by Firy

Created on: September 12, 2009   Last Updated: November 28, 2009

Bruised in Religion: Hurtful

Almost all lessons learned from Catholicism or Mormonism are from the core beliefs of the Basotho nation. It is not clear why there was need to spread different evangelical beliefs from that which had already been known prior to arrival of foreign missionaries.

Having been born in the Kingdom of Lesotho and experiencing both Catholicism and Mormonism, I understand the subject of Christian evangelism. Many people do not believe that Mormonism is a form of Christianity. Having been part of both religions, I can affirm that both believe in the Bible.

Alongside Christianity I grew up on "Maele a Basotho" (Basotho Proverbs) and "Mekhoa le Meetlo ea Basotho" (Basotho Customs and Traditions), neither of which had membership fees or expiration dates.

I grew up around the Basotho within the confines of these two belief systems, which have sustained me miles and miles away from my native Lesotho. The Basotho Proverbs, Customs and Traditions are centered on respect for the elderly and authority. The term 'elders' refers to "older people" and 'authority' refers to anyone in power, including the elderly. The Basotho believe in being good to one another, as does the Bible and also Christianity.

It is very likely that if you called someone in Lesotho today,September 11, 2009, to locate an old friend for help getting around the country, you would end up with a new friend through that phone call. Not only would you find a friend, you would also be offered free
accommodation. Basotho are hospitable. This lesson of being a Good Samaritan is central to the Christian Theology. Remember Mother Teresa.

During the farming season, the farming Basotho often unite with spans of oxen to prepare a neighbor's field. The reward comes at the harvest, if the produce allows. My parents and grandparents say that since before I was born the Basotho have been doing this. This is something that continues today, and it remains the fabric of the Basotho society with or without the assistance of religious pamphlets, sachets, books, and other religious adornments. This principle is the law of tithing practiced without envelopes or ledger accounts.

In fact, the founder of the Basotho nation, Morena Moshoeshe oa Pele, was a loving man who fought for unity several years prior to the arrival of the Christian missionaries in Lesotho. This shows that something is inherently good with people and that something good in all of us persists despite the external influences of

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