On one occasion Bishop Christopher Mwoleka was staying
with us in Nyabihanga Village in Rulenge Diocese, Tanzania. Katarataro, one of
our neighbors who belonged to an African Traditional Religion, asked for baptism
for his newborn twins. Clearly he wanted the "power" of Christian names to
protect his children from evil spirits. In refusing him the bishop shrewdly drew
a comparison with African family traditions. Parents, he said, always make sure
to sample the food before giving it to their children. The mother especially
checks the taste or flavor of all the food. Comparing the Christian life to
food, Bishop Mwoleka asked Katarataro: "Would you give food to your children
that you won’t eat yourself?" The meaning was clear. How could Katarataro ask
for baptism for his children when he didn’t want to be baptized himself? Katarataro had no answer to the bishop’s question. He walked away sad, but with
plenty to think about.