The Bible is not an essential source of wisdom from my perspective, but i do think that the Person and Teachings of Jesus Christ represent a sound code of morality that was reaffirmed by His Majesty Haile Selassie I as a cornerstone for people’s treatment of one another as well as the liberation of their minds & lives from hate, mischief, jealousy and greed.
Jesus Christ would have condemned slavery and colonial abuses of African people with the same vigor and intensity that Haile Selassie condemned racial prejudice and racism. Although i don’t recall Jesus speaking specifically about slavery as an institution, his Teachings regarding how we must treat our fellow human beings make His stance very clear.
I don’t mind if people want to toss the Bible out or rail at the horrible purposes for which Christ's Name has been invoked throughout history (including being associated with the Crusades, the Inquisition and all manner of other atrocities). What does bother me is when people fail to acknowledge the moral Teachings of Christ – especially forgiveness. Haile Selassie was impressed – as are most – that Jesus could plead for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him. It’s a heck of a mind-boggling example of practicing what you preach.
None of this is to say that the wisdom and goodness of the Teachings of Christ cannot be found in other belief systems, mythologies and/or moral codes throughout history. Just that Jesus Christ Himself should not be lumped together with all the hideous crap that has been done in His Name, as Jesus would NOT have CONDONED that hideous crap; he would have CONDEMNED it as vocally & vigorously as Garvey’s Africa condemns the Bible – actually, I'm sure even more so! Jesus was pretty blunt in His condemnations of wickedness.
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