PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND CASTE SYSTEM
Devotional Text: Col. 3:9-11
Introduction:
According to Wikipedia, caste (system) is a
form of social stratification (or class structure) characaterised by hereditary
transmission of a lifestyle which often includes an occupation, status in a
hierarchy and customary social interaction and exclusion. The caste system is
widely practiced in various forms in most societies of the world. But, for the
purpose of this lesson, the focus will be on caste system among the Igbo of
Nigeria, especially; Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo, and Delta states,
where the Osu Caste system has been, and remains a big social problem. The Osu
Caste, in the cited areas, is determined by one’s birth into a particular
family, irrespective of the religion practiced by the individual. One born into
the Osu Caste is automatically branded an outcast, and in view of this, the
individual is shunned and ostracized with limited opportunities or acceptance
regardless of his ability or merit. This is biblically wrong and should be
stopped in keeping with the concept of the brotherhood of all mankind.
GENERAL REMARKS
(1)
In Christ,
there is no tribal discrimination against anybody, thus the Bible says, there
is no Greek nor Jew, (Col. 3:11)
(2)
Equally, in
Christ, there is no religious discrimination against anyone, thus, it
recognises no one as circumcise
nor
uncircumcised, (vs. 11).
(3)
In Christ,
also, there is no social discrimination against any individual, thus, it does
not see anyone
as
Barbarian nor Scythian, (vs.11)
(4)
Finally, in
Christ, no one is regarded as slave, since it says, there is no bond nor free,
(vs.11)
BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND THE
STRUCTURE OF CASTE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA
In this lesson, it has already been indicated
that the teaching will concentrate on caste system in Nigeria, as practiced in
the Igbo communities of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo and Delta
states. However, the drive here is to draw attention to the complete menu of
the caste system in the cited areas, since the Osu Caste is about the only one
often in focus. But, there are three layers in the caste system of Nigeria,
namely; the “Diala”, the “Osu” and the “Ume” classes. In this social order, the
Diala Class is believed to be the only “good stuff”, since by this demonic
tradition, it offered the Osu Class to the gods of the land, as the Osu Class
became responsible for the offering of
the Ume Class to the same or similar gods of the land. Thus, the Osu Class
is regarded as outcasts and slaves of the Diala Class, while the Ume Class are seen
as those of the Osu Class, and so, the “slaves of slaves”. This demonic social
order, the Bible is strictly against, as it impresses that;
(i)
no religious
segregation should exist in the Body of Christ, (Col. 3:9-11)
(ii)
tribal
distinction should equally not have a place in the Christian Church, (vs. 9-11)
(iii)
no one
should be regarded as slave or outcast in the House of God, (vs. 9-11)
BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND PROBLEM
ASSOCIATED WITH CASTE SYSTEM IN SOCIETY
The Scripture “let brotherly love continue”
(Heb. 13:1) marks out the identity of the Christian Faith. And, in society, the
Christian should champion the course of love without discrimination. To this end, God’s Word remarks… “Do well to all men”… as the Lord presents the
opportunity, (Gal. 6:10). This shows the nondiscriminatory stance of the
Christian Faith, in love and human relations. But, evidences abound that many
Christians goof in the cited area of practical Christianity. The caste system
is a very serious discriminatory issue in society, which a vast majority of
Christians are guilty of. For, even among Christians are “individuals who
believe they are of the “Diala Class”, and so, have nothing to do with those of
the “Osu” and “Ume” classes, in terms of marriage and other social
interactions. This is a deadly blind spot, since the “Diala Class” is also
demonic, and does not make one a child of God, but that of the “diala
demon”, in whose name the Diala Class is founded. In this connection,
therefore, let it be stressed that those of the;
(i)
“Diala Class”
remain children of the “diala demon” (or the devil) and not
children of God, unless the repent and receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour, (John
1:11-12)
(ii)
“Osu” and “Ume”
classes who have repented and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour are no longer outcasts, (1 Cor. 12:13), but
children of God, (John 1: 11-12)
(iii)
“Diala”
“Osu” and “Ume” classes who refuse to repent are children of the “diala
demon”, “osu demon” and “ume demon”, respectively, and
can never be children of God unless they
repent and embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, (John 1:11-12; 1 Cor.
12:13).
BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND THE
IMPORT OF CASTE SYSTEM INTO THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
By “Biblical Christianity” the writer means
that Christian Faith that is built on the principles of God’s Word, which are
never compromised. God’s Word does not portray anyone who is in Christ as
“Diala” “Osu” or “Ume”. But, regrettably, the Christian Church of toady harbours
a lot of individuals who still believe they are of the “Diala Class” and have
nothing to do with those of the “Osu” or “Ume” castes, even if they are Born Again
Christians. This was how the Apostle Peter viewed the Gentiles until the Lord
rebuked him in a trance, and said… “What God hath cleansed, you should not call
common or unclean,”… (Acts 10:9-16). By this, the lesson in focus submits that;
(i)
Those
Christians who believe they are of the “Diala Class”, and so, have no dealings
with those of
the
“Osu” or “Ume” classes, are really offending God, (vs. 9-16)
(ii)
No Christian
should be discriminated against on the basis of “osu” or “ume” class distinctions, in
marriage
or other social interactions, as such an
attitude is against the Word of God, (vs. 9-16)
(iii) The Christian who believes he is of the “Diala
Class”, and so, have no association with those of the “osu” or “ume” classes
makes himself a child of the “diala demon” or the devil, and not
a child of God, (vs. 9-16)
In conclusion, the caste system, no matter where it is
practiced in the world, is of the devil, and should be condemned and
dismounted. For, before God, all men are equal, and by way of information, the
only thing that makes one an outcast before the Lord God is sin, (Isa. 59:2). PLEASE, REPENT!
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