J. Michael’s contribution to the discussion is encouraging to me. I wonder, though, whether we’re only looking at the issue superficially if we examine it in a white American/black African paradigm. Because of the many (and often competing) tribal affiliations in Africa, it would interesting to examine whether certain tribes are more represented in church leadership/membership. Class also probably factors into this discussion.

As a hypothetical, are those who come from more Westernized tribes more likely to be bishops or branch presidents or relief society presidents? Because this Westernization is often related to class status, what does this say? And, in the end, class, wealth, and Westernization may very well be nothing but subcategories of “blackness,” which puts us right back where we started at the beginning of the discussion.

Seth R: I don’t know that I’d necessarily cite the Zulu man as an example of zeal without knowledge or commitment–without knowledge of a few procedural policies, sure, but I’d say he understands and feels quite deeply the importance of temple work, and that with an urgent literality that I think is much less prevalent among most westerners.

But I can see your point generally speaking, and it is just as pertinent here in the U.S. Of the people I baptized on my mission here in the states–in classic missionary-guide style, I don’t recall the number but lets see, there were the Jones and the Smiths and…–only a few have stayed actively involved. Retention is a major issue everywhere.

J. Stapley: Great parallel. The Zulu man’s dream also seems to fit nicely in the early visionary culture, which, of course, has not completely died out but has modified over time here in the States–many people still talk of feeling someone’s presence as they do their work in the temple.

J. Michael: Thanks again for your observations. Nothing can quite compare to on-the-ground experience.

I presided in East Africa for three years, but have been home for almost a year now. The policies I mentioned seemed unfair to me initially, but I soon saw the wisdom and strongly supported them. I have no first-hand experience in West Africa.

The Zulu man beating on the temple doors is a good example actually. Zeal without knowledge. Or even necessarily commitment.