And God was here anyway, before the missionaries came. We called him by a different name, then, and he did not live over at the Jews' place; he lived here in Africa, in the rocks, in the sky, in places where we knew he liked to be.
The quote emphasizes the idea that the presence of God is not limited to one culture or name. It suggests that spirituality existed in Africa long before the arrival of missionaries, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to the land and its elements. The reference to God residing "in the rocks, in the sky" indicates a belief system that is inherently part of the African landscape and culture.
This perspective invites reflection on the diverse interpretations of divinity across cultures, suggesting that God can be understood in various forms. The statement challenges the notion that religion is solely a product of external influence, highlighting the unique spiritual identity that communities possess, shaped by their experiences and environment.
