Abstract
In this article, we seek to give a missiological critique of the inculturation of marriage rituals in the National Baptist Convention (NBC) of Zimbabwe. We examine and explore the inculturation that could help expedite greater engagement between the NBC of Zimbabwe and the Shona and Ndebele cultures in Midlands and Matabeleland regions. The challenges facing the inculturation of marriage rituals are examined. We use missiological research methodologies that include the seven-point praxis matrix propounded by Kritzinger. The praxis matrix is used as a grid of missiological questions in qualitative paradigms. A case study design and sample of fifteen research respondents from six of the thirteen denominations are used. The sample includes the National Executive members, pastors, elders, deacons, church committee members and lay member. Interviews and observations are the instruments. The findings reveal that Convention members regard inculturation of marriage rituals important. They inculturated payment of bride price, ululating, dancing, and marrying someone whose background is known since they are biblical. Polygamy, divination and ancestor veneration is rejected. Kusungira ritual and conducting marriage rituals in November is controversial. Inculturation is hindered by fear of syncretism, clash of doctrines, expensive and oppressive and many ethnic groups in the Convention. It is recommended that the Convention encourages payment of bride price and carefully handles controversies surrounding marriage rituals. The preaching and teaching against views that perpetuate patriarchy subordination of women by men men in the society and the fusion of the church and traditional wedding ceremonies should be encouraged.
Highlights
IntroductionLiterary backgroundA variety of books, theses and articles have been written about inculturation in African churches, of which only a few will be mentioned here, with an emphasis on works on Zimbabwe.Magesa’s book, entitled The Anatomy of Inculturation: Transforming the Church in Africa (2004), focuses on inculturation in both the Catholic Church and the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA). Magesa (2004:10) showed that Christian doctrines are mixed with ‘useful’ African traditional cultural values and a modern way of life to make Christianity a religion that is acceptable to all. Anthony (2012) and Kurgat (2009) have written on the importance of inculturation in Africa.In Zimbabwe, most of the works on inculturation were written either by Roman Catholic scholars or by scholars focusing on the Roman Catholic Church
The majority of the respondents are of the opinion that the inculturation of marriage rituals has been in existence in the NBC of Zimbabwe since the time they became members
A number of marriage practices have been adopted because they play a number of significant roles in the NBC of Zimbabwe like bringing unbelievers to the Convention as well as keeping cultures
Summary
Literary backgroundA variety of books, theses and articles have been written about inculturation in African churches, of which only a few will be mentioned here, with an emphasis on works on Zimbabwe.Magesa’s book, entitled The Anatomy of Inculturation: Transforming the Church in Africa (2004), focuses on inculturation in both the Catholic Church and the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA). Magesa (2004:10) showed that Christian doctrines are mixed with ‘useful’ African traditional cultural values and a modern way of life to make Christianity a religion that is acceptable to all. Anthony (2012) and Kurgat (2009) have written on the importance of inculturation in Africa.In Zimbabwe, most of the works on inculturation were written either by Roman Catholic scholars or by scholars focusing on the Roman Catholic Church. A variety of books, theses and articles have been written about inculturation in African churches, of which only a few will be mentioned here, with an emphasis on works on Zimbabwe. Magesa’s book, entitled The Anatomy of Inculturation: Transforming the Church in Africa (2004), focuses on inculturation in both the Catholic Church and the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA). Magesa (2004:10) showed that Christian doctrines are mixed with ‘useful’ African traditional cultural values and a modern way of life to make Christianity a religion that is acceptable to all. In Zimbabwe, most of the works on inculturation were written either by Roman Catholic scholars or by scholars focusing on the Roman Catholic Church. Gundani’s article (2000) entitled ‘Christology in the inculturated Shona Burial’ discusses inculturation in the Shona Catholic Church, with the objective of investigating the place given to Christ.
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