Ghanaian Christians Research Articles

Rhetorical use of Sobolo (Hibiscus drink) as Yesu Mogya (Blood of Jesus) for Holistic Healing in Contemporary Ghanaian Christianity: A Critical Analysis from the Perspective of Biblical Theology and Christian Ethics

This article sought to survey the rhetorical use of Sobolo (hibiscus drink) as Yesu Mogya (the blood of Jesus) for holistic healing in contemporary Ghanaian Christianity. From the perspective of Biblical Theology and Christian Ethics, it argued that the phenomenon of using plant products and symbolic objects for miraculous healing is both explicitly and implicitly rooted in the Bible. Contrary to the dispensationalist perspective with its emphasis on the cessation of miraculous healing in some Western contexts and within scholarship, the continuous relevance of miraculous healing in Ghanaian Christianity is not much debated in the ecclesial context. It is, therefore, maintained that the use of symbols such as Sobolo for healing creates opportunities for the wholistic needs of the members of the church to be met. These needs are claimed to be fulfilled by spiritual means. From a Christian ethical perspective, this paper, however, cautions that sobolo as a miraculous drink in the Ghanaian Christian context should not be used as an exclusive means of physical well-being and development of society. It is further argued that the cyclical use of sobolo as a healing juice for all and diverse kinds of miraculous healings needs to be questioned in the light of biblical theology. Keywords: Wholistic Healing, Worldview, Biblical theology, Christian Ethics, Sobolo

Growing a Healthy Church: A Theological Reflection on Disability Inclusivity in Ghana

The interplay of medical, social, cultural and religious factors has led to stigma and marginalization of people with disabilities (PWDs) in the Ghanaian context. Observable church beliefs and practices render the relations between so-called abled-bodied people and people with disabilities (PWDs) as an ‘us and them’ relationship. Ironically, the church is supposed to be a place of welcome, restoration and integration. However, with its emphasis on ‘healing before integration,’ the church space has become a place of exclusion for many PWDs. The study argues that the various ways of modelling disability, and the contemporary Ghanaian Christian response to disability are inadequate and lead to the exclusion of PWDs. The study being a qualitative one used both primary and secondary sources. Observations were made at traditional healing centres and healing and revival church services of some churches in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area (KMA) where PWDs were present. Also, journal articles, books, unpublished dissertations, and church documents on the subject matter were consulted. The study points to the fact that a disability-friendly theology must be constructed in order to guide the church to be disability inclusive and hence engender full participation of PWDs in the various ministries of the church in Ghana. The study recommends ways of constructing a disability-inclusive theology in view of the intersection between Akan traditional religion and contemporary Christian response to disability. This article seeks to contribute to the debate on disability inclusivity in the contemporary Ghanaian church, focusing on its importance in promoting comprehensive healing and inclusion for PWDs. Keywords: PWDs (Persons With Disability), Pentecostalism/neo-Pentecostalism, Exclusivity, Inclusivity, Theology of Disabilty.

The Influence of African Traditional Beliefs and Practices on Neo-Prophetic Christianity: An Analysis

The rapid expansion of the neo-prophetic strand of Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in Africa has resulted in much public and academic scrutiny against the backdrop of perceived appropriation of elements of indigenous African faith. Even though African countries have retained secularism in place of a state religion, many African states, notably Ghana, have remained steadfastly committed to their traditional religions, sometimes even working in tandem with monotheistic Abrahamic religions like Islam and Christianity. Unquestionably, indigenous African religious beliefs have had a significant impact on African mental matrixes, which in turn has affected the practice of Christianity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate how Ghanaian Christianity was impacted by traditional African beliefs and customs. In particular, a study of neo-prophetic churches at Manso Dome-Beposo within the Ashanti Region of Ghana was employed. The data for the study was gathered using interview guidelines and qualitative approaches. The data collected was thematically analyzed in line with the reviewed literature. The study found that most prophetic explorations involve the use of rituals, artefacts, and stylistic forms, which are similar to Abisa in the Akan spiritual cosmology. The study found out again that, there are several elements suggestive of African traditional religious influence on Christianity. For instance, it was observed that the notion of the existence of evil spirits in Akan cosmology has strongly influenced contemporary prophetism in Ghana. The study concluded that although the idea that Christianity has been affected by African traditional religion may not have empirical validity, there are plenty of visible indicators to back up this assertion. It has been recommended that with the evidence of possible syncretism, a clear distinction should be made between the culture and the religious activities of the people since at times the church wrongfully accuses members even when they are performing culturing duties. This will help the church authorities to inculturate Christian liturgy. Keywords: Inculturation, African Traditional Religion, Syncretism

