Bonsai Shongwe - Christianity, Colonialism And Race - Conversations With Gabriel

Gabriel Makin is joined by producer, pastor, and YouTuber Bonsai Shongwe for a wide-ranging conversation on Christianity, politics, and culture in South Africa.

Gabriel Makin

-1h
YouTube

In this episode Gabriel Makin is joined again by producer, pastor, and YouTuber, Bonsai Shongwe. The conversation starts on the question of the influence of the African National Congress (ANC) in South African churches. Bonsai explained that while the ANC used to hold huge sway over the politics of South Africa's churches, that influence has waned dramatically. Following this, the conversation turns to Gabriel and Bonsai’s frustrations surrounding the superficiality of modern South African political discussion. They lament that the country would be far better served people were better informed about the history of South Africa's Christian values. The conversation then broaches a more controversial topic as Gabriel and Bonsai discuss the relationship between South Africa's colonial past and its Christian tradition. They agree that one of the more destructive influences of the anti-colonial/de-colonial debate has been to rob black South Africans from recognising that they are a part of the moral tradition that ended slavery, birthed parliamentary democracy, and the idea of human rights. Gabriel even boldly suggests that the greatest legacy of South Africa's British colonial history is the spread of Christianity across the country. The conversation ends on the relationship between music and worship particularly in African Christian tradition. Bonsai explains how music is central to African Christian worship as African culture dramatises truth and music and therefore serves as the perfect medium for the transmission of truth.

Related Podcasts

ANC Below 31%, Should Ramaphosa Resign?, ActionSA Courts the MKP and EFF, and UCT's Crisis

ANC Below 31%, Should Ramaphosa Resign?, ActionSA Courts the MKP and EFF, and UCT's Crisis

Gabriel Makin

0 minutes ago

1h 39m
The ANC Lost the Metros. Tony Leon Says it Still Holds Most of the Cards

The ANC Lost the Metros. Tony Leon Says it Still Holds Most of the Cards

Gabriel Makin

2 days ago

30 min
ANC Crashes to 32%, Democrats Sweep the Midterms, the $33 Trillion Reparations Bill

ANC Crashes to 32%, Democrats Sweep the Midterms, the $33 Trillion Reparations Bill

Gabriel Makin

7 days ago

1h 50m
Frans Cronje: No Party May Ever Win South Africa Outright Again

Frans Cronje: No Party May Ever Win South Africa Outright Again

Frans Cronje

11 days ago

32 min
Frans Cronje: The ANC Can Win 50% Again Under Motsepe

Frans Cronje: The ANC Can Win 50% Again Under Motsepe

Frans Cronje

11 days ago

39 min

WE MAKE SOUTH AFRICA MAKE SENSE.

HOME

OPINIONS

POLITICS

POLLS

GLOBAL

ECONOMICS

LIFE

SPORT

InstagramLinkedInXFacebook