The continuity of indigenous rituals in African ecclesiology: A Kenyan experience from a historical perspective

Julius Gathogo

doi:10.17570/stj.2017.v3n1.a06

Abstract

The article sets out to unveil the problem: Is there any effective continuity of indigenous rituals in African ecclesiology? In other words, has the faith of the church in African Christianity given room to some African rituals that are visible in the contemporary theo-doctrinal discourses? The article is theoretically informed by Samuel Kibicho’s (1932–2011) supposition on ‘radical continuity’ in African religion into and through the Christian message. For him thus, this ‘radical continuity’ should be the starting point for African theology and African Christianity for that matter. In his view, African ecclesiology requires a ‘radical reinterpretation’ of the Christian concept of revelation, salvation, evangelization, Christ and religious rituals. While Kibicho approached African indigenous rituals from a theo-philosophical perspective, this article approaches the subject from an oral historical perspective. In its methodology, the article relies heavily on oral sources, interviews, and participant observation.

Highlights

Abstract e article sets out to unveil the problem: Is there any e ective continuity of indigenous rituals in African ecclesiology? In other words, has the faith of the church in African Christianity given room to some African rituals that are visible in the contemporary theo-doctrinal discourses? e article is theoretically informed by Samuel Kibicho’s (1932–2011) supposition on ‘radical continuity’ in African religion into and through the Christian message
African Christianity in the 21st century is characterized by conscious or unconscious continuity of African indigenous rituals that were prevalent in the African indigenous society; especially in the areas of baptism, catechism, and in the choice of worshipping centres
Another ritual that resonates well with Samuel Kibicho’s concept of continuity of African indigenous rituals to the African ecclesiology is the ceremony of rebirth for strangers in the community through slaughtering of a goat (Guciarwo na Mburi) which can be likened to the Christian rite of baptism

Summary

A Kenyan experience from a historical perspective

Abstract e article sets out to unveil the problem: Is there any e ective continuity of indigenous rituals in African ecclesiology? In other words, has the faith of the church in African Christianity given room to some African rituals that are visible in the contemporary theo-doctrinal discourses? e article is theoretically informed by Samuel Kibicho’s (1932–2011) supposition on ‘radical continuity’ in African religion into and through the Christian message. E article is theoretically informed by Samuel Kibicho’s (1932–2011) supposition on ‘radical continuity’ in African religion into and through the Christian message. For him this ‘radical continuity’ should be the starting point for African theology and African Christianity for that matter. This ‘radical continuity’ should be the starting point for African theology and African Christianity for that matter In his view, African ecclesiology requires a ‘radical reinterpretation’ of the Christian concept of revelation, salvation, evangelization, Christ and religious rituals. While Kibicho approached African indigenous rituals from a theo-philosophical perspective, this article approaches the subject from an oral historical perspective. Key words Indigenous rituals; African religion; ecclesiology; Samuel Kibicho; Kenya

Introduction

Continuity from initiation rituals through to baptism?