Throughout time, Christianity has evolved. Instead of all Christians generalizing themselves to be “traditional,” we now have progressive Christians – pastors that are a part of the LGBTQIAP+ community and women who are involved in the ministry.
One issue that has not been addressed, however, is the demonization of other people’s culture all because they don’t practice those cultural rituals themselves.
This has been a particularly pressing issue in the Black community when it comes to African traditions. Oftentimes, without realizing it’s a part of their culture as well, Black Christians will quickly demonize traditions that have been here way before Christianity was.
I mean, how can we forget what happened in 2020 with Beyoncé?
In the summer of 2020, Beyoncé released a movie, Black is King. In that movie, she honored her African ancestors by including certain images such as: a moon goddess, Het Heru, Oshun, and more. Despite her not mentioning religion at all, unfortunately, she received backlash from Christians in the Black community.
An article titled “‘Black Is King’ is Blasphemous and Demonic,” one Black male left a comment stating, “I knew this was Antichrist just 5 seconds of the trailer. All one can do is pray for the blind.” Many other people shared the same opinion as the commenter and more posts and comments were made.
Unfortunately, many people are closed down to the idea that there are more than just their beliefs. In fact, that’s one of the main reasons we have 4,000 religions that could be true as well. No one knows what’s true and what’s not true when it comes to religion. I mean, if they did, faith wouldn’t be a requirement. Many people who are quick to call things like Beyoncé’s movie “demonic,” fail to realize this.
Secondly, calling something demonic without thinking of the history behind those traditions is a bit ignorant. Enslaved Africans’ rights to practice these “demonic rituals” were taken away from them the moment they were stolen from their land. There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying to preserve the very few cultural beliefs and traditions that are left.
Make no mistake, no one is saying not to follow the religion, Christianiaty, solely because of race. However, we have to stop labeling other people’s culture as “blasphemous,” or “demonic,” especially our own culture. There is nothing wrong with embracing both your religion, as well as your culture. Black Christians should feel at ease about not having to choose between their culture and religion because it’s not a thing of either “this or that.”
And remember, believing that you have ancestors that are watching over you in Heaven is just as beautiful as believing there is a God in Heaven that is watching over you, too.
