Shame

 A Shame, A Cry, A Call

It’s a shame—  

That Christ walked the wilderness, hungry and weary,  

Fought the Tempter’s whispers with the Word He carried,  

Yet here they stand, stone in hand,  

Ready to turn it to bread at the serpent’s command.

It’s a shame—  

That Christ bore the cross, love nailed to the tree,  

Yet they wield that wood as a weapon, not a plea.  

The kingdom they seek is built on sand,  

Bow down to power, forget the plan.

It’s a shame—  

That Eve reached for the fruit, her heart misled,  

Believing the lie that God’s better off dead.  

And now they, too, take the serpent’s side,  

Blaming the 'Other' for their wounded pride.

But listen—  

The Word was never written for swords of hate,  

Nor for thrones built on the backs of the desolate.  

It was sung in the streets, lived among the least,  

A table for all, a world of peace.

So rise—  

Shake off the dust, let the foolery fall,  

This is the cry, the battle call.  

Not to conquer, but to heal the divide,  

To see Christ’s face where the weary reside.

It’s not too late—  

To trade stone for bread, hate for grace,  

To find in the stranger the Saviour’s face.  

The cross still stands, the Word still speaks,  

For the poor, the broken, the humble, the meek.

Will they see?  

Or will they wait for the Tempter’s snare,  

Trading the Kingdom for empty air?  

It’s a shame—but there’s hope, still near,  

If hearts will break, and ears will hear.

Prodigal Land

 The Prodigal Return

The story of Wawira’s family and the Kamaus is deeply rooted in Kenya’s troubled history of land ownership, colonial expropriation, and government negligence. The land in question bore the weight of colonial theft, where foreign powers displaced communities to consolidate control. After independence, hopes for restitution were dashed as successive governments allowed corruption and neglect to persist, turning a blind eye to injustices like the sale of Wawira's ancestral land.

Corro, the corrupt government official, sold the land to the Kamau family, who unknowingly built their lives on stolen ground. Wawira’s family, uprooted and disenfranchised, had waited decades for justice. When Lance, the current Land Commissioner, uncovered the tangled web of deceit, he faced a challenge that demanded wisdom beyond the letter of the law.

The land was more than soil; it was identity, memory, and heritage for Wawira’s family. For the Kamaus, it was security, a home built with honest sweat and toil. A decision favouring one would destroy the other, leaving Lance caught between historical injustice and the present-day consequences of past wrongs.

After lengthy deliberation, Lance convened a special tribunal involving historians, community elders, legal experts, and religious leaders. The tribunal acknowledged the unique gravity of the case: the Kamaus were innocent buyers who had invested in the land, yet the legacy of colonialism and government laxity could not be ignored. A Solomonic solution was proposed to honour both justice and compassion.

The tribunal declared that the land’s legal ownership would revert to Wawira’s family, affirming their ancestral claim. However, recognising the Kamaus’ innocence and investment, the government would offer them permanent residency on a portion of the land. This section would remain under Wawira’s ownership but be leased to the Kamaus at a nominal rate for ninety-nine years.

In addition, the government, recognising its failure to address historical injustices, would create a reparations fund. This fund would compensate the Kamaus for their financial investments and support Wawira’s family in restoring the ancestral homestead. Corro’s seized assets would form the foundation of this fund, ensuring the corrupt official paid for his misdeeds. Furthermore, the fund would extend to other families impacted by colonial land grabs and post-independence corruption, signalling a new commitment to equitable redress.

The Kamaus and Wawira’s family were brought together to witness the signing of this agreement. It was not an easy meeting. Emotions ran high as both families grappled with the solution. Wawira’s matriarch spoke of her ancestors’ graves and the generations lost to exile. Joseph Kamau responded with tales of his family’s struggles to cultivate the land, unaware of its tainted past.

But as they talked, something shifted. The elders from both families agreed to plant a tree—a mugumo tree, sacred in Kikuyu tradition—at the boundary between their portions of the land. This act symbolised a new beginning, one rooted in shared stewardship and mutual respect.

The solution was far from perfect, but it embodied a commitment to justice, humility, and unity. It acknowledged the deep wounds of colonialism, the failings of past governments, and the importance of finding ways to heal without creating new victims. The story of the land became not just a narrative of pain but also one of reconciliation, a testament to the possibility of peace amidst conflict.

As the mugumo tree grew, it stood as a living reminder that justice, though flawed, could be pursued with wisdom and grace. For the community, it became a symbol of what could be achieved when history is acknowledged, present realities are respected, and the future is built together.

Fossilized Epistemologies

Fossilized Epistemologies: Unearthing Ancient Wisdom for Today's World

Old, buried epistemologies lie hidden beneath the sands of time, waiting to be uncovered. These ancient ways of knowing are not relics of a bygone age but reservoirs of insight, offering clarity and direction in our search for meaning. They add depth to our understanding of human flourishing and illuminate pathways toward integral moral and ethical ways to be and do humanity.

Together We Aspire

Take, for example, the Solomonic judgments in the Hebrew Scriptures. These narratives do more than showcase wisdom; they reveal a model for navigating complex human dilemmas with justice, compassion, and discernment. Solomon’s approach—rooted in careful listening, contextual awareness, and a deep sense of equity—serves as a reminder that ancient wisdom still speaks to the challenges of today.

When we engage with these fossilized epistemologies, we recognize their potential to clarify our present predicaments. They bridge the gap between the historical and the contemporary, offering pathways that honor both the dignity of individuals and the flourishing of communities.

Perhaps it’s time to dig deeper, to uncover the treasures buried in old traditions. From East African perspectives on Ubuntu to the wisdom traditions of the Abrahamic faiths, these ancient insights can guide us toward lives marked by justice, humility, and solidarity.

Let’s journey together to rediscover these forgotten wells of wisdom and draw from their depths to find fresh water for today’s parched world: individualistic, capitalistic, relativistic racialised divisive.

Sermon Notes

Welcome to IE Christian Resources!

Whether you are looking for deep theological insights, practical guidance, or spiritual encouragement, this is a place where we explore how faith, justice, and community come together. 

I’m Earle, a PhD student researching the beliefs and traditions of the Akurinu people among the Kikuyu in Kenya. The Akurinu, known as Arathi (Prophets) or Aroti (Dreamers), and called Andu a Mwathani (the Lord’s people), have stayed true to their calling despite challenges from colonialism and modern influences. They have held onto their unique identity and mission to serve as God’s people. My research, and this blog, focuses on justice and social fairness, especially at the everyday level, where these values affect people’s lives the most.

Theological anthropology, or the study of what it means to be human in relation to God, asks important questions about who we are and why we’re here. Anthropology helps us understand how different groups live and connect with each other. By combining these fields, my research explores how the Akurinu’s faith and values shape their lives and their community. They are a great example of a people who prioritize their beliefs and community, resisting pressures to focus only on individual goals.

Today, society often emphasizes individualism—putting the needs of one person over the needs of the group. But this approach can make people feel lonely or disconnected. Social justice is about making sure every person feels valued and respected in their community. This includes paying attention to everyday actions that show care and respect for others. The Akurinu provide a strong example, staying committed to God and each other, and showing the value of unity and justice in their community.

On IE Christian Resources, you’ll also find books and other resources for growing in faith and building stronger communities. These books, written by authors who are passionate about God’s word, are available for purchase. The sales will help fund this research project, and any donations or sponsorships will also support the work. Please feel free to check back often to see new posts and share in this journey with me. Thank you for your support as we learn more about the values of the Andu a Mwathani, the Lord’s people, and the power of faith and community.

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