a different sense of the same God

While psychologist, anthropologists and sociologist are committed to the unveiling the functions of ideologies, the spiritual journey involves participation.  Religious and communal rituals are fundamentally believed to facilitate a form of intimacy with God through remembering Jesus Christ.  Amid a new age of spirituality, many “are trying to reclaim, as best they can, the original beliefs of their African ancestors—while maintaining their ties to Christianity” (Araujo-Hawkins, 2021). While belief and faith are involved, the efficacy of liturgic traditions are often removed from the centrality of spirituality. Growing up in a Baptist church, I participated in faith-based practices like baptism and communion, which are implemented within a ritualistic context.  Because mainstream religious practices appeal spirits through hymn incantations, and prayers, there is hardly a discrepancy regarding magic.  Ironically, “practices—like hoodoo” and “others—like spirit possession” have been “reframed as catching the Holy Ghost” (Araujo-Hawkins, 2021) are entrenched in the Black church culture.  Many indigenous practices use sacred objects and herbal remedies that are stigmatized and maligned as a dark magic. The use of objects and substances in religious setting are accepted by way of granting protection, but there is a negative association with broader conceptions of spiritual practices.  Many religious authorities argue the supremacy of traditions, however, being in accordance with God is the parallel component to supernatural gestures.  I have directly experienced the conflicting views of those uneducated about ancestral practices, realizing that many are colonized, having been “brainwashed for so many years to think that this is bad, that it’s of the devil” (Araujo-Hawkins, 2021).  How we experience God and having autonomy in choosing the way we establish that connection is fundamental to spiritual growth.  “Sometimes we shut ourselves off from understanding God in this expansive way” (Araujo-Hawkins, 2021).  Western secularism has made it difficult to embrace the cosmology of science, and supernatural phenomena in religion.  Personally, I evolved by first researching then determining what was authentic and true, then using discernment in practices according to my understanding.

Citations

Araujo-Hawkins, D. (2021). Black magic Christians: Following Christ while reclaiming African spiritual roots. The Christian Century, 138(1), 10–12.