When Christian leaders and Christian media said the politically correct thing about Nelson Mandela’s Christian legacy. The Hypocrisy of charisma Magazine, Christian post and Christians today on Madiba’s Christianity .

 

 Former South African President Nelson Mandela died Thursday. He is pictured at a hotel in central London in this photo from June 24, 2008. (Reuters/Dylan Martinez )

First read:

Death of Nelson Mandela Proves the truth of God’s word: ….that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2013/12/death-of-nelson-mandela-proves-truth-of.html  

Nelson Mendela: A sinner who refused salvation: A sinner whose good works do not lead to heaven: South African Missionary Cautions Against New Film Praising Life of Nelson Mandela: Ignored by the media: Mandela signed one of the most pro-abortion laws ever

http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2013/12/nelson-mendela-sinner-who-refused.html  

George O. Wood: Nelson Mandela Represented Christian Virtues 

http://www.charismanews.com/us/42017-george-o-wood-nelson-mandela-represented-christian-virtues

4:30PM EST 12/6/2013 AG News

 

  Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela—the South African statesmen, Nobel Peace Prize winner and the nation's first black president who became renowned for leading South Africa out of the bonds of apartheid—passed away Thursday. He was 95.

Mandela, often referred to as "Madiba" (his clan name) in South Africa, spent nearly three decades of his life as a political prisoner and was admired throughout the world for his passion to seek unity rather than revenge.

Do you remember when the media glorified the late Princess Diana almost as a goddess?
 

"Nelson Mandela represented the Christian virtues of love instead of hate, reconciliation instead of enmity, and forgiveness instead of bitterness," says George O. Wood, Assemblies of God general superintendent.
"Unjustly imprisoned for 27 years, he stepped into national leadership of South Africa and brought healing and hope. We express our heartfelt condolences to the people of South Africa and also to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ of the International Assemblies of God and Assemblies of God of South Africa, led respectively by Dr. Gordon Lebelo and Dr. Peter Watt."

 

 

Do you remember when the media glorified the catholic mother Teresa as if salvation of works?

Greg Johns, South Africa area director for AG World Missions, expressed condolences on behalf of the Assemblies of God USA to the faculty and staff of the Global School of Theology in Cape Town. Johns says that in many ways the school represents what Mandela stood for, as it's composed of every racial group—African, English, Afrikaner, Coloured (mixed races) and Indian, in addition to many international students.
"The feelings and thoughts expressed by all seemed to come back to the difference one life can make if lived by the right principles and values," Johns says. "They all loved Tata [Father] Mandela deeply—white and black alike."

This Sunday has been declared a national day of prayer and reflection in South Africa by President Jacob Zuma. Zuma has encouraged all South Africans to gather in places of worship, conduct prayer services and reflect on the life of Mandela.

The humanitarian work Mandela was famed for will be carried on by his three organizations: the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
Mandela, who received the name "Nelson" from a preschool teacher, will be buried in a state funeral on Sunday, Dec. 15, in his ancestral hometown of Qunu in the Eastern Cape province.

  Do you remember when the media glorified Late Michael Jackson???

MAY MICHAEL JACKSON’S SOUL REST IN PEACE: OH REALLY!!!

http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2009/06/may-michael-jacksons-soul-rest-in-peace.html  

 

Nelson Mandela and his faith

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/nelson.mandela.and.his.faith/34956.htm  

Published 06 December 2013  |  Michael Trimmer

(AP)

A framed portrait of former president Nelson Mandela and flowers are placed outside Mandela's Johannesburg home Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 after the freedom fighter passed away Thursday night after a long illness.

One of Nelson Mandela's famous quotes was also an expression of a deeply Christian idea - "until I changed myself, I could not change others". That expression of being born again, the need for internal revival before one can lead others to their own change, was just one of many expressions of faith Nelson Mandela shared throughout his life.

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Although it is almost universally agreed that he was a Christian, his exact denominational allegiances remain a source of discussion. While some have suggested that he was a Jehovah's Witness, as his first wife, his sister, and many relatives around him identified as such, most believe he was a Methodist. He attended a Methodist church school growing up, and was baptised in a small Methodist stone church in the Eastern Cape village of Qunu.

In his autobiography, "The Long Walk to Freedom" he talked of his early experiences with Christianity, praising its engagements with the society around him: "The Church was as concerned with this world as the next: I saw that virtually all of the achievements of Africans seemed to have come about through the missionary work of the Church."

Consequently, while attending the University of Fort Hare, an elite black university in Alice, Eastern Cape, Mandela became a member of the Students Christian Association and taught Bible classes on Sundays in nearby villages.

