For some time I have been pondering the above question in the context of another - How do we, as black people of African descent free ourselves from the clutches of the West? Many of us are aware of the deep hostility and hatred that has been abundantly evident toward people of color over the past 400+ years we have been enslaved in the Americas. It seems clear to me that Western culture has a deep and abiding hatred of anything African.
Since the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation black people of African descent have struggled mightily against all odds to prove ourselves worthy, equal, deserving and good. We are told this is the 'land of the free and home of the brave'.
Yet, during this same period of time, with few exceptions, people of color have been inexorably pushed to the fringes of society via unrelenting racism and discrimination - socially, politically and economically. So, where does the process of freeing ourselves from this web of deceit begin?
Obviously, the solution to this problem is not military might. Warfare has never changed the belief system of a people, only delayed the reaction to the horrors of war. We certainly do have the weapons, equipment, technology or even the will to wage war. We are outnumbered and outgunned.
What about politics? It seems clear that the political arena is not offering a solution either. Oh, yes. On occasion a person of color is elected, yet our plight remains the same. Today, it appears clear to me that the political system of things is under the strict control of Wall Street and the wealthy elite. Witness today, even with an African American in the White House, our problems cannot even be publicly discussed by him for fear of the outpouring of white hatred and denial.
The church has failed us as well. It has allowed this former sanctuary to be turned into a commercial enterprise with little spiritual power or influence over our people. There appears to be more concern with preserving their 501(c)(3) status than motivating our people to live Godly lives. Witness our willingness to kill one another, yet we will not turn on white men who kill us unprovoked. Witness the degradation and immorality of our religious leadership. Witness our willingness to father children and abandon both child and mother. Witness our willingness to join the military and wage war on other innocent people of color. Witness these things and ask - Can God bless this mess?
So, is spirituality the answer? Is an elevated, aware and conscious soul based mind-set the answer? Is there a need to recognize that someone created this planet for us all to enjoy and not just for a select few? Is there value in identifying man-made constructs that inhibit or block our spirituality? I am asking for feed-back and comments with the aim of gaining some insight and gems of understanding that might allow us to develop a strategy to be - 'Free at last. Great God Almighty, I'm free at last.'
I look forward to your comments and thoughts.
Brother Wes, you have offerred up some very profound questions to ponder, questions that demand deep thought, so I will revist when &
ReplyDeleteif blessed to have something worth while to say
that hopefully may add something of value to the discussion. I will say this one thing in parting, I suggest starting with our true identify may help us find some answers, we cannot serve two masters.
Much Respect,
Ngon'e
You are right. Warfare, politics, and the church haven't brought us 'freedom'. They have only served to maintain power and oppression over those they target to control. Your question, Is spirituality the answer? challenges us to dig deep into our individual and collective consciousness. I'm afraid that many of us don't know how to or don't want to dig that deep. Many people only understand superficial levels of the human existence i.e. what we can see, touch, taste, hear, and smell. Some of us haven't learned how to tap who we are on deeper emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Thus, I'm reminded of Luke 23:34 where Jesus made a plea to God saying "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". But they persist to try warfare, politics, religion to no avail. Yes, we need a deeper spiritual awakening. We need a new consciousness. But, of course, an essential part of the awakening is the recognition that we are not aware of the deeper connections of our humanity. We are still believing the lie we keep telling ourselves. So, is spirituality the answer? Simple question. Complex answer.
ReplyDeleteWes,
ReplyDeleteI would first ask you your definition of "spirituallity." Then I would advise to rule out nothing in seeking the answer to our liberation. As I have stated on my blog http://www.ajabuspeaks.squarespace.com it appears that the shootings that took place during Black Expo Summer Celebration was a police operation. For some reason the police are reluctant to release the video that would disprove what I am saying. If the police prove to have carried out this dastardly behavior in order to change the conversation about the beating of Brandon Johnson then what should be the response of our community. Should we seek a spritual response, a military response, a political response, etc. What should our response be?
