School of Theology

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Browsing School of Theology by Author "Akaba Didier Delanote, Kimupipa"

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    Paul's Movement in the Direction of Inculturation and Inculturating the Gospel among the Mbala in the Democratic Republic Of Congo
    (Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Akaba Didier Delanote, Kimupipa
    In reading the life of Paul, we know that Paul was left to determine whether salvation lay in Christ, or meticulous observance of the law. We shall see that Paul has to adapt his Jewish traditional heritage to his new Christian message. Paul brought therefore Christian modifications to his Jewish traditional beliefs. Hence, Paul's dilemma is more or less the same as that of Mbala. The Mbala must integrate Christianity and ancestral belief. Christianity for them is worn like a coat. In times of crisis, it is taken off. Given this understanding, our reflection is an attempt to discover Christ from the perspective of Mbala culture. We wish to show therefore how Christianity can be inculturated into our African cultures today, after the example of Paul. We are considering the Mbala culture. The Mbala are people living in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since our topic includes the movement in Paul's life from his pre-Christian life to his Christian life, and the direction of inculturation, we will undertake a critical investigation of events, developments, and experiences. We propose an analytical-comparative method. We need, therefore, biblical texts and sources about Paul to support our arguments. Our topic is addressed in three chapters. In our first chapter, we will try to present Paul as a fanatical defender of the pharisaic tradition, his face turned backwards to the past. Paul clings to his strong faith in the Mosaic tradition, which is salvation in meticulous observance of the law. In the second chapter, we will be concerned with the change that occurs in the life and thought of Paul to demonstrate his movement in the direction of inculturation. Hence, we shall see that Paul never intended to replace the Law as means of salvation and justification for Jews, but only to add Christ as a means of salvation for ethnic Gentiles. Thus, salvation is no longer meticulous observance of the law, but adherence to Christ Jesus. We shall discover this when we discuss Paul's encounter with Christ, that is, his conversion. In the third chapter, we will attempt to discover Christ's presence among the Mbala in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here, we will deal with the inculturation of Christianity among the Mbala after, Paul's example. Finally, in the conclusion, we will summarize briefly our discussion of Paul's mission and inculturation.