Prompt:
Based on the readings and videos in this module, who do you think bears responsibility for homophobic and transphobic policies in sub-Saharan Africa? What can be done in response to this issue and by whom?
Reply:
Where Christianity Went Wrong
In my opinion, I think that most of the responsibility lies solely at the feet of Christian missionaries. Were it not for the need of Christians to pursue conversion to their beliefs and their form of law, I don’t think that the governments would need to create homophobic and transphobic legislation. I think that responding to this mess is a long uphill battle that needs to be walked by all manner of Christian leaders. With the introduction of the Christian Bible, missionaries have imposed their beliefs onto cultures which may or may not have held such strong beliefs. In the video, it was shown that pastors were preaching from a gospel that we here in the United States are feeling as well. Evangelists like Rick Warren give a good starting point, but the lion’s share of the damage has already been done, as shown in the readings, where it is stated that the Presbyterians of Ghana rejecting the United States Presbyterians for being too liberal, as well as the rejection of the Episcopal/Anglican church for acceptance of homosexuality. I think that the damage has been done, though, and now that Christians in sub-Saharan Africa have taken on this mantle, it’s going to be an uphill battle to get them to release their iron grip, especially if they continue to dismiss and separate themselves from more liberal policies that are adopted in the West. The work can only be undone by the same people who caused it to begin with – Christian missionaries.
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Grade: 50/50
Professor Comments: None
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