36:2 "For he flattereth himself in his own eyes,
That his iniquity will not be found out and be hated."
Oh well if we cannot see what the meaning of this verse
is there is just no hope. Please keep in mind that the
bible has all the resources for Christian behavior.
Our confidence does not come from a false sense of security
deep within ourselves.
Genesis
11:4 " And they said, Come, let us build us a city,
and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven, and
let us make us a name; lest we be scattered abroad upon
the face of the whole earth." We
see how this venture turned out. We are warned to be
careful about determining our own benefit. See
writing below:
Today
I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember
that I do not need your help. If life happens to deliver
a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt
to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something
for God to do) It will be addressed in My time, not
yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not
hold on to it. If you find yourself stuck in traffic;
Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom
driving is an unheard of privilege. Should you have
a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out
of work for years. Should you despair over a relationship
gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what
it's like to love and be loved in return. Should you
grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the
woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven
days a week to feed her children. Should your car break
down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think
of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to
take that walk. Should you notice a new gray hair in
the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who
wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself
at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking
what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who
didn't live long enough to get the opportunity. Should
you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness,
ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things
could be worse. You could be them!
I
think we can see by the use of these words that all
determination comes from a God that knows what is better
for our lives. Kwanzaa does not work here either. God
has already taken care of all of it, we must find ourselves
obeying and ascribing to His (God's) demands in our
lives.
#
3 UJIMA (U-ji-ma) Collective Work and Responsibility
Symbolized
by lighting the first green candle on the kinara, (U-ji-ma)
implies that African-Americans must work togther for
the betterment of our communities. Key to growth as
a community is the spirit of co-operation.
Simply
put I believe that we should look at the book of Acts
2:45; " and they sold their possessions and goods
and distributed them to all, as any had need"
Parted
them to all men. On this special liberality we may note,
(1) It
partly arose from the non-resident or pilgrim character
of a large part of the converts. (2)
It was not an obligatory rule; the laws of ownership
or property were not disturbed or questioned. Even Ananias
might have kept all his land unblamed [Ac
5:3,4]. Also see;
*
Sold Ac 4:34-37; 5:1;
11:29; Lu 12:33; 16:9; 18:22; 19:8
·
parted. Ps 112:9; Pr 11:24;
19:17; Ec 11:1,2; Isa 58:7-12; 2Co 9:1,9 1Ti 6:18,19;
Jas 2:14-16; 5:1-5; 1Jo 3:17
Thus
we see this concept throughout the teachings of scriptures
that saints always worked together for the betterment
of the whole community.
#
4 UJAMAA (U-ja-ma) Cooperative Economics
The
fourth principle of Kwanzaa is U-ja-ma Ujamaa, symbolized
by lighting the second red candle on the kinara. Ujamaa
is based on the concept that African-Americans must
own, support and maintain Black businesses. To build
viable institutions within the African-American community
that will speak for the collective and defend our interests,
we must pool our resources together and participate
in the spirit of Ujamaa. At the bottom of education...there
must be economic independence. Booker T. Washington
Honestly
I desired to find something in the New testament that
came close to telling me that this is an "ought
to happen event". Being honest I had to go to the
Jewish community and the covenant promises that God
had for Israel. Upon close observation and honest evaluation
of every biblical text, I can find nothing that even
remotely suggest the Christian community getting itself
involved in economics, and rightly so, God tells us
that if a man does not work, he ought not eat; See;
1Ti 5:8 "But if any
provide not for his own, and specially for those of
his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse
than an infidel." {house: or, kindred}
Also see; 2 Th 3:10 "For
even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that
if any would not work neither should he eat."
I
believe that the age old proverb applies in this case.
I am my brothers keeper, but not for the sake of his
gaining financial security.
#5
NIA (Ni-a) Purpose
The
fifth symbol of Kwanzaa, Ni-a Nia, is symbolized by
lighting the second green candle on the kinara. Nia
involves recognizing that we all posses a divine purpose
and taking the responsibility to develop to our potential.
Now
this aspect was not difficult to come upon. Each of
us as Believer has the responsibility of maintaining
spiritual growth and maturity.
See; Joh 17:17,19; Ac
26:17,18; Ro 15:16; 1Co 1:2,30; 6:11; 13:1-13; 2Co 1:21,22;
Ga 2:20; 6:14; Eph 1:3, Each of these
text deals with the Christian's ability to grow or to
become mature. This is the divine purpose that God has
for all of us in this life.
#6
KUUMBA (Ku-um-ba) Creativity
The
sixth principal of Kwanzaa, Ku-um-ba Kuumba is symbolized
by lighting the last red candle on the kinara. It challenges
us to use our God-given talents in a way to strengthen,
enlighten and uplift our people and all we come in contact
with.
We gain fulfillment of this idea as a Believer when
we look to Ephesians
4:11-12 Our first responsibility
is to the building up of the body of Christ, then we
are to put forth an effortless attempt to persuade the
non-believing world to access the true spiritual resources
that has been outlined through the scriptures which
is the only way to biblical salvation.
#7
IMANI (I-mani) Faith
Symbolized
by lighting the last green candle on the kinara, I-mani
Imani encourages us to have faith in the creator and
our people. To believe in God, our parents and our family,
leaders and the goodness and victory of our struggle.
Now
I ran into a few more problems with this as a spiritual
idea. What of the other cultures that might need our
expertise, assistance, advice and the other things that
make for wholeness. Are we to only offer assistance
to those of our culture alone? What does the bible say
about these kinds of ideas?
See;
Acts 10:34 "Then
Peter opened his mouth, and said Of a truth I perceive
that God is no respecter of persons:
Even
when we quote this verse within the proper context I
never see the Lord dealing with race and culture the
way that we do in this modern era. There is a plain
and simple theme that runs through the teachings of
the scriptures. That theme simply is that "God
has provided all that we require for the fulfillment
of our personhood as found in a relationship with Jesus
Christ".
So,
where do you stand on this issue? Each of us must determine
the rightness of a belief system by our personal undertaking
as we research new ideas. These activities must
precede
the Apologist argument. We ought not condemn a belief
system simply because we do not agree with it. We must
be able to clearly delineate our reasons and then state
the rightness of the argument.
The
concept and "7" laws are nice, but they are
not biblical. God had nothing to do with their origin.
The better question is should this practice be accepted
as a part of our Christian belief system? We must answer
the question only in light of the truth by which we
have received biblical salvation. Is the Lord's saving
of our souls enough? The Lord had nothing to do with
this idea of Kwanzaa. We must as Believers never become
accustomed to following the crowd as they deny those
traditional Biblical teachings. Pastor
John E. Coleman 12-22-06
Write
Me: intotheword1@aol.com
Call
me in person: 1-800-872-4309
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