Rutangarwamaboko, also known as Modeste Nzayisenga for his real names, is a spiritual leader dedicated to preserving traditional Rwandan beliefs, and he views the celebration of Christmas not as a religious observance, but as a continuation of colonial oppression.

Rutangarwamaboko, in his outspoken criticism of Christianity, argues that the celebration of Christmas, along with other Christian holidays, is a form of mental colonization that has subjugated African people for centuries. In his view, the promotion of Christianity—and by extension, Christmas—is an act that continues to impose European religious practices on African cultures, severing them from their indigenous traditions. For Rutangarwamaboko, it is a reminder that African people are still unknowingly celebrating the heritage of their colonial oppressors, even after gaining political independence.

In this article, we will delve deeper into Rutangarwamaboko’s perspective on Christmas, colonialism, and his advocacy for a return to Rwandan traditional beliefs. We will examine his views on the commercialization of Christmas, the history of Christian influence in Africa, and the debate over whether Christmas should remain a celebration of Christ or be seen as a business opportunity in the modern world.

Rutangarwamaboko’s View on Christmas: A Celebration of Colonial Legacy
Rutangarwamaboko’s stance on Christmas is grounded in his belief that Christianity is inherently tied to colonialism.

As someone who has turned away from Christian teachings, Rutangarwamaboko sees Christmas as a painful reminder of a time when African cultures were forcibly replaced by European values and beliefs. He has dedicated himself to the promotion of traditional Rwandan spirituality and cultural practices, calling for Africans to reject the influence of foreign religions and return to their ancestral faiths.

Rutangarwamaboko’s words on the matter reflect his deep conviction:

"Iyaba mwamenyaga neza ko kwizihiza ibi bizanano (iminsi mikuru ya Noheri) muba mushimagiza ubucakara n’ubukoloni mwakorewe, mukaba mukibyishimiye na n’ubu, nubwo mwibwira ko ngo ubu mwabonye ubwigenge kandi imyizerere y’Abanyaburayi ari yo mahitamo yanyu, mwirata ngo ni gatozi kanyu (umurage wanyu) kandi ahubwo ari agahato kagiriwe abakurambere banyu, mukaza kukisangamo mutabizi."

In English, this translates to: "If you truly understood what celebrating these holidays (Christmas) means, you would be honoring the slavery and colonization that was imposed upon you, and yet you continue to rejoice in it, even today. Though you believe you are now free, you unknowingly continue to choose the beliefs of Europeans as your own, and you proudly claim it as your heritage, not realizing it is actually the forceful imposition of your ancestors’ oppressors."

For Rutangarwamaboko, celebrating Christmas is symbolic of African people’s continued allegiance to colonial religions. He argues that even though many African nations have gained political independence, their spiritual lives remain dominated by foreign beliefs. Christianity, in his view, is not an African religion but an imposition from European colonizers. This, he claims, has led to the erasure of Africa’s rich spiritual traditions and the loss of an indigenous connection to the divine.

Rutangarwamaboko has devoted his life to preserving the traditional beliefs of Rwanda, rejecting Christianity and other world religions in favor of a return to the indigenous spirituality that he believes once connected Africans directly with their Creator. He calls for the worship of the Rwandan God, instead of praying to gods from other cultures, such as the Christian God, Allah of Islam, Buddha, or even the Rastafarian Jah (he says at least them).

His perspective has earned him the title Umupfumu Rutangarwamaboko (a traditional spiritual leader or healer) in his community. He and his wife, Sana Cynthia Umuziranenge, were married on July 30, 2017, in a traditional Rwandan ceremony that emphasized the cultural and spiritual values that Rutangarwamaboko holds dear. The wedding took place in the Kamonyi District of Southern Rwanda, where Rutangarwamaboko was born and where he continues to promote his message of cultural revival.

Christmas as a Business: The Commercialization of the Holiday

In the modern world, Christmas has become a global commercial phenomenon. Retailers and businesses around the world take advantage of the holiday season to boost sales, with stores offering discounts, special promotions, and a wide array of products. This commercialization of Christmas has led many to question whether the holiday has lost its true meaning.

Rutangarwamaboko’s critique of Christmas goes beyond the religious implications; he also condemns the way in which the holiday has been commercialized and stripped of its deeper significance. As he sees it, Christmas is not only a product of colonialism but also a business opportunity for companies to exploit. The pressure to buy gifts, decorate homes, and attend lavish parties is a far cry from the humble birth of Jesus, which Christmas was originally meant to celebrate.

The reality of Christmas in many parts of the world is that it has become a marketing tool—a time for businesses to profit rather than a time for people to reflect on the teachings of Jesus or the significance of Christ’s birth. In countries like China, Dubai, and other non-Christian nations, the celebration of Christmas often focuses on the festive aspects of the holiday—decorations, shopping, and social gatherings—rather than the religious or spiritual roots.

This commercial aspect of Christmas, which Rutangarwamaboko sees as a form of exploitation, contributes to his belief that the holiday is disconnected from its true origins. For him, Christmas has become a celebration of consumerism and a tool for maintaining the dominance of foreign religions and cultures.

Rutangarwamaboko’s Call to Return to Traditional Beliefs

Rutangarwamaboko’s ultimate message is clear: he advocates for a return to indigenous Rwandan spirituality, where the people of Rwanda, and indeed all Africans, can reconnect with their ancestral beliefs. He believes that African cultures were spiritually self-sufficient long before the advent of European colonialism and that embracing traditional African faiths is the key to healing from the scars of colonial history.

This call for a return to indigenous spirituality is not just about rejecting Christianity but about restoring the dignity and cultural identity that Rutangarwamaboko believes was lost through colonization. In his view, the worship of African gods, spirits, and ancestors is not only a spiritual act but also an act of cultural empowerment that allows Africans to reclaim their heritage and free themselves from the mental shackles of colonial influence.

A Complex Legacy

Rutangarwamaboko’s perspective on Christmas and Christianity challenges the dominant narrative of the holiday as a religious or cultural event. For him, Christmas represents the ongoing influence of colonialism, a force that continues to affect African spirituality and cultural identity. Through his commitment to traditional Rwandan beliefs and his critique of Christmas as both a colonial and commercial event, Rutangarwamaboko calls for Africans to embrace their indigenous traditions and reject foreign religious impositions.

Whether one agrees with Rutangarwamaboko’s view or not, it is clear that the debate over Christmas—its origins, commercialization, and cultural impact—is a complex and multifaceted issue. For some, it remains a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and reflect on His message of hope and redemption. For others, like Rutangarwamaboko, it is a reminder of the colonial past and a call to return to the spiritual practices that once defined Africa’s connection to the divine.

Rutangarwamaboko

With his wife
Rutangarwamaboko’s perspective on Christmas and Christianity challenges the dominant narrative of the holiday as a religious or cultural event