I was raised in a religious environment that imagined ourselves, if not the only ones going to heaven, certainly those who were far more correct in matters of faith and practice than all other Christian traditions. An undergraduate degree in theology and philosophy helped reduce this thinking considerably, and graduate studies further eroded the mindset. In fact, exposure to the world of academia and scholarly studies might lead one to think the old sectarianism was once and for all obliterated.
So when we went to Africa in 1991, I was fully ready to leave far behind divisiveness, self-righteousness, and judgmental attitudes toward Christians from other traditions. In fact, I would have easily passed for an accepting and open-minded believer toward all others within the various Christian traditions, willing to welcome all in an ecumenical spirit. As proof, I participated in interdenominational devotionals, worship, and mission efforts. Unlike the way I was raised, close friends and colleagues were believers from diverse Christians traditions. I valued and grew much through their friendships and faith.
And yet, as I worked out in the rural areas, in numerous villages, I would often hear about the poor methods of other churches and mission efforts. How others acted in ways not reflecting the Spirit of Christ. How they were weighed down with institutional concerns, or offered what amounted to a poor presentation of the gospel and practice of faith. Unlike what we were doing, their theology was uncontextualized and not communicated in the tribal language, the venacular. Many of their expressions of faith were imported American or European forms rather than an expression of indigenous theology. Hearing of misconduct, poor practices, and negative accounts, I thought about how inferior these efforts were to our own.
This was the case right up until the day, several years into the work and after dozens of congregations had been established, that some of our church leaders told me the wild and unfounded stories that were circulating about us. About what we believed, what we did, and things that were being said about me. Immediately, I thought how ridiculous these unfounded rumors were, and almost in the same moment, realized that I had eagerly believed similar disparaging stories about others.
Divisiveness, sectarian thinking, and the competitiveness that goes with it, is not easily rooted out, even from a willing heart. Though buried under layers of higher education, it may still survive . . . continuing its harmful work.
Those who have ears, they will hear what the Spirit is saying.
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