Is the Secular American Holiday Kwanzaa anti-Christian?

Question

The Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson sure thinks so. And with strong evidence too. (See his article http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=16474).
Heer is an interesting quote about the inventor of Kwanzaa, "Karenga has explained that his creation of Kwanzaa was motivated in part by hostility toward both Christianity and Judaism. Writing in his 1980 book Kawaida Theory, he claimed that Western religion “denies and diminishes human worth, capacity, potential and achievement. In Christian and Jewish mythology, humans are born in sin, cursed with mythical ancestors who’ve sinned and brought the wrath of an angry God on every generation’s head.” He clearly opposed belief in God and other “spooks who threaten us if we don’t worship them and demand we turn over our destiny and daily lives.”

What do you think?

Answer 1

>>"In Christian and Jewish mythology, humans are born in sin, cursed with mythical ancestors who’ve sinned and brought the wrath of an angry God on every generation’s head.” "<<

this is untrue. in Judaism humans are born innocent. there is no concept of original sin in Judaism! in fact the whole principle is considered absurd.

but anyway... that link isn't working for me and I don't see why kwanzaa would be "anti-christian" or any such thing. and it definitely has ZERO impact on Judaism....

seriously though, anyone take that holiday(kwanzaa) seriously?

Answer 2

Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

I agree with you that there may well be some negative biases that motivated the founder. But if you look at the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, they are actually quite positive and educational. So I believe even in the midst of negative politics, God inspired some good, practical wisdom to come forth, which I believe is more of a blessing than anything else.

In Kwanzaa, the Seven Principles of Unity, Creativity, Purpose, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, and Faith can all be practiced consistently with Christian values of truth, charity, love and respect for everything and everybody in God's creation. There is nothing "unchristian" or "antichristian" about these concepts, unless you wish to make it so. Any system that encourages unity, reconciliation and healing is in keeping with Christ; and Kwanzaa is consistent with that message.

If you want to focus on the negative aspects that keep people divided over Kwanzaa, Christmas, and other religious issues, such selfish division is hardly different from those who reject neighbors instead of embracing and reclaiming all people as one body in Christ. It seems to me the true Christian spirit would seek to include all tribes and traditions as one, and not let the devil divide people and destroy the church or the body of Christ.

The African people have collectively suffered such spiritual, political and economic strife, that there is a need to regain the sense of "self-determination" where among themselves they find a way to define a positive focus to unify their communities and pull themselves out of the cycle of past misery and not feel victimized, oppressed, or defined by outside cultures. I believe the healing spirit of Christ is moving among the African American community to bring about the reconciliation, and that the principles in Kwanzaa are a helpful tool for defining and focusing positive steps in that progressive movement toward spiritual recovery and wholeness. It is not against Christ, but very much in keeping and in fulfillment of the true spirit of redemption and salvation.

Answer 3

whilst i became youthful i became in church. I discovered that Christmas became a social gathering of Christ's delivery. The presents have been a "given" in my homestead , in that it became custom. Thanking God for our bounty grew to enhance right into a prepare from the time the Pilgrims landed right here, and the Indians helped them how you could stay to tell the story. mutually they celebrated the harvest with a three day banquet!!! Lincoln made it valid the third. Thursday of November. that's not anit-Christian or secular as quickly as we supply thank you for what we've. this is suited to be grateful a minimum of as quickly as a 365 days!

Answer 4

Sorry, gotta go light the candles in my Kinara.
Happy Kwanzaa!!

Answer 5

Hmmm, I didnt know that.

Thank you for the enlightenment.

None of my friends who are of African descent celebrate Kwanzaa though, they all think its stupid. LOL.

Answer 6

Isn't Kwanzaa an african holiday?

Answer 7

im not touching that with a 40ft pole

Answer 8

never heard of it.