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Posted on 12/29/2001 12:13:27 AM PST by Christian B

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-American." - 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)

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