Elmina Castle, Ghana was erected by Portugal in 1482. Originally called the Gold Coast, it was the first trading post built on the Gulf of Guinea, so it is the oldest European building in existence below the Sahara. Trading post. Yeah, trading many things including slaves to the western colonies. Over 600 men and 300 women were packed into very small, windowless dungeons waiting for months before they were sent through the infamous door called the Point of No Return directly on to ships that carried them to the new world. The more incorrigible slaves were put in a cell to die then their bodies would be thrown into the ocean. What upset me is on the second floor above the dungeons and specifically right above the "door", was the Portuguese chapel. So during their songs of worship and sermons of the Gospel, slaves were being loaded like cargo onto awaiting boats. At first I was thinking that 'words cannot express' but I'm wrong. Words can be expressed for the horrid treatment and suffering of these human beings under the same people bowing to God. At first there was much sympathy as we toured the lower dungeons, then as we ascended the floors and entered the chapel, anger presented itself. Then, we saw the Governor's quarters where he would stand above the female slaves and 'pick' a mistress whenever the desire came. Of course we have heard of slavery before and the evils that have taken place in our history's past. However, our guide said something that was very interesting. He explicitly mentioned that they held no animosity toward Americans and that they knew we, ourselves could not take responsibility for what was done in the past. Wow. What a loaded statement. God holds no animosity for us either for what we have done in the past. As long we become his slaves, that is.
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. I Peter 2:16,17
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment