Tribal Traditions

Every culture has its tribal traditions, both healthy and destructive. And it’s not only the wild and ferocious natives in dark Africa where they are found. You’ll find tribal traditions in big cities where violence and crime are as expected as pollution. Tribal traditions are in neighborhoods, villages, and even families. But of those traditions that are harmful, the question remains what to do about them?

We observed this up close and personal while serving as Christian missionaries in Uganda several years ago. And now that we’re serving in Canada, we see similar patterns of behavior but of a different color and texture than those in Africa. Let me share just a few.

Once a village determines their neighbor is their enemy, they will go to great lengths to hurt or destroy them. And it doesn’t even matter what their differences are. It may be the shade of their skin, the set of their eyes, or the way they eat their porridge. To outsiders, these differences seem trivial and almost comical. But as we see those same prejudices in our own neighborhoods, it is quite a different matter. Now it’s serious. I shan’t trouble to give examples beyond mentioning politics, sports, religion and economic status. Enough said.

But it can change. There are several congregations of Saints in Winnipeg Canada where tribal traditions regarding race and culture have been so eliminated that you would never know that once warring nations now take the sacrament side by side in genuine love. To me, this is what Heaven will be like. The kaleidoscope of harmonious humanity from every nation is a sweet delight.

Another tribal tradition we observed in Uganda we named “pastor mentality.” It is the belief that the local pastor has all power over their congregants, and does all the work. He or she can do anything they wish without consequence, and has the authority to forgive any sin (for money, of course). Members are never required to do anything, or make any effort toward self discipline or obedience to Heavenly law. They simply come to church, put money on the plate, and sit back to be fed huge servings of praise, with only tiny bits of doctrine. Easy. Simple.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, every member is invited to participate and contribute to the good of the congregation. Our lay leadership invites everyone to help. Being a member of this Church is not without responsibility. Everyone pitches in, and everyone is expected to live up to the standards of discipleship established by Jesus Christ.

The real problem is that tribal traditions, good or bad, can interfere with truly important matters such as living a moral, honorable life in harmony with Heavenly law. And don’t mistake Heavenly law for just one more tribal tradition. For there are irrefutable laws of Heaven that, when obeyed, lead to a life of peace and happiness even in storms. We must identify those traditions that keep us from this focus, and eliminate them whenever possible.

I invite you to consider what tribal traditions surround you, both healthy and destructive. Cling to those that are good, and pass them on to your children. But, like removing a cancer, do all you can to eliminate those traditions that take you away from God and Heavenly law. Put down your weapons of war, take up your cross, and follow Him!