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“I am a man of God and I do not want to push my members to worry about something that is in the hands of God” said the pastor. It is arguable that his stance was predictable. He is not atypical within the African immigrant community. Over the past few years, I have met many like him, frankly too many. Too many African pastors are blinded by faith and are leading their community toward a dogmatic path; one that is only dis-empowering them. Consequently, many  African immigrants are gradually accepting the normalization of a way of life that is dis-empowering and depriving them of their dignity while fantasizing about the ‘after life’. We all must realize that “religion is an amazing phenomenon that plays contradictory roles in people’s lives. It can destroy or revitalize, put to sleep or awaken, enslave or emancipate, teach docility or teach revolts”as famously stated by muslim scholar Al- Shariati.

Unfortunately, this vibrant culture of denial and irresponsibility still endure. Blinded by faith, ignorance continues to dictate the norms within our community, even for those who have left their hometown. In reality, the adaptation to new cultural norms is burdensome. The continuous setbacks, deception and failures can easily discourage us. However, when people don’t think they have the power to solve their problems, they won’t even think about a solution famously stated Saul Alinsky. We can no longer afford to let our community be dictated by ignorant leaders. Not here. We must figure out a way out of this cycle of inertia.  We must do better. I am one who believes that religion is a matter of interpretation and conceptualization. It is between a man and his heart. However, any expression of religious scripture that deprives us of our God given right to self- determination must be revisited, questioned and reinterpreted.

 

 

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