An Nzema Mother-Tongue Commentary on the Matthean Beatitudes

One of the major challenges facing contemporary Ghanaian Christianity is ineffective discipleship. Consequently, Christianity has little influence on the moral life of its adherents. No wonder Ghana has a high Christian population, yet corruption and wickedness abound in its societies. The priorities of many contemporary Christians have shifted from the pursuit of the kingdom of God and its righteousness to the accumulation of material wealth, the pursuit of upward social mobility and the fixation on earthly gratification, among others. To avert the situation, there is the need for the church to teach biblical principles that will raise disciples of resilient faith for this and generations to come. By drawing out some principles from the Matthean Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-12) as a paradigm for contemporary Christian discipleship, the article sought to contribute to the church’s efforts in dealing with discipleship challenges of current times and beyond. The main argument of this study was that the Christian disciple is called to be different from worldly people in both ethical behaviour and piety. This call to be set apart involves a call to recognise the reality of God’s kingdom; a call to be alongside the poor and sinners; and a call to participate in God’s kingdom community. Keywords: Beatitudes, Christianity, Discipleship, Nzema.

The Rewards of Hospitality: A Case Study of Gen 18:1-16a

Hospitality is a value ingrained in all human beings. Ghanaians love to practice hospitality and it is common to hear foreigners mention “Ghanaian Hospitality.” Unfortunately, this valuable gift seems to elude contemporary Ghanaians. The practice of hospitality has been taken advantage of by armed robbery, pretenders, and lazy people, so that a hospitable person becomes a victim of their attack. Instead of the rewards of hospitality, cheerful heart, smiles, joy, that perpetuates healthy life, sadness, grief, sorrow, sickness and sometimes death have become the result. Consequently, Ghanaians have become afraid and reluctant to practice this virtue. Engaging traditional Ewe wisdom with Gen 18:1-16a, the paper seeks to explore through exegetical and intercultural study the value of hospitality within the Ewe and the Hebrew cultures to propose a re-conversion towards ‘hospitality’ for contemporary Ghanaian Christians.

Fit and Viable Determinants of Gamification in Christian Religious Studies in Developing Economy Context

Abstract Gamification has been utilized in bible applications for religious learning activities to create excitement and encourage positive behavioral outcomes. However, there is a noticeable gap in the effectiveness and viability of gamified bible applications, particularly among Ghanaian Christian faiths. In this study, we explored the fit and viability of gamification in Christian religious studies. Based on the Fit-Viability Theory, we analyzed data from 432 respondents from various Christian denominations in Ghana using structural equation modelling. Our findings revealed that Task and Technology Characteristics, Economic, Organizational, and individual Christian Doctrines significantly influence the adoption and use of gamified Bible applications in a developing country context.

A Critique of Prosperity Theology in the Context of Ghanaian Christianity

The economic situation in contemporary Ghana makes everyone yearn for economic progress. In Ghana, like many other parts of Africa, religion is responsible for providing the economic, spiritual, and health needs of its adherents. The predominantly Christian population in Ghana makes many people look up to Christianity to provide the road map to the country’s success. In this regard, the prosperity theology/gospel is the most dominant approach to seeking health and wealth among Ghanaian Christians. Though very persuasive, prosperity theology prompts so much debate about its influence on the religious and socio-economic life of Christians and the society at large. On the one hand, it is considered as promoting unethical behaviour and failing to yield qualitative growth for the church. On the other hand, it is considered as attracting a large following to the Christian faith. The need to evaluate the impact of this type of teaching is an urgent theological and pastoral concern because it is the most appealing Christian approach to socio-economic breakthrough for contemporary Ghanaian Christians. This paper, therefore, sought to address the problem of the lack of a balanced assessment of the prosperity gospel and how its weaknesses can be addressed. The study is a literature-based research that gathered data from publications on the subject matter. Through a critical analysis and evaluation of the information gathered, the authors evaluated the overall impact of the prosperity theology on the holistic life (social, spiritual, economic and political) of its adherents and having noted some pitfalls, recommended how this popular theology can be refined. Apart from providing guidelines for addressing the challenges associated with the prosperity theology, the paper also has the potential of yielding ethical renewal for people to live responsibly as they work toward improving their socio-economic and spiritual lives. Keywords: Prosperity, Christianity, Ghana, Salvation

