Religion and Humanity

I feel that The River Between was not so much an attack on the Christian religion or the religion followed by the tribes of Makuyu and Kameno ridges, but an attempt to show the similarities of these religions and the absurdity of their conflict. Parallels in the religions are shown through their rituals and traditions. For example, the highly important tribal ritual of circumcision occurs on the same day as a very important Christian holiday, Christmas. Not only are the dates the same, but they also celebrate leading up these religious events. Also, the second birth in the tribal tradition is similar to baptism in the Christian religion. Furthermore, Ngugi clearly establishes how each religion is similar in its follower’s hatred for those who are different. Joshua, being the leader of the Christian religion within the ridges, disowns both of his daughters because he considers their choice to associate with any tribal traditions to be the utmost sin. The tribe also shuns those who have not been circumcised, calling them “impure.” Both religions develop a rivalry and a hatred for each other, which can be seen through Joshua and Kabonyi. Yet, I feel that Ngugi uses the similarities of the religions to emphasis an even greater point: that we all share our humanity, which is shown through Waiyaki and Nyambura. Although, Waiyaki and Nyambura adhere to different religions, both feel the pain of isolation and loneliness, and the desire of love. Their human emotions and desires unite them. Also, Waiyaki’s dream to unite to ridges for education, including the Christians, reveals that people should be able to come together for the aspects of life that do not involve religious beliefs. Ngugi does not have to reveal the fate of Waiyaki and Nyambura in the end because it is not necessary to the point of the novel. The point is that our common humanity should be enough to bridge any religious gap, if people are willing to let go of their prejudices.