Among other factors, it was Mandela's Christianity that steered him away from Communism and the class struggle that was spreading into South Africa in the 1940s. Despite befriending Gaur Redebe and Nat Bregman, prominent Xhosa and Jewish South African communists, he could not reconcile communism's atheistic attitudes with his Christian faith. Also, he felt that the idea of class struggle was misleading, and that South Africa's problems were primarily racial in origin. Although he was impressed that the local communist party saw Europeans, Africans, Indians, and those of mixed heritage all mixing equally, he clearly believed there was another way to go.

It is likely that Mandela's Christian faith influenced his strategy during the more militant portion of his protest against the government, when he co-founded the armed resistance group Umkhonto we Sizwe, or "Spear of the Nation" in English. The targets Mandela chose, and the way in which the group timed its attacks, was a clear message that he intended to target the government, not the civilians it claimed to serve.

Rather than bombing densely populated areas, Mandela instead chose to organise acts of sabotage, the first target being an electricity substation. Later attacks would focus on things like the burning of crops, destruction of government offices, damaging government owned factory machines, and blowing up telephone lines. All of this was done at night, so as to avoid civilian casualties. Although Mandela considered that terrorism might be necessary, he did not want to resort to it until other routes had failed.

During his imprisonment on Robben Island, he continued to attend Sunday services, but also took classes on Islam, in what he called "the University of Robben Island". Prisoners would lecture on their subjects of expertise, and Mandela frequently listened to what other students had to say about communism, Islam, and many other subjects. This led to many impassioned debates, but ultimately they equipped him with a greater level of understanding. He also learned to speak Afrikaans in the hope that he could reach out to the guards and convert them to his cause.

At the moment of his release, Mandela once again remembered the importance of internal renewal ahead of external change. "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison."

Upon his liberation, Mandela took opportunities to speak at substantial Christian events. Two of these were the Zionist Christian Church's Easter Conferences, once in 1992 and again in 1994. In the latter of these conferences he shared the following:

"The Good News borne by our risen Messiah who chose not one race, who chose not one country, who chose not one language, who chose not one tribe, who chose all of humankind!
"Each Easter marks the rebirth of our faith. It marks the victory of our risen Saviour over the torture of the cross and the grave.

"Our Messiah, who came to us in the form of a mortal man, but who by his suffering and crucifixion attained immortality.

"Our Messiah, born like an outcast in a stable, and executed like criminal on the cross.
"Our Messiah, whose life bears testimony to the truth that there is no shame in poverty: Those who should be ashamed are they who impoverish others.

"Whose life testifies to the truth that there is no shame in being persecuted: Those who should be ashamed are they who persecute others.

"Whose life proclaims the truth that there is no shame in being conquered: Those who should be ashamed are they who conquer others.

"Whose life testifies to the truth that there is no shame in being dispossessed: Those who should be ashamed are they who dispossess others.

"Whose life testifies to the truth that there is no shame in being oppressed: Those who should be ashamed are they who oppress others."

As South Africa's president, Mandela addressed the 8th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1998. In his address, he praised the effort of churches in South Africa to end apartheid, and paid tribute to missionaries for bringing high standards of education to Africa from which he benefitted as a child.

"You have to have been in an apartheid prison in South Africa to appreciate the further importance of the church," he told the Assembly.

"They tried to isolate us completely from the outside. Our relatives could see us only once every six months. The link was religious organisations, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and members of the Jewish faith. They were the faithful who inspired us."

He added, "The WCC's support exemplified in the most concrete way the contribution that religion made to our liberation."

Although he clearly was a passionate believer, religion was not something he spoke about publically on many occasions. Given the situation, he was aware that speaking too zealously and too regularly about his religious beliefs could cause partisan division at a time when unity in South Africa was so important.

In his 1994 autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom", he said: "No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
He may not have put his faith into so many words, but this mattered little as it was his often simple and humble gestures that so powerfully and clearly conveyed what it was he believed. The words of Francis of Assisi come to mind: "Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words."

(AP/Ross Setford)

South African rugby captain Francois Pienaar, right, receives the Rugby World Cup trophy from President Nelson Mandela, left, who wears a South African rugby shirt, after South Africa defeated New Zealand in Johannesburg, in this June 1995 photo.

An unforgettable witness to his message of reconciliation came in 1995, when Mandela rallied both blacks and whites to support the Springbok rugby team in the Rugby World Cup. The team had been such a strong symbol of white authority during the apartheid years and it was loathed by black South Africans, who would lend their support to the opposing team.