Pentecostalism, Pilgrimage to Prayer Mountains and Pilgrims’ Adherence to Holiness Ethics in Ghanaian Christianity

The influence of Pentecostalism as a global religious culture is obvious in almost every sphere of human endeavour. As a Christian religious category, Pentecostalism permeates virtually all dimensions of Christian faith and practice. In spite of the visibility and vociferous presence of Pentecostalism as a worldwide Christian religious culture, its influence on Christians’ visitation to Prayer Mountains (PMs) and the pilgrims’ devotion to holiness ethics appear not to have been traversed in scholarship. This paper attempts to fill this gap by employing a multidisciplinary approach to gather the relevant field data. The discussion is theoretically anchored on Miroslav Volf’s ‘The Christian Faith as a Prophetic Religion.’ Using this theory as a hermeneutical framework of the influence of pilgrimage to PMs on society, the paper discloses, among others, that Ghanaian Christians’ pilgrimage to PMs and the pilgrims’ adherence to holiness ethics are replications of Pentecostal practices. Keywords: Pentecostalism, pilgrimage, Abasua Prayer Mountain, holiness ethics

The Church Music, Transition and Reforms in the Ghanaian Christian Church

Purpose: The discourse examines the origin of Church music, its transition and reforms in the Christian church in Ghana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The paper explores the seeming connection and embodiment of elements of Judaism as well as features characterized by the early Patriarchal Church Music policy. It also seeks to unravel the forgotten process that unpins the transition characterized by these musical reforms in the church in Ghana.
 Methodology: To do this, the paper engaged in a desk study review of the existing empirical literature on the origin of church music and specifically, the various transitional periods between the late 19th and early 21st Centuries.
 Findings: It became evident from the study that the church in Ghana, just like in many other African nations broke the imposing dictatorship of Patriarchal Church Music policy giving birth to new movements in church music reforms. This major breakthrough was achieved through the indigenization activities such as the integration of traditional features and acceptance of secular music into the church by the locally formed independent churches.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The discourse, therefore, concludes that the church in Ghana made considerable strive with heavy transformation in gaining musical autonomy despite the intensity of resistance. However, ironically the Ghanaian church music scene remains the embodiment of converging cultures; partly Western, partly Ghanaian. This must be a major concern for further study.

Polygynous marriage union among Ghanaian Christian women: Socio-demographic predictors.

Polygamy has declined in the last decade, but it is still prevalent in West African nations including Ghana even with the arrival of Christianity and colonists, which came to be recognized as a form of slavery that needed to be abolished. To analyze the determinants of polygyny among married Christian women in Ghana. Ghana Maternal Health Survey data was used for this study to do an analytic cross-section study. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The association between dependent and independent variables was explored using chi-square and logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of Ghanaian Christian women's involvement in polygyny marriage union was 12.2%, the prevalence was higher (15.0%) among women of Anglican denomination, catholic denomination (13.9%), and the lowest (8.4%) prevalence recorded among those of Methodist denominations. The predictor factors identified include the age of the woman, history of education, type of place of residence, region, ethnicity, early sex initiation, and history of multiple unions. The prevalence of polygyny in this present study is high given the strict position the Christian religion has against polygyny. This study recommends that the pros and cons of polygyny are objectively looked at from a scientific point rather than a religious point of view.

