Your blog postThe African presence in the Bible

The interpretation of the Bible, until now, is largely dominated by a Eurocentric perspective which undeniably influences our relationship with the Christian religion. This approach tends to portray biblical characters as white and of European origin, ignoring the diversity and multiculturalism of the ancient Near East.

Alexandre YOUTA

2/14/20247 min read

L’INTRODUCTION

The interpretation of the Bible, until now, is largely dominated by a Eurocentric perspective, which undeniably influences our relationship with the Christian religion. This approach tends to portray biblical characters as white and of European origin, ignoring the diversity and multiculturalism of the ancient Near East. In this book, we will challenge this predominant Eurocentric view of the Bible by focusing on its interpretation of biblical characters and events. In addition, we will rigorously evaluate the impact of this perspective on our perception.

Eurocentric interpretation: a historical perspective

During the colonial era, European nations exerted considerable influence over large regions, including Africa and the Middle East. Consequently, European scholars and theologians read the Bible through a prism imbued with their cultural and racial prejudices. This reading was European-centered and relied on the notion that biblical figures were white and of European origin, which reinforced the sense of European supremacy.

Representation of biblical characters

In the Eurocentric perspective, biblical characters such as Moses, Abraham, and David are often depicted as Europeans, with European characteristics and physical attributes. This representation distorts the accuracy of history and perpetuates a narrow and exclusive interpretation of the Bible. By ignoring the diversity of the ancient Middle East, the Eurocentric view sidelines other cultures and their contributions, thereby reinforcing a narrative that prioritizes European influence.

The one-sided representation of biblical characters creates a dissonance between the biblical story and the authentic history of the ancient Near East. This Eurocentric perspective tends to neglect the cultural and historical context in which the Bible came into being. It ignores the richness and diversity inherent in this environment.

Marginalization of non-European cultures

It is unfortunate that the Eurocentric perspective distorts our understanding of the Bible by downplaying the crucial importance of non-European cultures in the evolution of biblical traditions. European interpretation tends to neglect the significant contributions of Ethiopian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Canaanite, and Arab cultures, focusing instead on European influence. This marginalization unfortunately reinforces the narrative of European supremacy and compromises the intrinsic multicultural character of biblical Revelation.

Questioning the Eurocentric vision

Recently, a questioning of the Eurocentric interpretation of the Bible has been observed among scholars. There is a growing call for a more inclusive and multicultural reading that takes into account the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East. This approach aims to deconstruct prejudices rooted in colonial supremacy and to highlight the varied contributions of different cultures that participated in the evolution of biblical traditions. By adopting this broader perspective, these researchers strive to provide a more precise and comprehensive understanding.

Reevaluating Biblical Figures and Events

As we challenge the Eurocentric perspective in a more inclusive way, there is a growing movement to reform the representation of biblical characters and events. This reassessment invites us to consider alternative interpretations and delve into the historical and cultural context of the Bible's emergence. By embracing the diversity and multiculturalism of the Ancient Near East, we open the way to a deeper understanding of the context in which the Bible was written.

Promote cultural understanding and appreciation.

It is truly admirable to see believers today who challenge the Euro-centric perspective of the Bible, thereby fostering a different understanding, cultural and spiritual appreciation. By recognizing the significant contributions of non-European cultures to the development of biblical traditions, we obtain a more complete and accurate representation of the ancient world. This in turn stimulates an increased appreciation of the unparalleled diversity and richness of human history and culture.

The Euro-centric approach to Bible interpretation has undoubtedly distorted religious studies. It is imperative to challenge this narrow vision and embrace a more multicultural perspective, which reflects the complex and diverse reality of Revelation. A less biased and more accurate interpretation of biblical characters and events is necessary for authentic understanding. This renewed approach will allow a deeper exploration of the ancient and contemporary world, thus paving the way for a more varied and inclusive transmission of knowledge.

It is essential to distinguish the State of Israel, a sovereign national entity located in the heart of the Middle East, from the Nation of Israel, which embodies more of a concept symbolizing a community of faithful people devoted to God. The latter are exclusively chosen by Him. Only He has authentic knowledge of His People in today's times!

The story of Israel's exodus from Egypt is primarily described in the book of Exodus:

1. Exodus 12:37-38: “The children of Israel departed from Ramesses for Succoth, numbering about six hundred thousand footmen, excluding the children.” A multitude of people of all kinds also went up with them, with considerable flocks of sheep and oxen."

2. Exodus 12:38: “A multitude of people of all kinds also went up with them, with large flocks of sheep and oxen.”

3. Exodus 12:49: “There will be one law for the native and for the foreigner who sojourns among you. »

4. Exodus 12:51: “That day the LORD brought out the children of Israel according to their armies out of the land of Egypt. »

These passages illuminate the fact that the exodus from Egypt was not limited only to the Israelites as a homogeneous entity, but also encompassed a variety of individuals who followed Israel's descendants as they departed.

1. Revelation 7:9: “And after this I looked, and, behold, there was a great multitude, which no man could number, from every nation, and tribe, and people, and language. » They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes and with palm branches in their hands.

These passages highlight the notion that divine love surpasses human differences and that His redemptive purpose is for all nations. Diversity is glorified by the inclusiveness of heavenly love.

The idea of the universality of God's people, which includes all nations, is present in several passages of the Old Testament.

Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you I will curse; and all the families of the earth will be blessed in you. »

Psalm 22:27: “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. » All the families of the nations will bow down before you.

Isaiah 56:7: “I will bring them to my holy mountain, and I will make them glad in my house of prayer; Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; For my house will be called a house of prayer for all people. »

Jonah 4:2b: “For I knew that you are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness, who repents of the evil you do. »

Malachi 1:11: “For from the rising of the sun to the setting of the sun, great is my name among the nations; and in every place they burn incense and offer pure offerings in my name, for great is my name among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. »

These passages demonstrate that, even in the Old Testament, signs of the universality of divine purpose and its relationship to all nations were present. All worshipers, regardless of their origin, gender or social status, are equal and united in Mashiach.

Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Yeshuah Ha Mashiach. »

Colossians 3:11: “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, neither circumcised nor uncircumcised, neither barbarian nor Scythian, neither bond nor free; but Mashiach is everything and for everyone. »