When the Springboks reached the finals against New Zealand, it was a heart stopping moment when Mandela walked onto the pitch wearing the green Springbok rugby shirt and cap, and shook the hands of the mostly white team.

In the end, it was a stunning victory for South Africa in more ways than winning the Cup. Barriers spanning decades were melted in an instant when black South Africans watching the game on TV heard the largely white crowd in the stadium shout "Nelson", "Nelson".

Not surprisingly, one of the most iconic images in South African and sporting history is that of Mandela presenting Springbok captain Francois Pienaar with the Cup.

Pienaar later recalled their exchange of words in that moment as follows: "He said to me 'Thank you for what you have done for South Africa. I said to him, 'No, Madiba, you've got it wrong. Thank you for what you've done for South Africa.' And I felt like hugging him."

It's clear from these very "human" moments he shared with others, that for Mandela, faith was very much a "doing word", with respect and a desire to always bridge the gap to the other at its heart.
On 10 May 1994, Mandela ended his inaugural presidential speech in Pretoria with "God bless Africa!".
While the words "God bless" are so often carelessly thrown around, it's different when they come from a man as deliberate with his words as Mandela, who had a genuine faith and was so careful to live out everything that he spoke.

As the people of South Africa learn to live without their beloved Madiba in their midst, may God indeed answer that call.

 

Christian Leaders Pay Tribute to Nelson Mandela: 'The World Has Lost a Great Leader'

http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-leaders-pay-tribute-to-nelson-mandela-the-world-has-lost-a-great-leader-110212/    

By Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter

December 6, 2013|10:07 am

Christian leaders have expressed their sentiments of remembrance and sorrow at the news of the death of South African human rights activist and racial pioneer Nelson Mandela.
Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary-general of the World Evangelical Alliance, said in a statement that "the world has lost a great leader."

"Nelson Mandela was a model of courage, vision and personal sacrifice. Today more than ever we need this kind of leadership," said Tunnicliffe.

"May the memory of Nelson Mandela inspire a new generation of such leaders around the world."
The Rev. Aiah Foday-Khabenje, the general secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa stated condolences for Mandela, also known by his clan name, Madiba.

"The life of Madiba is yet another proof and reminder about the origin, nature and commonality of the human species; created in the image of God with ability to reflect some of God's attributes though vainly because of finitude, fallenness with feet of clay; regardless of race or geographical location," said Foday-Khabenje.

A well-wisher writes a message on a poster of Nelson Mandela on which she and others have written their messages of condolence and support, in the street outside his old house in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Flags were lowered to half-staff and people in black townships, in upscale mostly white suburbs and in South Africa's vast rural grasslands commemorated Nelson Mandela with song, tears and prayers on Friday while pledging to adhere to the values of unity and democracy that he embodied.

"Heartfelt condolences to immediate family members and the people of South Africa. May his exemplary leadership inspire African leaders."

Born during World War I, Mandela grew up to become a human rights activist strongly opposed to the racial caste system of Apartheid South Africa.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his efforts, yet became a powerful symbol for racial equality. In 1990 he was released, and in 1993 he earned the Nobel Peace Prize. Mandela served as the first black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

"President Nelson Mandela paid a heavy price to stand against apartheid while campaigning for human justice and human dignity. His message still resonates though his weary, battle worn body has gone the way of those gone before him," stated Alveda King, niece of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

"Long may we remember his courage, his fortitude and his gentle smile; none of which were ever tarnished during the years of his battles, oppression, incarceration, and the restorative years following his release."
Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) said in a statement that "Mandela's life embodied the idea of prophetic activism with an unquenchable thirst for justice."

"His struggle for equality brought down one of the final strongholds of segregation and subsequently empowered an entire continent to overcome by doing justice and loving mercy," continued Rodriguez.
"His life inspired us while his humble demeanor will continue to move us toward a more just and loving world."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu thanks God for 'the gift of Madiba'

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/archbishop.desmond.tutu.thanks.god.for.the.gift.of.madiba/34964.htm  

Published 06 December 2013  |  Susie Turner

(AP)

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, right, leads a prayer service in memory of former South African president Nelson Mandela, at St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, December 6, 2013.

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Archbishop Desmond Tutu has led a special service in Cape Town today in memory of his close friend, the late Nelson Mandela.

The service at St George's Cathedral was also joined by the current Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba.

Flags are flying at half mast across South Africa in honour of the nation's first black president, who passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 95 after a long period of ill health.

During the prayer service at St George's Cathedral, Archbishop Tutu appealed to South Africans to adhere to Mandela's values of "unity and democracy".
"God, thank you for the gift of Madiba," he said.

Speaking to the media later in the day, Archbishop Tutu asked: "What's going to happen to us? Now that our father has died?

