A Theological Analysis of Issues Arising from the Christian Asante Chief’s Relationship with the Black Stool (Akonwa Tuntum)

Samuel Ofori

doi:10.38159/motbit.20200410

Abstract

One of several issues of contention that have created a gulf between Christianity and the traditional Asante chieftaincy institution is the chief’s relationship with the black stool. The general perception of Christians is that the black stool is an object of worship, it is demonic and should be avoided by Christian chiefs. This paper theologically analyzes the issues of contention in the Christian chief’s relationship with the black stool and presents a Christian response to guide them. This is an empirical qualitative study, and it uses a phenomenological approach to understand the phenomena related to the issues of contention in the Christianity-chieftaincy encounter. The method of obtaining information included interviews of fifty (50) Christian Asante chiefs, a representative group obtained by the purposeful sampling method. Information was also obtained through personal observation of some of the traditional religious rituals they perform. The issues of contention were then examined in the light of scripture in order to help bridge the seeming gulf between Asante chieftaincy and Christianity. This research has established the fact that the black stool is not a demonic object. In fact, the issues of contention in the Christianity and chieftaincy encounter, relating to the black stool, have arisen not only from a lack of understanding and proper appreciation of the traditional rituals but also from lack of proper understanding and poor interpretation of scriptural texts used in relating the gospel to the chieftaincy institution. Keywords: Tradition, ritual, Christianity, Black stool (Akonwa Tuntum), worship.

Highlights

The observation of Busia that Christian chiefs of his time performed traditional religious functions still holds today among Christian Asante chiefs
One of several issues of contention that have created a gulf between Christianity and the traditional Asante chieftaincy institution is the chief’s relationship with the black stool
The issues of contention in the Christianity and chieftaincy encounter, relating to the black stool, have arisen from a lack of understanding and proper appreciation of the traditional rituals, and from lack of proper understanding and poor interpretation of scriptural texts used in relating the gospel to the chieftaincy institution

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The observation of Busia that Christian chiefs of his time performed traditional religious functions still holds today among Christian Asante chiefs. Some Christians perceive them to be demonic, others see them as deities that are worshipped, and to others the Christian chiefs who sit on them become spiritually contaminated These issues have been the source of dilemma of Christian chiefs as they relate to this object of the chieftaincy institution and a theological response to them will enable them to be able to interpret their religious functions and rituals in the light of the Gospel that they have embraced. This will ensure that Christian chiefs perform their functions as traditional rulers and hold on to the Christian faith without the inner conflicts they go through as they perform the rituals associated with the Akonwa tuntum. In the light of all that has been discussed, what should be the Christian response to the relationship with the akonwa tuntum?

A Christian response

CONCLUSION