Brother Ajabu,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for you taking time out of your busy schedule to comment on attempt to make some sense of the insanity all around us. Thank you. In response to your question - the definition of 'spirituality'. I am a simple man and can only reply in simple terms. I do not trust dictionaries or others to define this term for me. I believe the earth and everything in it was put here by our Creator, not for one group of people, but for all. This means that the earth is a gift and we are the caretakers of this gift. Like any gift or present from someone we love, we cherish and care for that gift.
The people the West refers to as 'savages' seem to understand this concept. Almost universally, they try to live in harmony with the planet, not try to wage 'war' with the planet. They may have conflicts, but there is no attempt to annihilate everyone, ala 'shock and awe'. They may have to kill an animal to eat, but they often say a prayer of thanks for the gift. They seem to live their lives on this planet with the goal of not harming it.
So, spirituality to me means being extremely sensitive about our place as caretakers on this planet and as guests, not as 'owners' of it. How can you 'own' something you did not make or create? To me, this also means being extremely aware of doing nothing to my neighbor that I would not want done to me. I guess Jesus put it best: Love of God and neighbor says it all. On these two hang all the laws and the prophets. Put another way, without love of God and neighbor, we are lost, done for.
Thus, some of us are appalled at the senseless bloodshed in downtown Indianapolis and in downtown Bagdad. Others, observing the same events, are not appalled, but applaud.
My brother, how would you define spirituality?
Wes,
ReplyDeleteFrom your essay then I would say spirituality is the answer. I define spirituality as seeking oneness with our creator which would entail the creation.
Does Spirituality demand of us to be engaged on many fronts? Can we be spiritual and not be involved in seeking solutions which impact the human family in many challenged areas of life and still say we are spiritual? Can we deny the sufferring politics and warfare causes on this earth and passively do and say nothing? Can we be spiritual looking outward at what others are unable to be or do, or is Spirituality a path in life one chooses and upon choosing, the inner quidance directs the path of the chooser? Is not Spiritualy an inner state of being? I suppose if the goal is freedom, the answers would also depend how one defines "Oneself", "Spirituality" and "Freedom." We talk freedom and since we have only pretended to be free, perhaps we can now see upon the shock of discovering our chains are still very real, that like so much in life the meanings are different for different people. For one I think being Spiritual requires one to fight on all fronts to be free, and unfettered as the Creator intended us to be.
ReplyDeleteSister Ngone,
ReplyDeleteYour comment is insightful and thoughtful. As I sit here responding to them I am reminded of the example of my role model, Jesus and his father, Jehovah. I will draw upon their example during my response.
I believe spirituality demands that we get engaged on many fronts in an effort to help one another. We are called upon to assist even those who hate us, my sister. Recall the story of the Good Samaritan? The Israelites and the Samaritans hated one another, even though they shared belief in the first 5 books of the Bible. When an Israelite was robbed and beaten by thieves and left to die on the road. Several fellow Israelites saw his condition and ignored him. Yet a Samaritan stopped, dressed his wounds and took him to an inn to be cared for. He promised to pay whatever it cost for the Israelites care. This, Jesus illustrated, is how we should treat one another.
And so, despite political, economic, religious and social distinctions and prejudices created by man that artificially separate and divide, spirituality enables us to elevate our thinking and conduct above it. Spirituality calls upon us to love one another in peace. If we are wise enough to recognize political, economic, religious and social distinctions are wrongheaded, are we not wise enough to see we are either part of the problem or part of the solution?
Yes, I would agree that spirituality is an inner state of being, as you say. But as for 'freedom', none of us are free. Yes, our Creator intended for us to be free, but even then that freedom was relative. I believe our freedom will always be tempered and modified by our spirituality, our relationship with our Creator and our relationship with our fellowman, therefore, our freedom is relative, never totally unfettered.
This state of spirituality then causes me personally, to draw the line between changing people and trying to change this wicked system of things. It is pictured as a 'beast' in Scripture for a reason. As a 'beast', it does what it does, without conscience or remorse. We are advised to avoid direct confrontations with it, but to be peaceful as doves and cautious as a serpent. You have reminded me of this many times, to my benefit, my wise sister. I do hope these thoughts undergird your comments. Peace to you and yours.