"Some have suggested that after he is gone, as he is gone, our country is going to go up in flames - this is I think to discredit us, South Africans, to discredit his legacy."

The Archbishop said South Africa had "amazed the world" because of Mandela and the end he brought to apartheid.

"The sun will rise tomorrow. It will not be as bright as yesterday. But life will carry on," he said.
"God is asking South Africans, please become what you are, show the world we are members of one family. We belong together."

South Africa is marking 10 days of mourning before Mandela's state funeral is held in Quino, the village where he grew up, on December 15.

Before that, on December 10, tens of thousands of people are expected to attend a memorial service at Cape Town's FNB Stadium, where Mandela made his last public appearance at the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup.

Nelson Mandela 'will inspire generations', says Pope

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/nelson.mandela.will.inspire.generations.says.pope/34960.htm  

Published 06 December 2013  |  Susie Turner

(AP)

A pedestrian walks beneath two giant portraits outside the City Hall in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, June 24, 2013 where on the balcony former South Africa president Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after being released from 27 years of imprisonment.

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Pope Francis has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela and the sacrifice he made to build a new South Africa with reconciliation and truth at its heart.

The anti-apartheid hero and South Africa's first black president died on Thursday night at the age of 95.
In a telegram to South African President Jacob Zuma, the Pope extended his "prayerful condolences" to members of the Mandela family and the people of South Africa.

Pope Francis praised Mandela's "steadfast commitment" to promoting human dignity of all South Africans and "in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth".
Other Church leaders have also paid tribute to Mandela.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu said: "God was so good to us in South Africa by giving us Nelson Mandela to be our President at a crucial moment in our history. He inspired us to walk the path of forgiveness and reconciliation and so South Africa did not go up in flames. Thank you God, for this wonderful gift who became a moral colossus, a global icon of forgiveness and reconciliation. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby said Mandela challenged the world to "show the same degree of humanity, of courage and of generosity".

"Nelson Mandela, fighting to the end, is freed to be with his God in joy and reward for his great service and sacrifice," he said.

Neville Callam, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, said the world had lost "a remarkable emancipator".

"Let us take time to ponder the legacy of this great world leader and let us be prepared, whatever the cost, to devote our lives to loving our neighbours, forgiving our enemies, and pursuing all that makes for justice and peace in our communities."

Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, Secretary-General of the World Evangelical Alliance praised Mandela as a "model of courage, vision and personal sacrifice".

"Today more than ever we need this kind of leadership. May the memory of Nelson Mandela inspire a new generation of such leaders around the world," he said.

Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches, called Nelson Mandela a leader with hard-won wisdom and maturity unparalleled in our time and said Mandela's life had been a gift to South Africa and the whole world.

"He will be recalled as the leader who acted to unify a nation once deliberately divided along the lines of race," he said.

"I am convinced that it is entirely accurate to say of him that his name 'will live beyond the grave and down the centuries.' Indeed, as is said in the Orthodox tradition of Christianity: May his memory be eternal!"

Nelson Mandela's death: Christian reactions

A round-up of the latest reactions from Christian leaders and organisations

(AP)

A framed portrait of former president Nelson Mandela and flowers are placed outside Mandela's Johannesburg home Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 after the freedom fighter passed away Thursday night after a long illness.

 

 

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Reverend Moss Ntlha, General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa said: "Madiba is considered by many as the father of the nation. He modelled firm confrontation with evil and injustice, and magnanimity in his triumph over those who sought his destruction. His passing calls to mind the prophetic tradition of Micah that says: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)."

Reverend Aiah Foday-Khabenje, the General Secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, said: "The life of Madiba is yet another proof and reminder about the origin, nature and commonality of the human species; created in the image of God with ability to reflect some of God's attributes though vainly because of finitude, fallenness with feet of clay; regardless of race or geographical location. Heartfelt condolences to immediate family members and the people of South Africa. May his exemplary leadership inspire African leaders"

In a telegram to South African President Jacob Zuma, Pope Francis praised "the steadfast commitment shown by Nelson Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all the nation's citizens and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth".
"I pray that the late president's example will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations," he said.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, has offered his prayers for friends and family, as well as the nation of South Africa.
"The death of President Nelson Mandela was announced in memorable words by president Zuma. South Africa has lost its greatest citizen and its father. Nelson Mandela, fighting to the end, is freed to be with his God in joy and reward for his great service and sacrifice. We pray for his family, for his friends and for his country. We are challenged to show the same degree of humanity, of courage and of generosity."

