I admit not knowing Nelson Mandela’s faith basis while admiring his life and legacy. I do know that Mandela was on his third marriage, was accused of being Communist and supported abortion. I read some articles that shared both positive and negative aspects of Mandela’s life.
Michael Trimmer’s article, Nelson Mandela and his Faith, in Christian Today, writes that, “Although it is almost universally agreed that he was a Christian, his exact denominational allegiances remain a source of discussion.” Some thought he was Jehovah’s Witness as some of his relatives were. Trimmer believes Mandela was a Methodist. Read Trimmer’s article at http://www.christiantoday.com/article/nelson.mandela.and.his.faith/34956.htm
Michael Gryboski is a reporter for The Christian Post and wrote an article titled, “Nelson Mandela Worth Commending Despite Ideological Differences, Say Evangelical and Conservative Christians”. Gryboski writes that Christian leaders commend Mandela’s work to end racism in South Africa, while differing with his views on abortion, communism, and Israel. Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/nelson-mandela-worth-commending-despite-ideological-differences-say-evangelical-and-conservative-christians-110395/
Michael Oh attended Mandela’s memorial service held yesterday and wrote an article, “Why Christians Should Care About Nelson Mandela, Justice and Gospel Proclamation” in Christianity Today. Oh writes, “Nelson Mandela was an imperfect man. Anyone who wants to find flaws in his life and put them on display will find them. But one lesson that rang deeply in my heart today was that we all have something to learn from him. Until I endure years of imprisonment, I'll at least hesitate before making him an easy target for criticism. And I only wish for myself and other Christians to live as courageous and conviction-filled a life as his, whether for earthly or heavenly causes. To live sparingly for the right cause with the right theology is nothing to be proud of.” Read Oh’s article at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/december-web-only/why-christians-should-care-about-nelson-mandela.html?
I appreciate Oh’s reluctance to criticize Mandela until he had spent years in prison. I may never know on this side of eternity what Mandela’s relationship was with Jesus Christ. I am challenged from Oh’s article to live boldly like Mandela, for the right cause grounded by right theology.
What is your take?
Was Nelson Mandela a Christian?
Michael Trimmer’s article, Nelson Mandela and his Faith, in Christian Today, writes that, “Although it is almost universally agreed that he was a Christian, his exact denominational allegiances remain a source of discussion.” Some thought he was Jehovah’s Witness as some of his relatives were. Trimmer believes Mandela was a Methodist. Read Trimmer’s article at http://www.christiantoday.com/article/nelson.mandela.and.his.faith/34956.htm
Michael Gryboski is a reporter for The Christian Post and wrote an article titled, “Nelson Mandela Worth Commending Despite Ideological Differences, Say Evangelical and Conservative Christians”. Gryboski writes that Christian leaders commend Mandela’s work to end racism in South Africa, while differing with his views on abortion, communism, and Israel. Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/nelson-mandela-worth-commending-despite-ideological-differences-say-evangelical-and-conservative-christians-110395/
Michael Oh attended Mandela’s memorial service held yesterday and wrote an article, “Why Christians Should Care About Nelson Mandela, Justice and Gospel Proclamation” in Christianity Today. Oh writes, “Nelson Mandela was an imperfect man. Anyone who wants to find flaws in his life and put them on display will find them. But one lesson that rang deeply in my heart today was that we all have something to learn from him. Until I endure years of imprisonment, I'll at least hesitate before making him an easy target for criticism. And I only wish for myself and other Christians to live as courageous and conviction-filled a life as his, whether for earthly or heavenly causes. To live sparingly for the right cause with the right theology is nothing to be proud of.” Read Oh’s article at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/december-web-only/why-christians-should-care-about-nelson-mandela.html?
I appreciate Oh’s reluctance to criticize Mandela until he had spent years in prison. I may never know on this side of eternity what Mandela’s relationship was with Jesus Christ. I am challenged from Oh’s article to live boldly like Mandela, for the right cause grounded by right theology.
What is your take?
Was Nelson Mandela a Christian?
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