Religulous

I felt the point of The River Between was to serve as a religious critique as a whole. The entire novel was based around showing the ironic intolerance of Christianity and its similarities to tribal religions it looks down upon. It was also a commentary on tribal religions, however, as the Kiama also refused to negotiate with the Christians, leaving them at fault as well. Likewise, they completely ostracized anyone who did not follow their tradition (Nyambura in the area of circumcision), just like the Christians in ostracizing “sinners”. I also feel it paints a vivid picture of the rage and scorn of those who have fallen away from a certain religion (Kayboni in the area of Christianity, Joshua in the area of the tribal traditions). I feel Ngugi’s experiences explained in class may have explained how he could explain so accurately these clouded feelings of contempt. I feel as though I can really relate to Ngugi, as I was raised Catholic which ultimately turned me to a hybrid of agnosticism leading towards atheism. He does represent some of his thoughts about the redeeming factors of religion (Christianity at least) and how he feels that Christianity is a shining beacon under the dirt that has covered it. At one point, through Waiyaki, he states that if Christianity was cleaned it would be fine. I feel those observations by Waiyaki sum up the bulk of the book, that religion and tribal traditions can be beautiful and wonderful things which make life worthwhile and comfortable, but if taken to an extent, these ignorant reasonings on the meaning of life can make one evil and impure, causing many others great pain. Religion in small doses is fine, but when one bases his entire existence and meaning upon it, it can be warped into something twisted and ugly. Another interesting point I found in the book was the fact that the Christians hated Waiyaki even though his life mirrored Jesus almost completely. A savior of the people, from the people foretold in a prophecy, one who wished for peace and compromise between two factions, one who was willing to associate and help social outcasts of both factions, one who was handed over to his enemies by the very people he wished to save, even though he was innocent. It is undeniable that Waiyaki was a Christ like figure, and I took this at another shot at Christianity. Though it praises this Messiah and his actions, if faced with him again in reality acting as Waiyaki did, they would nail him to another tree.