The Right Reverend Lorna Hood, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said: "Nelson Mandela was a towering figure of the 20th century whose strength, courage and determination are only matched by his grace and ability to forgive.
" He will forever be remembered not only for the end of apartheid in South Africa but the manner in which the change was accomplished.
"Emerging from prison after 27-years in Robben Island, without bitterness or a call for revenge, he led by example believing that the only hope for his country was the reconciliation of all people regardless of their colour or creed.
 "Nelson Mandela is the epitome of a man who has never given up hope but believes wholeheartedly that no injustice can last forever and that evil will not have the last word."

The Reverend Ruth Gee, President of the Methodist Conference, said: "Nelson Mandela is regarded as one of the fathers of Africa. His persistent way of standing up for justice has inspired Africans and the world at large. As a leader, one of his most impressive attributes was his emphasis on peace and reconciliation in the post-apartheid regime.

"Nelson Mandela attended Methodist missionary schools during his formative years. His understanding of Christian values was reflected in his passion for social justice. Representatives from the Methodist Church in Britain who were fortunate to meet Mandela have spoken about him with admiration: he was a welcoming, gracious and charismatic leader of exceptional ability who did not hold any bitterness about what had happened to him. During the years of his imprisonment on Robben Island, Mandela was visited by a Methodist chaplain. He will always remain loved and honoured in our hearts."

Roy Crowder was the Africa Secretary for the Methodist Church in Britain from 1999 to 2009. He lived in Cape Town from 1983 to 1999, where he worked as a lecturer at University of the Western Cape, and met Nelson Mandela three times.
He said: "As the crisis in South Africa deepened in the late eighties it became clear that Government was negotiating with the ANC. The newspapers still could not print Nelson Mandela's picture but they discussed his future role intensely. No one could have lived up to the expectations that were built up in that frantic period. But miraculously Mandela did! He grew to be the global political leader without feet of clay, which was exactly what his supporters had projected during the Free Mandela campaign. He even risked alienating those supporters by donning the Springbok rugby jersey and having tea with Betsie Verwoerd, the widow of man who jailed him. Such iconic actions instilled a spirit of unity into the politics of a tragically divided country."

World Vision International President Kevin Jenkins said Nelson Mandela will always be an "inspiration" for those involved in humanitarian work.
"Mandela was probably the greatest leader of our age, a tireless, fearless advocate for the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our world, particularly children. He believed in justice, and wasn't afraid to do what
he thought it would take to achieve it.
"Mandela's death is, of course, most keenly felt in his home country, and we join with South Africans in sending our condolences to his family, and in mourning his loss.
"Many of the children we work with, and our staff, have life-changing stories to tell of meeting Madiba over the years. All talk of his great compassion, and his tireless commitment to seeking justice and change."
"He knew when to get his hands dirty and when to be diplomatic. He made the world better for countless millions of children. What better legacy is there than that?"


Christian Aid Chief executive Loretta Minghella described the late leader as a "man whose strength of vision founded a nation".
"The sufferings and injustices inflicted by apartheid could so easily have led to a reckoning in blood when majority rule was introduced.

"The fact that South Africa's transition from pariah state to independent nation took place in relative peace was largely down to the magnanimity and moral courage of Mr Mandela.
"His readiness to eschew revenge after 27 years in prison was an example to all. His calm and restraint showed the people, not just of South Africa but the world, that justice and tolerance can prevail over fear and oppression.

"He was that rare creature, a person of immense power who used his energies and influence for the good of all. He will be sorely missed."

Steve Clifford, general director of the Evangelical Alliance: "We are sad to hear of the death of this great man, whose tireless dedication to equality and the dignity of all human persons has been inspirational over the decades.

"As evangelical Christians we believe that all are equal in the sight of God, that Jesus is good news for all members of all societies, everywhere. Our prayer is that Nelson Mandela's legacy will not be forgotten and that we will, together, continue to fight for justice, peace and hope locally, nationally and globally."

Dr Dave Landrum, director of advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance, said: "Nelson Mandela stands out among world politicians because, although he suffered greatly for justice, he never forgot mercy.
 

 Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, Secretary-General of the World Evangelical Alliance said: "The world has lost a great leader. Nelson Mandela was a model of courage, vision and personal sacrifice. Today more than ever we need this kind of leadership. May the memory of Nelson Mandela inspire a new generation of such leaders around the world."

Dr Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference said: "Nelson Mandela's life embodied the idea of prophetic activism with an unquenchable thirst for justice. His struggle for equality brought down one of the final strongholds of segregation and subsequently empowered an entire continent to overcome by doing justice and loving mercy. His life inspired us while his humble demeanor will continue to move us towards a more just and loving world."