Joyful Silence in the Liturgical Practices of Ghanaian Christianity

Noise and silence are both integral parts of Christian liturgy. The focus of this paper was to carry out an appraisal of silence in the liturgical activities of Christians in Ghana and its effect on the spiritual as well as environmental health of Kumasi. Using the descriptive approach, the liturgical celebrations of some selected churches from all five strands in Kumasi Metropolis were assessed. The study revealed that silent liturgies exist among the churches in the metropolis, even though the degree of emphasis varies from one strand to another. Also, some of the strands belittle the significance of silence in the liturgy primarily due to their misunderstanding and misinterpretation of scriptures relating to noise and silence. The study thus recommends proper theological and religious education to sensitize Christians on the contextual interpretation of the Bible. Keywords: Silence, Joyful silence, liturgy, Ghanaian Christianity

A Theological Reflection on Witchcraft from a Ghanaian Christian Perspective

Even though witchcraft may not be scientifically proven, it is a widely believed phenomenon in Ghana and other parts of the world. The issue of witchcraft has attracted scholarly attention because it affects the society in diverse ways. This paper contributes to the discussion by offering a theological reflection on the subject from a Ghanaian Christian perspective. The paper used a mixed research methodology involving an empirical approach and a literature review. Primary data were collected through participant observations and personal interviews involving five people selected from different Christian denominations and different geographical locations in Ghana. The secondary data for the research were gathered from books, articles, dissertations and Bible commentaries. The paper argued for the reality of the existence of the phenomenon of witchcraft and encouraged the Ghanaian church to take the issue seriously in its theological, and pastoral ministry. The church is encouraged to help believers practicalize their authority over witchcraft based on Christ’s victory over Satan and his host. Keywords: Africa, Christianity, Ghana, Witchcraft

Charismatic theology of the blood in Ghanaian Christianity

There are several independent Charismatic churches in contemporary West Africa, where worshippers carry communion wine and olive oil to be prayed upon, and sanctified as sacramental substances and tokens either for spiritual protection or for dealing with various existential problems. However, the belief in tokens is an African phenomenon and not something attributed only to a group of Christians labeled African Charismatics. It is an irony, that while the leaders of the historic mission denominations and classical Pentecostal traditions often dismissed these resources of supernatural succor as demonic and discouraging their use in their sermons and publications, most of their own members secretly visit these prophets who give them tokens and symbols like holy water, soaps, handkerchiefs, olive oil, apotropaic baths, candles, concoctions, magical rings, magical creams and many more. Sacred statements, words and songs can also be considered as tokens. Some scholarly works have been done on African Christian songs. These include Hayfron and Quayesi-Amakye.155 However, their focus is not on the place of the blood of Jesus in African Christian songs.

Soteriology as Empowerment in the Gospel of Luke: Implications for Ghanaian Christianity

Soteriology as Empowerment in the Gospel of Luke: Implications for Ghanaian Christianity

‘Thou shalt not worship idols’

Classic ethnographic studies focusing on traditional chieftaincy in Ghana, West Africa, have revolved around issues such as succession rules, installation rituals, or competition for positions of power. However, becoming and being a chief in a predominantly Christian society, like present-day Ghana, has raised new kinds of concerns. Many churches, particularly those that belong to the Pentecostal-charismatic movement, reject traditional ritual life aimed at ancestors and other kinds of spirits as immoral. Since chiefs are fundamentally ritual leaders, who perform sacrifices on behalf of their communities, chieftaincy has assumed an increasingly negative character in Pentecostal discourses. In them chieftaincy is often equated with ‘idol worship’ and thus in direct conflict with the Ten Commandments. Ethical rules of ‘world religions’, such as the Ten Commandments, transcend particularity and their strength is based on an impression that they are applicable everywhere. As pointed out by Webb Keane, this requires mediation work that makes the rules transportable and gives them a potential to be re-contextualized in different places. The article looks at how different interpretations of religious rules are used by Ghanaian Christians and chiefs when debating the in/compatibility of traditional chieftaincy with Christianity. These debates are understood as a part of a process of historical and cultural recontextualization, that is, determining what the commandments mean in the particular time and place that they inhabit.

