Many people have many different theories to what the meaning of Christ our ancestor could be. Merriam-Webster defines ancestor as “one from whom a person is descended and who is usually more remote in the line of descent than a grandparent”. After reading Christ as Ancestor and Older Brother and Christology and an African Woman’s Experience, authors share their own perspectives on their question. According to François, ancestors maintain our lives. Christ as Ancestor and Elder Brother writes “In the Bantu conception, life is comparable to such a liquid: the individual receives it from the first vessels, which represents his or her ancestor, and with which the individual remains in ongoing communication” meaning our ancestors are funneled down into each and every one of us. François also writes “Everything that later enhances the degree of participation in life is of the highest interest to the ancestors, and has repercussions…” everything we choose to do in life affects the other. In this community, they believe they are each a new Adam, Mary, Eve, etc. through us being reborn in baptism. We are born once through natural means but we have two lines of ancestory which is defined during baptism. Though they are linked to God, each person is still human. Once a being dies they must have lived a full life to be categorized as an ancestor, to become more powerful. One must have lived a full and virtuous life. This means abiding by laws, not having guilt, not being involved in drama or sorcery. One must have lived in unity with the community and have descendants on Earth along with having a natural death and being properly buried. In the afterlife ancestors live like humans, remaining the same role as if it were mortal society. Us humans are what emerges from our ancestors. If there are no offspring how will the souls work their intentions. It is believed to be a curse if one doesn’t have offspring because “Christ came to give “life” and to give it in abundance”. The eldest brother is closest to the ancestors and also closest to Christ. These children came first so they are closer to those in the afterlife. This tribe isn’t alone, they are simply divided into two. The living and the dead. The living are just experienced by the deceased as they live for and by their community. Though they have never seen God they still remain in contact as their ancestors keep their seat with Him. In Christology and an African Woman’s Experience, the focus is on the relationship between God and the people of Earth. To start, these women realized all the reflections were all based off males. These women decided to start writing their own reflections and experiences. Every nation and person has many differences, finances, martial status, success, quality of life, and more. However, a lot of women can relate with the amount of work they give. From working a job, to cleaning and raising a family, many people can feel connected over these tasks. In these African women’s lives they feel as though religion is a strong part of their background. They believe “that there is an indissoluble union between the supernatural and her everyday life” which she tries to harmonize her life with. Six women were interviewed and asked about their relationship with Jesus. Their answers to “Who is Jesus Christ in your life?” were as follows: Jesus is strength, a savior, hope, model, helper, teacher, friend, comforter, life, their everything. Jesus helps these women cope, he protects them, he is their purpose and safe space. People can relate to Jesus because of the pain he endured himself. He doesn’t discriminate or think anyone is better than another. These women point out how Jesus uses an example for a man and woman in anything he says. Jesus is the bridge for millions between creating and redemption. For years there has been issues about women being different, or impossible to trust when it is seen that women were always the believers and supporters of Jesus. He enables these women to do the work he did in his own time. He calls them to restore humanity. By having harmony there is beauty. The four christological models seen are eschatological, anthropological, liberational, and cosmological. Each model asks questions about the why’s in life and the way to be acting in our lives. These models guide people how to live through struggles and strengthen relationship we have. We are all called to do good work. The last model says “we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the spirit groan inwardly as we wait… the redemption of our bodies”. Through redemption, humanity is unified. We can heal each other as God chooses how we work for Him. Though many of us haven’t seen God we see his love and care for our world and it is our responsibility to continue His care.
Readings and citations below!
“Ancestor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestor. Accessed 16 Apr. 2020.
Breann Hill - Perspectives of Christianity 