A Discussion on Discernment in Christianity
Isaac Megbolugbe
January 25, 2026
Introduction
Precious shared her thoughts on the importance of discernment in Christianity, referencing Jesus’ warning about wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). She emphasized the need to fellowship with others and remain a shining light, acknowledging the West’s role in spreading the Word.
Precious’ comments highlight the importance of being vigilant and discerning in one’s faith, recognizing that not everyone who appears to be a follower of Christ is genuinely so. Jesus’ warning about wolves in sheep’s clothing serves as a reminder to be cautious and to test the spirits (1 John 4:1).
At the same time, Precious’ comments were responded to, providing an alternative perspective on the history of Christianity and its spread to Africa. This response highlighted the complex and multifaceted nature of history, encouraging a nuanced understanding of the past and its ongoing impact.
The discussion underscores the importance of engaging with different perspectives and seeking truth, while also prioritizing love, compassion, and understanding. By doing so, believers can strive to live out their faith in authentic and meaningful ways.
The Complex History of Christianity in Africa
Christianity has a rich and complex history in Africa, dating back to the earliest days of the faith. Ethiopian Christianity, in particular, has a long and storied tradition, with roots that predate the Roman Empire’s declaration of Christianity as its official religion in the 4th century.
Early Christianity in Africa
Africa was one of the first continents to receive the message of Christianity. The Ethiopian eunuch, mentioned in Acts 8:26-40, is considered one of the earliest African converts to Christianity. Christianity spread throughout North Africa, with communities thriving in Egypt, Nubia, and Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Christianity, specifically, has a unique history. According to tradition, Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the 1st century by Philip, one of Jesus’ apostles. The kingdom of Aksum, a powerful empire in present-day Ethiopia, adopted Christianity as its official religion in the 4th century, making it one of the earliest Christian nations in the world.
Western Involvement and Imperialism
Unfortunately, the history of Christianity in Africa is also marked by Western involvement and imperialism. European powers, such as Portugal, Spain, and Britain, used Christianity as a tool to justify their exploitation and colonization of African nations.
The West’s involvement in Africa was primarily driven by imperialist interests, with evangelism playing a secondary role. Christianity was used to enforce Western moral frameworks, impose cultural norms, and extract resources from African nations. This led to the suppression of traditional African cultures and the imposition of Western values.
Legacy of Imperialism
The legacy of Western imperialism continues to impact Africa today. The exploitation of African resources, the disruption of traditional cultures, and the imposition of Western values have had lasting effects on the continent.
However, it’s also important to recognize the resilience and agency of African Christians, who have maintained their faith and traditions despite centuries of colonialism and oppression.
Reclaiming African Christianity
Today, there is a growing movement to reclaim African Christianity, emphasizing its unique traditions and histories. This involves recognizing the contributions of African Christians to the global church and promoting contextualized expressions of faith.
By acknowledging the complex history of Christianity in Africa, we can work towards a more nuanced understanding of the faith and its role in shaping African cultures and societies.
The Legacy of Western Imperialism in Africa
The West’s adventure in Africa, driven by imperialist interests, led to the creation of a racial hierarchy that has had a profound and lasting impact on the continent. The exploitation and domination of African nations by Western powers have left deep scars, perpetuating inequality and injustice.
Creation of a Racial Hierarchy
Western imperialism created a racial hierarchy that positioned Europeans as superior to Africans. This ideology was used to justify the exploitation of African resources, the suppression of traditional cultures, and the imposition of Western values. The notion of “white supremacy” was used to legitimize the subjugation of African peoples, perpetuating racist stereotypes and attitudes that persist today.
Exploitation and Domination
The West’s exploitation of African resources has been a key driver of their economic prosperity. Africa has been a source of cheap labor, natural resources, and markets for Western goods. The Transatlantic Slave Trade, colonialism, and neocolonialism have all contributed to the extraction of wealth from Africa, leaving the continent impoverished and underdeveloped.
Ongoing Impact
The impact of Western imperialism is still visible today. Many African nations continue to struggle with the legacies of colonialism, including arbitrary borders, corrupt institutions, and economic dependency. The global economic system, shaped by Western interests, perpetuates inequality and limits Africa’s potential for development.
Waning Credibility and Legitimacy
The West’s credibility and legitimacy are waning, as their actions are being scrutinized and challenged. The hypocrisy of Western powers, who claim to promote democracy and human rights while supporting authoritarian regimes and exploiting African resources, is increasingly apparent.
African nations and leaders are asserting their agency and demanding a more equitable global order. The rise of new economic powers, such as China, is also shifting the global balance, providing Africa with alternative partners and opportunities.
Towards a More Equitable Future
To move forward, the West must acknowledge and confront its past wrongs, rather than perpetuating a narrative of benevolence and superiority. This involves recognizing the ongoing impact of imperialism, listening to African voices, and supporting genuine partnership and cooperation.
By doing so, we can work towards a more equitable future, where African nations are respected and empowered to chart their own course. The legacy of Western imperialism can be overcome, but it requires a commitment to justice, equality, and mutual respect.
Rediscovering Authentic Worship: A Call to Understand God Personally
In a world where Christianity has been shaped by Western interpretations and traditions, it’s imperative to recognize the importance of understanding God personally. Rather than relying on imposed frameworks and symbols, believers must seek to worship God in truth and spirit (John 4:24).
