PHD-Philosophy and Religious Studies

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Browsing PHD-Philosophy and Religious Studies by Author "Manya, Wandefu Stephen Mdiv"

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    Inculturation of the concept of atonement in africa: a case of the Wanga people of Kenya
    (2012) Manya, Wandefu Stephen Mdiv
    This study sought to address the problem of inconsistencies between faith and practice of Christianity among the Wanga people; which has resulted in less commitment of the Abawanga to their churches. This has farther led to the Abawanga moving from Christianity to other religions such as Islam; and at times back to the Wanga traditional religion, to seek religious satisfaction. This study proposed inculturation of the ritual and its interpretations as the most appropriate way to solve the problem. This is because inculturation will make Christianity an internalized religion hence becoming a faith that is fully lived, able to answer 'religious' questions among the Abawanga. The literature review of this study looked at the following aspects of atonement, namely; atonement among the Abawanga, and atonement in the bible. Being a relational concept, the interpretation was bound to be relation based. Yet this relationship ought to have its value founded on the bible; thus the bible must relationally speak to the Wanga religio-cultural form of atonement by way of inculturation. It is, therefore, necessary that the missionary as the chief evangelizer, understands the finer details of the Wanga culture; and the usage of various concepts such as, atonement; that form this culture. It is also important to understand their functions and the value attached to these details, because, if this does not happen, the missionary may not be able to provide the necess ••ry guidance, needed by Wanga converts. This study approached atonement as a cultural issue, and as such used Neiburh Richard's reflections of Jesus verses culture as a theoretical framework. This study was also, Christological in nature, based on anthropological research, specifically ethnography. Thus, the preferred method of research was qualitative. The qualitative data collected was analyzed using emerging themes; found in both ethnographic and focus group interviews. Ultimately, the idea was, to inculturate the biblical understarxiingof the concept of atonement, into the Wanga religio-culture so that Christian faith is internalized. The major findings showed that atonement rituals are some of the major rituals practiced among the Abawanga. These rituals involve the shedding of blood from animals and birds. At times special plants were used, as a replacement for animal blood. The study also found out that, there were specific people designated for leading this exercise. According to this study, if these rituals were conducted in accordance with the laid down procedures, then it was assumed that people had good relationships among themselves; and with their God