A Thematic Engagement of Literature on Prayer Mountains as Sacred Spaces in Contemporary Ghanaian Christianity

Sacred spaces and their attendant pilgrimage attractions seem to be some of the universal and more obvious features of world religions. One of the emerging phenomena within contemporary Ghanaian Christianity is Christians’ pilgrimage to some sacred mountains. Even though scholarship on this phenomenon is gradually bourgeoning within the Ghanaian epistemic context, a thematic engagement of literature on Prayer Mountains (PMs) as sacred spaces in the Ghanaian Christian setting seems to have fallen out of scholars’ grasp. This paper, therefore, employs discourse analysis as a method to elucidate some selected themes. In light of discourse analysis, the paper concludes, among others, that the evolution of the PMs phenomenon in Ghanaian Christianity is likely to cause a rethinking of the conventional notion of PMs as spaces for transcendental encounters. Such a revision may result in the emergence of other themes or concepts of future academic relevance. Keywords: Discourse analysis, sacred, profane, sacred space, prayer rituals, Prayer Mountains

Transnational Exchange in World Christianity: Racial Reconciliation in the Newfrontiers Network of Churches, 1979–2010

This article demonstrates how transnational encounters and exchanges can shape and re-shape Christian beliefs and practices in a globalising world. It does this using the example of a transnational network of neo-charismatic churches called Newfrontiers that was founded in the small towns of Sussex during the 1970s but, by 2011, encompassed almost 850 churches in over sixty countries. Drawing on extensive primary research, this article shows how the theological and practical commitment of Newfrontiers churches to racial reconciliation and the building of diverse congregations was forged over thirty years through encounters between British, South African and Ghanaian Christians.

Implications of COVID-19 Innovations for Social Interaction: Provisional Insights From a Qualitative Study of Ghanaian Christian Leaders.

Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted people and institutions to turn to online virtual environments for a wide variety of social gatherings. In this perspectives article, we draw upon our previous work and interviews with Ghanaian Christian leaders to consider implications of this shift. Specifically, we propose that the shift from physical to virtual interactions mimics and amplifies the neoliberal individualist experience of abstraction from place associated with Eurocentric modernity. On the positive side, the shift from physical to virtual environments liberates people to selectively pursue the most fulfilling interactions, free from constraints of physical distance. On the negative side, the move from physical to virtual space necessitates a shift from material care and tangible engagement with the local community to the psychologization of care and pursuit of emotional intimacy in relations of one’s choosing—a dynamic that further marginalizes people who are already on the margins. The disruptions of the pandemic provide an opportunity to re-set social relations, to design ways of being that better promote sustainable collective well-being rather than fleeting personal fulfillment.

ESCHATOLOGY AND CONTEMPORARY GHANAIAN CHRISTIANITY

Christianity is the largest religious group in the world with about 2.6 billion adherents globally. Christianity is, therefore, expected to influence the character of most people in the world. But recent happenings prove otherwise. This research sought to examine how Christian eschatology might impact the public sphere from a Ghanaian socio-religious perspective. The researchers used qualitative research that employs the conceptual analysis approach. During the research, the researchers found out that scanty information exists in academia when it comes to eschatology in Africa. Another finding is a wake up calls on the church to review its eschatological position in the light of sound biblical interpretation. As eschatology influences the theological position of almost all doctrines and practices of the church, it is crucial for the church to revisit its eschatological doctrines and examine its biblical foundations. The research provided lessons and guiding principles for the Ghanaian Christian community.

Implications of Acts 1:8 for Ghanaian Neo-Pentecostal Missiology

The book of Acts is often referred to by many scholars and preachers when discussing Christian missions with emphasis on Acts 1:8 as the centrality of the book. Unfortunately, very little exegetical study is done on the text by scholars in relation to missions. It appears that Luke fails to provide a detailed blueprint strategies or approaches to the command for missions (witnessing) in the text. This article therefore considers Acts 1:8 exegetically to establish its missionary importance. In the light of this, the article assesses the mission strategies of the Early Church, Historic Missions and Neo-Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana. The article contends that, a reflection on the current trend of Neo-Pentecostal/Charismatic approaches or strategies to missions in Ghana gives a valuable insight of a departure from the early missionary strategies in general. The article acknowledges that, the recent widespread involvement of Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in the use of radio, social media, television, open-air crusades, street evangelism, preaching in buses, prayer and prophetic meetings/conventions, medical outreach work and social welfare are ways to fulfill missions in the light of Acts 1:8. The article also highlights the need to broaden the understanding and task of Christian missions to meet the challenges of the recent changing Ghanaian Christian religious landscape. Keywords: Missions, Missiology, Neo-Pentecostal Churches, Early Church,Strategy, Book of Acts, Historic Churches.