Inculturation of the concept of atonement in africa: a case of the Wanga people of Kenya
Loading...
Date
2012
Authors
Manya, Wandefu Stephen Mdiv
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
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
Description
A thesis submitted to the school of Humanities and Social Sciences for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Kenyatta University, April 2012