Preserving Cultural Values Through a Christian Lens: A Reflection of Africa International University Culture Week-2023

Culture is a significant aspect of society that shapes individuals' identities, beliefs, and values. It is an essential foundation for personal and communal development and plays a significant role in promoting diversity and tolerance. As Christians, it is crucial to preserve our cultural heritage while expressing ourselves in a way that aligns with our faith. The recently concluded Africa International University Culture Week-2023 provided a platform for students to showcase and celebrate their diverse cultures while promoting Christian values. In this article, I focus on how we can express ourselves while preserving our cultural values in a Christian way, as well as provide Scriptural references to support this idea.

Cultural identity is an essential component of an individual's personality. It is a unique aspect of our being that sets us apart from others. It is essential to embrace our cultural identity and express ourselves in a way that honors our heritage. The Bible encourages us to embrace our cultural identity, and it is evident in the following verse:

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)

During the culture week, students from different cultures dressed in their traditional attire and showcased their cultural dances and music. The Luhya community, for instance, showcased their unique dress code, which includes colorful robes, headdresses, and beaded necklaces. They also showcased their love for indigenous foods such as chicken stew, green vegetables, and traditional maize porridge, commonly known as Ugali.

Diversity is a beautiful aspect of society that promotes unity and tolerance. It is essential to celebrate the diversity of cultures and appreciate the uniqueness of each culture. The Bible encourages us to celebrate diversity, as seen in the following verse:

"After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)

During the culture week, students had an opportunity to learn about different cultures and appreciate the beauty of diversity. The Ameru and Agikuyu community showcased their unique dress code, which includes animal leathers, as well as their love for traditional foods such as roasted goat meat and mukimo, a dish made of mashed potatoes, githeri, a mixture of beans and maize, and vegetables.

Culture and Christianity may have different values, and it is essential to align our cultural values with Christian values. Christianity provides a framework for living a life that is pleasing to God. It is important to evaluate our cultural practices and beliefs to ensure they align with Christian values. The Bible encourages us to align our values with God's values, as seen in the following verse:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

During the culture week, students expressed themselves in a way that aligned with Christian values, promoting love, unity, and respect for others. The Kikuyu community showcased their unique dress code, which includes brightly colored headscarves and beaded jewelry, as well as their love for traditional foods such as roasted maize and beans.

Respect and honor are essential Christian values that promote unity and harmony. It is essential to respect and honor others, even if they have a different cultural background. The Bible encourages us to respect and honor others, as seen in the following verse:

"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God finish the thought, honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:17)

During the culture week, students showed respect and honor to other cultures by participating in their cultural activities and learning about their traditions. The Luo community showcased their unique dress code, which includes brightly colored shirts and headgear, as well as their love for traditional foods such as fish stew and ugali. They also performed their traditional dance, known as the Ohangla dance, which is a lively dance that involves jumping and swaying to the beat of the drums.

It is also essential to recognize and celebrate the cultural diversity of international communities, such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, and others. These communities have unique cultural practices and traditions that have been passed down through generations. For instance, Ethiopians presented their traditional coffee ceremony, which is a symbol of hospitality and a way of bringing people together. They also showcased their staple food called injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread made from teff flour, which is a type of grain indigenous to Ethiopia. Rwandans showcased their traditional dance, known as the "Intore dance," which is a warrior dance performed by men and women dressed in traditional attire. Nigerians showcased their traditional attire, such as the "Buba" and "Sokoto," which are brightly colored shirts and trousers worn by both men and women, and their love for spicy dishes such as Jollof rice, a popular West African dish. These cultural shows not only promote the diverse cultures of these countries but also showcase their unique values, beliefs, and traditions.

In conclusion, preserving our cultural values while expressing ourselves in a Christian way is crucial for personal and communal development. The Africa International University Culture Week-2023 provided a platform for students to celebrate their diverse cultures while promoting Christian values. We can embrace our cultural identity, celebrate diversity, align our cultural values with Christian values, and respect and honor others, even if they have a different cultural background. As Christians, we can take pride in our cultural heritage while promoting love, unity, and respect for others, just as the Bible encourages us to do.