The diversity of expression in early Christianity, preserved in Ethiopian culture and tradition, testifies to the multifaceted nature of faith and worship. The early Church of Jesus Christ was characterized by a rich tapestry of expressions, with different communities worshiping and serving God in unique ways.
However, this diversity was disrupted by the Roman Empire’s establishment of standardized doctrines and practices. The brutal enforcement of these standards led to the suppression of alternative expressions of faith, resulting in a loss of authenticity and vitality.
The survival of Ethiopian Christianity, despite centuries of pressure to conform, feels like a divine gift to the Body of Christ today. It reminds us that there are many ways to express faith and worship, as long as we do it in truth and spirit.
Ethiopian Christianity has preserved ancient traditions, such as the use of the Ge’ez language in liturgy and the celebration of unique festivals like Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year). These practices demonstrate the richness and diversity of early Christianity, challenging the notion that there is only one “right” way to worship.
As believers, we must recognize the limitations of human interpretations and seek to understand God personally. This involves embracing the diversity of expressions within Christianity and acknowledging the value of different cultural and traditional contexts.
By doing so, we can rediscover authentic worship, unencumbered by the baggage of Western imperialism and cultural impositions. We can worship God in truth and spirit, embracing the freedom and diversity that Christ intended for His Church.
The survival of Ethiopian Christianity serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring diverse expressions of faith. May we learn from this ancient tradition and strive to create space for authentic worship, where believers can encounter God in meaningful and transformative ways.
A Call to Awakening and Discernment: Embracing Authentic Worship
In a world where Christianity has been shaped by Western interpretations and cultural norms, a call to awakening and discernment is imperative. Believers are encouraged to seek a genuine understanding of God, free from the influence of Western caricatures and flawed narratives.
The goal is not to simply adopt a new set of rules or traditions, but to worship God authentically, in spirit and truth (John 4:24). This requires a willingness to question assumptions, challenge dominant narratives, and seek a deeper understanding of God’s character and nature.
The Need for Discernment
Discernment is a crucial aspect of the Christian journey, enabling believers to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and to navigate the complexities of faith in a rapidly changing world. The Bible warns us to “test everything, and hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), and to “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
In a context where Western Christianity has often been complicit in systems of oppression and injustice, discernment is essential for identifying and challenging flawed narratives. By seeking a genuine understanding of God, believers can break free from the limitations of cultural and traditional frameworks, and worship God in a way that is authentic and meaningful.
Breaking Free from Western Caricatures
Western Christianity has often been characterized by a narrow and distorted view of God, emphasizing punishment and judgment over love and mercy. This caricature has been used to justify oppression, colonialism, and racism, and has contributed to a widespread perception of God as distant and uncaring.
To break free from these Western caricatures, believers must seek a more nuanced and biblical understanding of God’s nature. This involves embracing the complexity and mystery of God’s character, andrecognizing the diversity of expressions and experiences within the Christian tradition.
Embracing Authentic Worship
Authentic worship is not about adopting a particular style or tradition, but about seeking a genuine encounter with God. It involves embracing the full range of human experience, including joy and sorrow, hope and despair, and offering these to God in a spirit of surrender and trust.
As believers seek to worship God authentically, they must be willing to challenge dominant narratives and cultural norms, and to seek a more just and equitable world. This involves embracing the prophetic tradition of the Bible, which speaks out against injustice and oppression, and advocating for the rights and dignity of all people.
A Call to Awakening
The call to awakening and discernment is a call to a deeper level of faith and commitment. It requires believers to be willing to question assumptions, challenge dominant narratives, and seek a genuine understanding of God.
As believers respond to this call, they will discover a more authentic and vibrant faith, one that is characterized by love, justice, and compassion. They will be empowered to worship God in spirit and truth, and to live out their faith in a way that is meaningful and transformative.
Will you answer the call to awakening and discernment?
Concluding Remarks
As we conclude our discussion on discernment in Christianity, it’s clear that the journey of faith is complex and multifaceted. We’ve explored the importance of discernment, the complex history of Christianity in Africa, and the need to reclaim authentic worship.
The conversation began with Precious’ comments on the importance of discernment, referencing Jesus’ warning about wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). This was followed by a response highlighting the complex history of Christianity in Africa, and the impact of Western imperialism on the continent.
We’ve seen how Western Christianity has often been characterized by a narrow and distorted view of God, emphasizing punishment and judgment over love and mercy. We’ve also explored the importance of embracing authentic worship, recognizing the diversity of expressions within Christianity, and seeking a genuine understanding of God.
As believers, we’re called to a deeper level of faith and commitment. We must be willing to question assumptions, challenge dominant narratives, and seek a genuine understanding of God. This involves embracing the prophetic tradition of the Bible, speaking out against injustice and oppression, and advocating for the rights and dignity of all people.
May we strive to worship God in spirit and truth, embracing the freedom and diversity that Christ intended for His Church. May we be agents of transformation, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International is focused on empowering believers to embrace a grace-driven life of holiness and obedience, passionately pursuing a deeper relationship with God within the boundaries of His sovereignty, and reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives. He is retired professor at Johns Hopkins University, member of 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
