Train Journey

"…walk on the road God called you to travel…you are all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction…but that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same…"

Ephesians 4:2-7 (The Message)

Sometimes on my many trips to University, I try and catch up on my reading as I sit on the train. I resist the pleasure of gazing out of the window at the English countryside which I always find restful after hectic days. Or I sacrificially leave my CD player or DAB radio in the depths of my bag to permit a few minutes of "serious academic study" as my tutor kindly calls it. Forgoing my reggae and hip hop CDs or 1xtra (Britain’s only national black radio station) I became engrossed in several articles within two academic publications; the international journal, "Black Theology" and the Journal of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Sexuality - "Theology and Sexuality"– both edited by local black and white theologians respectively.

When I boarded the train and found my reserved place, I was grateful to see I had a table seat for four persons, instead of the usual "aircraft-style" two seater with pull down trays. So I spread out my reading materials, with pencil for noting relevant points and began my study. During the journey, around about me, people came, sat and went. I occasionally surfaced for air and gazed around. On more than one occasion I observed interested eyes glancing at my journals. I also noticed an unusual sight – a person of European descent reading the contemporary translation of the Bible – The Message. Having grown accustomed to seeing people of African descent engrossed in Bible study in various public places, this "never before seen" event, raised one of my eyebrows!

Soon my table was encircled by three others; two identifying as male and one as female; all visually appearing to be of European descent. I gathered my journals and pencil into my "space"’ and continued reading. Later, for momentary reflection and mental relaxation, I laid down a journal, adjacent the other on the table and gazed unfocussed into thin air. The man opposite deliberately caught my eye, nodded in the direction of my journals and commented on how interesting they looked. Then the person beside him, asked if he could read one. I consented, wondering which it would be – sexuality or blackness? He picked up the Journal of Black Theology and turned to the exact article I had been reading –"Issues in African Liberation Theology". He then spent a considerable amount of time going through the thesis that outlined the origins, diversity and issues of ALT, including a serious discussion on colonialism and its effects. This included the domination and "subsequent deliverance" of Africans from foreign invaders; the resulting physical and mental poverty during the post colonial era and the neo-colonial exploitation of Africa’s natural and human resources by "globalization" through "transnational companies". The author emphasized the importance of female voices and a genuine concern for the environment as being a significant part of how liberative belief systems should be inclusive, that is, of how religion should embrace African Womanist Theology and Eco-Theology. My journal borrower seemed engrossed and impressed me considerable when he produced a Bible from his briefcase! I knew he was reading the paragraph referring to John 1:14 – "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" - I realised that lightening can strike twice in the same place.

At one point, Tom asked for clarification on the meaning of words, such as "hermeneutics" (interpretations) and related his understanding of theology to the traditional founding fathers of Christianity, like Augustine and Tertullian for example (both Africans and of the classical theological school) mentioned in the text. Other passengers joined the conversation or merely listened. I was grateful that he had not chosen the Journal of Theology and Sexuality to browse through, as public discussion may have been problematic. Though I wondered how I would have handled an open discussion on the train, on articles such as; "Queering Black Homophobia; Black Theology as a sexual discourse of transformation" or the controversial - "Proleptic Sexual Love; God’s promiscuity reflected in Christian polyamory"…I thanked God, that he had chosen an article, capable of public discussion and that did not alienate or embarrass the descendants of the colonial powers but enabled dialogue!

I left the train with a spring in my step. I had revised my view of Bibles in public spaces and people of European descent. I was pleased at being able to discuss an academic piece with "regular" people that encouraged understanding and debate. But even more so, I realised how easy it is, to inadvertently, not be as "inclusive" as one would like to be. Making assumptions based on appearance, is very easily done and very easily avoided. In a society of isms, whether it’s; racism, sexism, classism, ableism, ageism, sizeism, beliefism - whatever next we may invent to identify a pre-judging view, that disadvantages others, being able to ‘repent’ – i.e. thinking differently, changing one’s mind and conduct for the better - is an act of self liberation.

We are glorious in our diversity and in how we reflect the multiple images of God. We are to "put no confidence or dependence on what we are in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearance"’ (Philippians 3:3 Amp). Never forgot that "God does not show favouritism" (Romans 2:11 NIV) So when you feel oppressed or are placed in a position of disadvantage, please remember that may not be where God wants you to be.

"…The Lord is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1 NIV)

As you journey on the Way, be assured that you are called to be, all that you can be, through the Holy Spirit of God, who empowers you.

Be thankful of your difference…

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