Many people celebrate Kwanzaa as a cultural
holiday believing that it's a non-religious celebration. But not
surprisingly, there are quite a few similarities between Kwanzaa and
religions. The creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, possibly intended to
create this as a new religion, but the interest of most participants appears
to be more cultural than spiritual.
The following passages on this page will show
an intent by Karenga to create something more than just a one-time
celebration, but a way of life.
"Kwanzaa has definite principles,
practices and symbols which are geared to the social and spiritual needs of
Afro-America." - p 14, Kwanzaa: origin, concepts, practice,
1977.
Frequently, spirituality is mentioned
and the Nguzo Saba is said to be a standard by which to live for moral
guidance and instruction within the community. The Nguzo Saba (seven
principles) is given so much emphasis in character development that it is also
said in Dr. Karenga's book, to make one a "new
man, woman and child." (The African American Holiday of
Kwanzaa, p44.) Very similar to what is said in the
Bible regarding the newness of man:
"Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2
Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
So here we have a celebration that emphasizes a
code of ethics (the Nguzo Saba) for moral instruction to bring about a
spiritually developed character. Thus far, Kwanzaa has a few things in common
with Christianity and other religions. Moral instruction, spirituality and a
purpose -- becoming a new person!
Karenga Lists The Nguzo Saba as a Religion
Dr. Karenga even recognizes the "religion" of Kwanzaa when in his
book, Kawaida Theory, p. 25, he says of the seven principles (The Nguzo Saba)
as coming "from African religion" and lists it among other
religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Judaism in his section on
positive functions of religion. In light of that writing, it then becomes
difficult to explain his statement that "Kwanzaa is not a religious
holiday," especially when the Nguzo Saba is considered the centerpiece of
Kwanzaa.
A Way of Life = a Religion
We must agree with religion writer for
the Philadelphia Tribune,
William L. Banks, when he says in his chapter on Kwanzaa:
"We cannot talk about 'unity, positive
images and values' without touching upon religion, a way of life." No
Respecter of Faces or Races, Black Theology, Afrocentrism, and the Christian
Faith. William L. Banks, 1997.
The primary conflict that the Christian should
have with Kwanzaa is that it is a way of
life. It is even being encouraged by many to celebrate it not just
during the holiday season, but all year round! Why is that so? Because it is
promised to be build character, to change one's life spiritually. This can be
seen on the Melanet's Kwanzaa
Information Center web site under the Goals of Kwanzaa topic. It
says:
"To develop self and facilitate a
positive Black self-esteem by exposing individuals to 'Kwanzaa', a
culturally desirable pattern of principles, to help them live their lives
and to encourage the highest level of positive Black self-esteem and
spiritual development. -- To establish a culturally oriented 'WAY OF
LIFE."
Christians, Church and Kwanzaa
Many will say at this point, that it doesn't
matter what Karenga believes about Kwanzaa, it is how we celebrate it that
counts. Many Christian churches are substituting the Nguzo Saba with Bible
verses. The question churches must ask themselves, what is their purpose for
celebrating Kwanzaa? Many will say that their purpose is to celebrate their
culture. Others will say that celebrating Kwanzaa is an affirmation of our
togetherness as African people in America.
There are several dangers that present
themselves when the Christian attempts to combine their "religion"
of Christianity with that of the "religion" of Kwanzaa. 1) They take
upon the assumption that the Bible is not enough to spiritually feed us a a
people... 2) That we MUST define ourselves in the context of culture 3) Unity
is possible without Christ, by simply uniting with those of the same color,
i.e. culture.
It is not wrong to celebrate
"culture". But when culture begins claiming to do for the human
being the same as God claims to do for us, then culture ceases being culture
and thus becomes a religion.
It becomes clear that Karenga intended for
Kwanzaa to be more than a once a year event, but a complete new
"religion" that would change the lives of many and spiritually
rebuild them into becoming a better person. Many people are attributing a
change in their lives to following Kwanzaa principles and praising their
ancestors for being whom they are. We would do better by remembering the words
of our Lord:
"I am the LORD; that is my
name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols." - (Isa
42:8 NIV)
