Chiedza Vol 7 No 2 Religion and Identities

Abstract

In churches, mosques, shrines, temples, on altars, and even in private homes each day are people in varied postures and moods profoundly articulating their belief in an Ultimate Being. Huston Smith in The Religions of Man summarizes our marvel at this diversity thus: "the God-seekers of every clime, lifting their voices in the most diverse ways imaginable to the God of all men [and of all children and women of course]. How does it all sound to Him? Like bedlam? Or, in some mysterious way, does it blend into hamony? Does one faith carry the melody, the lead, or do the parts share in Counterpoint and anti phony when not in solid chorus?" Another puzzle of human diversity evokes the following questions: Who am I? Who are they? And who are we? - The questions of identities. The ever thought-provoking issues of diversity in faith and identities inspire Chiedza to share the reflections of its contributors under the theme: Religion and Identities. lnterreligious tensions and clashes show that the articulation of the Ultimate Being in diverse forms may be harmonious and peacefufto God in the heavens but not on earth. Hence, Ezra Chitando opens this edition with his argument that religious dialogue is a necessity in our time. In 'a critical response to Chitando, Stephen Buckland wonders whether the goal of Interreligious dialogue is a mutual understanding and a peaceful co-existence among various religions or can we expect more. Drifting away from religious dialogue, Patrick Madigan walks on the path of "revised history", metaphorically showing the crucifixion and resurrection of St. Paul, while Isidore Bonabom places the Christological quest in our context. Whereas, Dan-Azum.i in a lucid article, bravely and cleverly contends that the West's notion of a total separation between religion and state is pretentiously mystical, Louis Caruana assesses the scientific attitudes in ethics and economics in light of Christian ethical principles. Firmly placing one leg on religion and the other on identity, Stanislas Bigirimana revisits the rhetoric of conversion in post-colonial Africa. On identities, Evaristus Ekwueme thinks the addictions of the colonial mind is a danger to humanity in light of the views of Lonergan. Jean-Claude Havyarim.aoa and Terfa Gbahabo respectively show how the construction of identity led to the genocides in Burundi and Rwanda. Unhappy with male dominance in society, Brydon Nkhoma evaluates the project of reconstructing the identity of women by gender analysis in the discipline of African history. Another emerging passionate feminist, Elaigwu Ameh (be calls himself a womanist), continues the discourse on gender. He asks: "ls African womanism guilty of reversed sexism?" Faithful ~ its spirit of excellence, two intellectuals of .Arrupe College, Pius Ojara
and Patrick Madigan co-authored a book recently. It receives a detailed and a commendable review from Itua Egbor. Matthew Ugorji and Joseph Musendami nourish the reader with their engaging poems. No matter how hard a bird may try, its beak cannot break everything (like a stone), hence, Martins Okoh brings the reflections of this issue to a close with the compilations of some of the best "wisdoms" of our ancestors. The Chiedza Editorial Board thanks all contributors for their insightful reflections that have made this edition a reality. Chiedza thanks former membe~ of the board; David Akrugbe, S.J, Wilfred Sumani, S.J, Theophil Makuni, O.Carm, Dominic Liche, S.J, Farai Mandaza, 0. Cann, and Stanislas Bigirimana for their creative contributions. The board is particularly proud of the first three members whose academic excellence was recognized by the college, in awarding them distinctions. We express our gratitude to Fr. Isidore Bonabom, S.J who was staff adviser to the board when Fr. Stephen Buckland, S.J was away on sabbatical. The board bas welcomed, and I introduce: Donald Mwiinga, S.J, William Fanuel, S.J, Nicholas Haroakalu, S.J, Jean Claude Havyarimaoa, S.J, Kpanie Addy, S.J, and Raymond Tangonyire, S.J. We are happy and grateful for the talents and the vitality each of them bas brought to the Board. We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year- Have a Happy reading! Prosper Kaasong Batinge, S.J The Editor-in-Chief