I am in agreement with Olayinka's remarks. Christianity is one of the most political of religions.
Analyze carefully the Old Testament. What is it? Is Hebrew nationalism not an important aspect of the narrative? Correct me if I am wrong. Religions such as these are useful for the communities involved - to give hope in an era of stress. In that way religions such as these serve a useful psychological purpose - and they emerge in a sociological/anthropological/ historical context. Some deep philosophy emerges as well in terms of how men and women in society should or could behave in society - but as a thinker you have to step back and reflect on what the agenda really amounts to.
Ken, Obatala was not voluntarily added to the list of saints by orthodox Catholics. Candomble in Brazil and Santeria in Cuba emerged in the context of rebellion and subversion by the enslaved Africans. They had to hide their beliefs or cover them up for reasons of survival. Their so-called masters were monotheists but they themselves were polytheists, worshipping the old African religious system.
Gloria
www.gloriaemeagwali.com
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