October 20th, 2008
On a road trip recently, Heather and I listened to A Long Way Gone, Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beahon, on CD–minus the first CD which was missing when we got it from the library. I recommend this book for a glimpse into the horrors and depravity of the world of boy soldiers in Africa. It will open your eyes, and may cause you to feel physically sick. Warning, some of its graphic material would cause many R-rated action movies to reel.
It offers a window into the world of syncretism–the mixing and matching of different parts of multiple religions. In this case it is the mixing of Islam with Anamism.
Here is an example Ishmael gives us: Ishmael has a very good memory, even photographic. His good memory is no accident. It comes from his grandfather who had a special Arabic prayer for good memory. This prayer was written out with chalk in Arabic on a slate. The chalk was then rinsed off the slate and the water collected in a glass. Ishmael then drank the solution giving him great memory, which consequently helped him in school.
It is this type of syncretism that we will be facing in Mozambique.
November 2nd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I also read this book – what a powerful book! I also recommend it. This book did not give me hope for humanity, but was a stark reminder to focus on God – the only source of hope. Great seeing you this week! Love, Brian
December 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am
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