Kaleidoscopes of Light: Reflecting on Namibian Faith and Culture :: Essays Papers

Kaleidoscopes of Light Reflecting on Namibian Faith and Culture In this illuminating semester in southern Africa, my Christian beliefs befuddle been colored with light from kaleidoscopes of cultures and people. I have been heavily challenged, strengthened anew, and turned on my head more than once. Perhaps well-nigh explicitly, I have learned about the role of religion in social change in Namibia, from study in this course, in see eight different churches over the course of three months, and in building relationships with inspiring Namibians.As I prepare to make my return excursion home, I investigate if I will be prepared to contribution and describe what phantasmal frustrations and exaltations of faith have strikeed my days. I wonder if my spiritual curiosity will continue to refine and deepen my sagaciousness for the meaning of Christianity in my life, especially as I return to take in a Christian summer camp in Montana. I wish I could say that the message of uncondit ional love cradled in the scripture of my faith has struck me anew during my time here. But my experiences have filled me with more spiritual questions and concerns than answers of affirmation. This is adventuresome and stimulating, to say the least, and I am glad for the challenge provided here faith should never be a docile and lame journey of life. Throughout our religious classes this semester, meeting religious leaders and human rights activists has fueled my understanding of the meaning of Christianity. In lectures from community of interests leaders, pastors and counselors, our class discussions bore witness to Christianitys original context in Southern Africa, its profound role in the liberation struggle and its likely in continuing processes of reconciliation in Namibia. Reading historical reviews and articles of colonialism and apartheid undetermined me to the heart-rending effects of religion in this country. What still strikes me to the core about what Ive learned is t he good religious communities can offer this nation. As our allege speaker Rev. Nangula Kathindi, President of the Namibian Council of Churches, demonstrates with her words and her work, church involvement in breaking the wall of silence surrounding SWAPO atrocities and human rights violations is for the empowerment of Namibians everywhere. Her commit of authority within the church gives a fresh perspective on the role of the church playing into everyday life in Namibia, and how its entice can be used for progressive change today. The words of Kathindi fill me with hope for the future generations of Namibia she is a living testament to the power of churches reshaping the race-war purposeless lives of Namibians today.