Ethiopia: Unity, Politics and Christianity |
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| Ethiocross// March 11, 2008// By Zelalem Eshete, Ph.D. "Unity is a scarce commodity in Ethiopian Christianity and politics. We all preach about unity and yet we haven’t embodied the fullness of unity yet. If we can manage to exemplify unity by all the churches coming together for the Kingdom of God – the world would take notice and find hope that such unity may spill over to the political arena as well. " |
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The division and intolerance on the stage of politics are not inviting. The call to “either with us or against us” mentality is blocking the thought process to an alternative higher way. Allow me to share my opinion as to how, as Christians, we can create a tipping point to change such a culture for the better. In this short article, I only attempt to address the humbling starting point to begin our journey.
Photo File:-National Prayer and repentance day
at Addis Ababa Stadium 1998?Photo E.E.C Atlanta.
First, we need to win the battle at home. That is, we need to stand up as one in our cities for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Unity is a scarce commodity in Ethiopian Christianity and politics. We all preach about unity and yet we haven’t embodied the fullness of unity yet. If we can manage to exemplify unity by all the churches coming together for the Kingdom of God – the world would take notice and find hope that such unity may spill over to the political arena as well. Now, let’s address the practicality of creating the platform for victory from the inside out. The question of unity in Christianity is not about unity of denomination or administration. It is unity in Christ for the advancement of His Kingdom in our cities. When all churches in a city come together in agreement prayer for revival, it touches heaven and brings down His glory to earth. Pray for the day when all the Ethiopian churches in a city network in prayer for revival! Second, we need to win the battle in our land. That is, we need to stand up as one for the betterment of Ethiopia. That is where we see the gap and lack the model. That is where we begin, we all coming together on our knees praying for Ethiopia. Pray for the day when all the Ethiopian churches in a city network in prayer to stand in the gap for our land! Creating forums that unite us in this manner takes time. It refers to “slow long lasting solution” rather than “fast temporary solution”. It confronts us to deal with putting our own houses in order before we jump onto becoming a solution to our land. As we grow in unity, we evolve together with God’s wisdom and favor to bring divine solutions to our problems at hand. Writer Zelalem Eshete can be reached at:- z@myEthiopia.com Related Article:-The contours of Justice: A Christian Call to Action "" |
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