Albanians have many qualities; they are very hospitable, spontaneous and flexible. If somebody needs their help, they will step into the breach even if it means sacrifice for them. Yet Albania has experienced a lot of sorrow in the past, and here we will mention some of it.
In 1967 dictator Enver Hoxha proclaimed Albania to be “the first atheistic country”.
There was no church, not even an underground church. In the 70s, Albania had no diplomatic or economic relations with any other country and was totally isolated. These developments led to Albania’s devastating economic situation. It was known as “the Poorhouse of Europe”.
During the communist time, Albanians were not allowed to receive foreign TV or radio programmes. 750.000 bunkers were built and the people were made to believe that the poor capitalist enemy could attack as a result of their envy of Albanian electricity and their food supply! The truth was totally perverted.
Every form of state criticism was strictly prohibited. If somebody made a negative comment, like “The bread we bought today was mouldy.” he could end up in jail. The system was built on spying on each other. One could not trust his neighbours or family members any more.
Even though Albania has a democratic system, the heritage of the past still burdens the government.
Corruption at all levels of society thwarts economic and social growth.
A fatal set of laws
Besides Islamic and communist influences one should also mention the “Kanon of Lek Dukagjini”, a collection of laws written down in the 15th century. In it, females hold an inferior role. A woman is called “a hose which can be used to transport goods.”. The Kanon also supports blood feuds, which hold their terrible grip on many people (especially in the north) even in modern Albania. A lot of women still do not enjoy equal rights merely because they are women.
Faith and culture
Albanians that have come to faith, are challenged to apply biblical truths in spite of their difficult national history, and the church in Albania is facing challenging issues like:
- how can we live in trusting relationships where suspicion was a necessary evil in the past?
- how can a leader be someone else’s superior without dominating or abusing his power?
- how can we learn that strong character expresses itself in love and appreciation and not in ruling over others (e.g. one’s wife)?
- how can we learn to overcome our “sense of honour” and become willing to ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness in our daily relationships?
Albania
