by Yesterday, I watched a thought-provoking YouTube video shared by my friend, Dr. Aruku Kalita, featuring Prof. Patrick Lumumba addressing theologians in Kenya. Prof. Lumumba boldly stated that Christ is not a Christian, a view I wholeheartedly agree with.
As I’ve always believed, Christianity is a human construct that emerged many years after Christ’s time. It is not ‘Jesus’ religion as most people want the world to believe but it can well fit into the description as religion about Jesus Christ. But to understand this perspective, let’s delve into brief history.
Jesus Christ was born approximately 2,000 years ago, and his ministry spanned about three years before his crucifixion. The Bible accounts for his life, death, and resurrection, but there’s a significant gap between his departure and the establishment of Christianity as a religion.
The early Christian Church began to take shape around 50-100 AD, with the writings of the apostles and the spread of their teachings. However, it wasn’t until the 4th century that Christianity became a dominant force in the Roman Empire under Constantine’s rule. This means that there’s a substantial gap of several centuries between Christ’s life and the formation of the Christian religion.
Given this historical context, it’s logical to conclude that Christ couldn’t have been a Christian, as the religion didn’t exist during his lifetime. This disparity highlights the human construct aspect of Christianity, which developed over time through interpretations and cultural influences.
It’s essential to acknowledge that Christianity wasn’t the first religion; many others predated it. For instance, ancient religions like Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism had existed before Christianity. This emphasizes that faith is a personal choice, often influenced by upbringing and cultural background.
Personally, I was born into a Christian family, making me a Christian by default. If my parents belonged to a different religion, I would have likely followed suit. This realization reminds me that faith is a matter of perspective and presumption, lacking scientific proof. It’s crucial to respect and celebrate diverse beliefs without feeling superior or inferior.
Prof. Lumumba’s statement resonates with me, and I believe it’s essential to understand the historical context and human construct aspect of religion. This can help us foster greater tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence among people of different faiths, recognizing the shared human values that unite us all.
Thank you Dr. Aruku for the video!
Inyali Peter, Ph.D
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.
