Is Botswana a Christian nation?

| Monday April 12, 2010 00:00

The question to ask before we determine whether or not it is a Christian country is what is a Christian nation?

What informs the decision makers in a Christian country? To start with, Botswana has never been declared as a Christian country. What we mean by Christian nation there are many people practising Christianity. Botswana has a large Christian population.

A Christian nation is one that upholds Christian values above other values. The nation's moral and ethical values will be based on Christian principles. Having said that, let us consider the following: Given that the most common transmitter of HIV is sex and the fact that Botswana ranks high in the world, then what does it say about Christianity?

The HIV/AIDS prevalence is high among Christians. Many homes are run by single mothers. What does that say about Christianity? Christian men have fathered children and left them to the care of the mothers.

There are many cases of passion killings. What does that say about Christianity? Christians are killing one another because of love failure.

The tribes are going back to cultural values and practices. What does that say about Christianity? Christians are consulting traditional/witch doctors.

Witch doctors play an important role in initiations (bogwera). Traditionally, nothing is done without the blessing of the traditional/witch doctor. There is a high rate of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related deaths. What does that say about Christianity? Christians are drinking irresponsibly. Christians are running bars and shebeens.

Christians are opposed to any attempt to deal with drugs and alcohol abuse.

Domestic violence is on the increase. What does that say about Christianity? Christians are using their wives for punching bags and softballs with their bats. Corruption is on the increase. What does that say about Christianity?

Christians are corrupt. This may sound like I'm a preacher of doom but the question at hand is 'is Botswana a Christian nation'? If it is a Christian nation, then what do we say about these issues?

As Christians, we have a critical role to play when it comes to the moral well being of the nation. That is a responsibility we cannot delegate to anyone else.

Jesus said we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We must lead by example.

We are obligated to speak up against corruption, drug and substance abuse, domestic violence, irresponsible sexual practices, poverty, unemployment and so on and so forth.

Christianity is not to be legislated but lived out. By Christian living I do not mean going round beating people on the head with the bible or shouting to people to be born again. I am referring to Christians preaching by their lifestyle. 

As Christians, we are to manifest that our God is good to us by showing fruits of prosperity from God. We are to manifest love by showing it and not preaching it. We are not just there to open and close in prayer.

Just look where the many years of opening and closing in prayer have led us. Corruption has increased, domestic violence, drug abuse, killings, business failure and HIV/AIDS have also increased at high speed.

If we are to be a Christian nation, then let us go back to the drawing board. Let us put away our denominational rules and regulations and constitutions and let's pick up the word of almighty God, the bible.

Currently government is drafting legislation that will determine how the church should look and how it should be run. The church seems to be looking on until it is too late.Are we going to wait until we are like America where even the Lord's Prayer and the Ten commandments are banned in public schools before we speak up?

Freedom of religion and association is constitutional in Botswana. One can choose to be a Muslim, Bahrain, Gay, Drunkard (gabola church), Rastafarian or Witch. It is an offence in Botswana to call anyone a witch.

I just wanted us to have a broader look at what it really means to be a Christian nation in the true sense of the word.

In a Muslim state, everything is Islam and the Quaran. No other religion is tolerated. The acceptance and tolerance of other religious systems is testimony that we are not exclusively a Christian nation.  Christianity has done a lot in the development of this nation. This is something we have to cherish and continue. We saw the church build schools and hospitals in places where government was unable. The church had a role in seeking protection and the resultant status of the then protectorate.

The point is, there is a lot that the church has done. We do not deny that. We simply say there is still much more to be done. The battle is far from being over so let us fight on dear soldiers of the cross. The song of old says ' stand up, stand up for Jesus'

Percival J. Mtetwa Gaborone