According to a 2001 census, 80% of South Africans view themselves as Christian. Of course, what is considered to make one a Christian differs from person to person.
Some South Africans would say that if you go to church every week you're a Christian, while others will attend church only on Christmas Day, and perhaps over Easter. Yet others would claim that going to church means nothing and that it's your belief that makes you a Christian. A large proportion of black South Africans declare themselves Christian even though their Christian beliefs are often a mixture of Western-style Christianity and traditional African culture, beliefs, and ancestral practices.
It seems to me as though this large Christian contingent is quite a mixed bag of variations on Christianity. If you were to dig your hand in to pull out a Christian, each time you did so you may end up with a Christian who believes something vastly different to the previous Christian you pulled out. :D
deon
It may be illegal to build this church steeple in Switzerland, because it could be considered a minaret, and minarets are outlawed there. It’s amusing how belief systems make people stupid. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minaret_controversy_in_Switzerland
Paul
Post authorThanks for the link Deon. I can’t say that some belief systems necessarily make people stupid, but I can say that some belief systems have interestingly different ideas of reality. If you take an outsiders perspective on the major belief systems of the world you’d swear some times that we’re from different planets. :)
Steve
I don’t really have anything to say on a spiritual level, I just wanted to tell you I really enjoyed the picture – it’s a striking image.
Paul
Post authorThanks Steve. It would seem as though we have a mini-theme going here. :)
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