Dr. Vince Bantu joins Church on the Block for an in-depth discussion on diversity, African epistemology, and the importance of embracing culture.

Is diversity a curse?

There is a misconception that our ethnic and skin differences stem from retribution.  But is that biblical truth?  “We always think that diversity started in Genesis 11 with a curse.  In Genesis 10 you had people spreading out and becoming different,” explains Bantu. 

Looking at diversity as punishment is dangerous.  It leads one to conclude that uniformity is the answer.  “Usually that sameness ends up being white.  It’s very easy to not call something white when you don’t even know what white is.  It’s just normal.”

The biblical truth is diversity is of God.  “He looked up in Revelation 9:7 and saw every nation, tribe, and tongue.  There’s no behavior that’s human that’s not cultural.  And that was part of God’s intent.  We’ve always needed to have unique representations of the body of Christ.”

Diversity and representation matter

Remember being taught American history in school?  The main focus was slavery and a handful of politically correct figures were highlighted.  That record was on repeat.  Year after year.  Leaving most black and brown youths disinterested and disengaged. 

Similarly, the same thing happened within the black church as a result of the white European epistemology.  Black and brown youths, unable to see themselves in the scriptures became disconnected from the faith. 

This is why White European epistemology is detrimental to black and brown folk all over the world.  The people need cultural theology.  The people need to know that they are God’s children and can take part in their kingdom inheritance.  “Especially, because of the way black people have been the recipients of immense injustice and dehumanization and still continue to experience that.” 

Living faith through service

As Christians, we are called to serve the community.  “An African approach to theology is not divorced from action, being, and knowing.  I can’t be out here writing books and just theologizing or be doing academics for its own sake.  The seminary should exist to serve the local church and to build up God’s people.  Especially in the margins.”

Another misconception of African epistemology and theology is that black folk worship “the ancestors”.  That’s why context is so important.  Honoring the ancestors and worshipping them is not the same.  Hebrews chapter one, “God has spoken in many times and in many places through our ancestors.” Honoring our journey, our ancestors, and the lessons learned throughout the generations is a part of who we are.  And it’s okay.

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