Ntungwanayo, Ruterana launch book revisiting faith through ancient texts and history

Bernard Ntungwanayo (Shaliach) and Fernand Sauveur Ruterana (Rabbi) launched their book, The Hidden Secrets of Yehoshua, at Galaxy Hotel in Kigali on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The book, presented under the subtitle “The Hidden Secrets of Yehoshua (Jesus) and the Library of God,” brings together theology, biblical studies, religious history, ancient texts, languages and cultural analysis.

It examines biblical traditions, ancient writings and religious history surrounding Yehoshua, also known as Jesus, while encouraging readers to revisit the origins and development of religious beliefs.

Ntungwanayo and Ruterana, describe the work as an invitation to research, compare sources and question established interpretations rather than simply accept religious ideas without examination.

The presentation says the research is built around biblical passages including Deuteronomy 29:29, Jeremiah 6:16 and John 8:32, which are used to frame questions about what has been hidden or revealed, the relevance of ancient paths and the pursuit of truth.

A major section of the book examines ancient writings, including the Book of Enoch, the Book of Jubilees, the Book of Jasher, Daniel, 2 Esdras and Baruch.

The authors use these texts to explore subjects including the Messiah, judgment, prophecy, calendars, laws, kingdoms, the end times and the figure known as the Son of Man.

The presentation stresses, however, that the ancient texts are being treated as research sources and should not automatically be regarded as authoritative scripture.

It says their origins, dates, language and historical context should be considered when assessing their significance.

The book then turns to the identity of Yehoshua, presenting him within its research framework as the Messiah, Son of Man, judge, king and high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

The authors link these themes to passages including Matthew, John, Daniel, Mark, Luke and Hebrews, and ask how Yehoshua's identity has been understood across different religious texts and historical traditions.

Other chapters focus on the Kingdom of God, the life of a disciple, spiritual community, salvation and the resurrection.

The work also explores what it describes as the historical suppression of truth, including the influence of Greek philosophy, Roman rule and the role of Africa, referred to in the book as Alkebulan, in religious history.

The authors further examine decolonisation of the mind and call for renewed attention to African history, knowledge and cultural heritage.

They say this approach is not intended to replace one culture with another, but to encourage independent examination of historical sources and traditions.

The final sections address religious authority, cultural traditions and the application of knowledge to everyday life, including honesty, justice, respect for others and protection of creation.

The presentation concludes by describing The Covenant of Yehoshua as a journey back to origins through reading, comparison, research and the pursuit of truth.

The authors also acknowledge that claims involving ancient texts, biblical history and theology require careful examination by qualified researchers before being presented as established historical fact.