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I Want People Asking Questions
Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible is an in-depth study of African proverbs and their correlation to Bible verses. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I had been collecting compilations of African proverbs for 30 years. Then, about 6 or 7 years ago, as I mention in the book, I came across a book series that compared teachings on topics such as forgiveness or compassion across the great spiritual traditions. There was no African volume in that series, and I wondered about that.
Have you ever seen the posters that compare the Golden Rule across the great spiritual traditions? Next time you see one, look for one of the African versions of the Golden Rule. Chances are, you won’t see any included.
As far as I could tell, there was nothing quite like this. Almost 30 years ago, Archbishop Desmond Tutu published An African Prayer Book (Walker and Company, 1996), with prayers, poems, stories, and some African proverbs, but not compared to Bible verses. I think seeing the proverbs and verses together offers an opportunity for reflection and insight.
Can you share a little about the research process required to pull together such an informative piece?
I started with the compilations of African proverbs that I had, then expanded to other books and websites (which are all listed in the book). Then, as an extra step, I engaged about 30 African collaborators from multiple countries to corroborate the proverbs, provide additional context, and in some cases, share any meanings that could get lost in translation to English. That became a real collaboration, as they offered more proverbs as well as other Bible verses, shared information about context and meaning, and provided more specific attribution than the sources I had used. There was such a generous and gracious outpouring of support, and they have enriched the book tremendously.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
As someone who respects asking questions, I hope they come away with more questions! I hope it piques their curiosity to learn more, and I do include some suggestions for additional reading for those with an interest.
Beyond that, I hope they come away with an appreciation for the individual wisdom traditions featured in the book, and the way they are passed down like a legacy. For too long, there has been a pernicious, unchallenged notion that there is nothing to learn from African cultures. Nothing could be further from the truth.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
One thing I would love to do is issue translations of this book into French and Portuguese, which, with English, are the principal official European languages of Africa—as well as Spanish, to reach diaspora communities. My collaborators tell me there is nothing like this in their countries.
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Chris Morehouse was compelled to write the book after exploring the Parallel Sayings books, which juxtapose insights from the great religious traditions with their counterparts from Jewish and Christian scriptures. These books explore resonances between Christianity and Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism.
The author began to wonder why there was not a similar volume exploring corresponding insights from Africa’s traditions. In this book, you’ll discover:
•African expressions of the golden rule;
•versions of loving one’s enemies and welcoming the stranger;
•insights about losing your way to find your way—and much more.
The African idea of sankofa—“go back and get it”—tells us that we can go forward by looking to the past. Find common ground and get tools to face the future with the insights in this book of African and biblical wisdom.
Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible
In Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible, by Chris Morehouse, readers delve into the world of African proverbs and their intriguing parallels with Christian Bible verses. This meticulously researched nonfiction piece features sayings from diverse regions of Africa and South America, rooted in traditional African spiritual traditions. The striking resemblance between these proverbs and Christian teachings unveils the rich and layered spiritual heritage Africans held long before European colonization. Central to this discourse is the philosophy of ‘ubuntu’, underscoring our collective interconnectedness. This tenet teaches that causing harm to another invariably harms oneself, and conversely, disseminating love and compassion will be reciprocated.
One of the standout features of Legacy is the set of reflective questions at the end of each chapter which provides thought-provoking discussions suitable for book clubs or Bible study sessions. Each chapter delves into specific spiritual themes, such as pride or anger, prompting readers to assess their actions against these ancient teachings. Engaging with a proverb daily, as the book suggests, could indeed be transformative for those on a spiritual quest. Written in an accessible language, Morehouse ensures a smooth reading experience.
The book also ignites curiosity, leaving one yearning to explore further. How do traditional African religions manifest across different regions? Is there a repository of wisdom from ancient spiritual practices, or have they been predominantly assimilated into religions like Christianity or Islam? While Legacy stands as a commendable work, it also paves the way for a deeper exploration, perhaps in a sequel. I feel that incorporating real-life applications of these proverbs would amplify their relevance. All in all, Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible is a must-read for spiritual enthusiasts across the globe.
Pages: 286 | 
LITERARY TITAN 