Abstract
This article focuses on two theological contributions based on a social analysis of the Gospel of Matthew and its application to the Banyamulenge community in the Democratic Republic of Congo: the work of Overman (1990, 1996) on the formation of the Matthean community and its identity versus formative Judaism in their cultural setting; the work of Neyrey (1998) on honour and shame codes in the social context of the Matthean community. The article analyses the commitment of the first Banyamulenge Christian believers in light of the cultural codes of honour and shame, which were also part of the community’s survival mechanisms. The life story of Madam Kibihira is compared to other women entries in Jesus’ genealogy (Mt 1) and the Canaanite woman (Mt 15). Madam Kibihira was the first woman who became Christian and also the first Banyamulenge victim for her faith in Christ. The article argues that faith earns honour regardless of social status.
Highlights
The question why Matthew should be chosen as a book of reference may well be asked
The Messiah is to fulfil the will of God to all nations. It is in this regard that the trouble of honour and shame sets in between the Matthean community[3] and its opponents (Pharisees, scribes and priests that formed the Judaism community, or formative Judaism)[4]
The approach to this study finds a wide scope of application within the Banyamulenge community that went through a similar experience with the coming of the new religion (Christianity) in the early 1950s
Summary
The question why Matthew should be chosen as a book of reference may well be asked. Seen from a socio-political perspective, the Gospel of Matthew contains the most fascinating stories that create room for a cross-cultural message. Matthew is courageous enough for his introductory chapter to present his main character as a “cultural figure” and as part of Jewish ancestry lineage He is a King, but from us; he is God, but for us and with us. The Pharisees and other religious leaders defended the cultural and traditional values as heritage from their ancestors (Mt 15:1-3), while Matthew wanted to innovate these values with his new revelation of the fulfilment of prophecies in Christ Jesus (Mt 5:17-20; 12:1-8). This indicates to the reader the seriousness of the crisis the Jewish society found itself in. Differences developed between the early Banyamulenge believers and the rest of the community regarding the community’s old traditions and the new way of Christian living which was being introduced
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