Browsing by Author "Misengo, Theophan"

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    Inculturation of Marriage Among the Bemba People of Zambia
    (Tangaza University College, 2002-02) Misengo, Theophan
    One of the deepest aspirations and desires that the Bemba have and long to see fulfilled is marriage. When we have some knowledge about their marriage encounter, it will help us to understand on the way they respond to their Christian faith. This understanding is important for our pastoral work as ministers of the Word of God. A good number of marriages, among the Bemba, are traditional ones. Some of these Christians prefer traditional marriage to ratified marriage in the church. Among the Bemba, there are polygamous families and polygamy is accepted. Within their marriage practice, there are some elements that do not conform to Christian values. At the same time, the Bemba are in favour of Christianity. The Christian and traditional point of view have to meet and embrace each other somewhere. In Africa today, inculturation continues to be an urgent issue. The Bemba should experience the Good News of the Gospel in their cultural situation. Traditional marriage practices should be enriched by the Gospel message and vice-versa. Christianity has to grow in an African environment where each Christian will feel at home. The issue of traditional marriage has persisted since the early missionaries. The early missionaries addressed this matter with less success. The search for better understanding of traditional marriage continues. The church should look for suitable ways by which to accept traditional marriage. In the process of reinterpretation of the Bemba traditional marriage, the Bemba community and the church should be faithful to each other.