Bachelor of Arts in Theology

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Abortion and Sanctity of Human Life
(Tangaza College, 2009) Njagi, Reuben, K
Abortion remains one of the most famous debated social and moral issues. Both pro-life and pro-choice groups present powerful arguments for and against abortion. The pro-life group emphasizes the value of protecting human life since conception at any cost, on the basis of the fact that human life is a sacred gift from God to humanity and should be treated with respect and reverence. The pro-choice group emphasizes the argument that women should have a right to control their body to the point of absolutizing her right over the natural phenomenon of development of a new being. Because of this for at least 25 years now, the issue of abortion has grown increasingly difficult in our contemporary society.
Affirmative Thought and Action as a Key To Youth Ministry
(Tangaza University College, 2002-02-07) Projectus, Rutasitara
To begin with. I think these words are proper to serve as an orienting spirit of our work in looking at the general scene of young people and the faith I am obliged to think that we now have a new situation. It is not just a question of' young people going through a phase as they always did; new approaches have to be found' These are the words of a keen observer in the youth ministry who declined to have his name mentioned. I may as well say that, they echo my sentiments and concern in regard to their needs of love and understanding In my ministry I have always been honoured to have an opportunity to be with the youth It is this kind of contact which enabled me to develop an interest in them, to get to know them and share in their interests, happiness, worries and concerns. The young people are active and have got a lot of energy in them ready to unleash it for the common good of the society and the Church. But they need guidance, proper care to steer them away safely through this transitional, turmoil period of adolescence. Indeed, it is true that the society's values do not render the same support towards unlocking fully their potentialities; and promoting their positive growth as people of balanced personality and informed conscience. We all know the problem of modernity with its impact of materialism and secularism on youth. We are as well aware of the new mentality present among these young people. This situation poses a challenge We need to equip ourselves with new approaches, in order to Ike and dialogue with the youth in their situation. Youth are in search for their identity and proper place in the Church and State It is possible to touch their hearts and guide them to fulfill their desires and dreams for creativity, recognition, justice, freedom and truth. It is possible to achieve this if we can employ consciously affirmative thought and action as a style in youth ministry care
Africa and the Kingdom Of Peace and Justice
(Tangaza University College, 1998-02-16) Hieronymus, Joy
STRUCTURE: The work is divided into four chapters. The first chapter discusses the Kingdom of God in Africa. This should be relevant in this essay as we cannot understand the whole discussion about the values of God's Kingdom without grasping what we mean by that kingdom and an understanding of Africa and her natives before receiving the message of the Kingdom. The Second Chapter deals with Africa and the question of Peace. This chapter will make us understand peace from the African view point. The discussion will revolve around the scriptures, African traditional concept of peace and the modern African situation. This is because peace as one of the values of the Kingdom was lived by the people of God and when Christ came he taught about peace and the Church today is an agent of that peace. Chapter Three deals with Justice in Africa. This aims at showing us the traditional way the Prophets acted on issues of justice. It will also help us to understand the most basic norms of African social morality, namely justice in its different categories and practice. It will also highlight the theology of justice and how the values of peace and justice can be fully integrated into the daily pastoral life of the Church. It should be noted that the discussions in chapters one, two and three begin with a biblical survey. This is not by accident but well intended because our faith, our morality and our evangelization is grounded in scripture. , Chapter Four brings forward the discussion on the African Church and her future mission. This attempts to read the African Church in the 21st century and single out some aspects that would be crucial areas of apostolate. The general conclusion gives a general view of the discussion. The end notes are intended to indicate the theoretical sources as well as to show what historical and empirical materials have been utilized. Also an attempt has been made to convert some of the end notes into a bibliography attached to the essay at the last pages. The bibliography serves to indicate any book or source that was referred to during research. It includes a list of both written and oral sources (informants). Finally, the essay as a whole is not a systematic and comprehensive treatment of justice and peace issues in Africa. An enterprise worthy of this name would have to deal with vast materials which could not be contained in this short essay. Numerous theological questions and practical issues of great importance are dealt with only in passing if at all. For example, little is said about the overall content of moral life of Christians in African society. Nor are practical questions of the social implications of the equality of women and men; of the rich and poor; of tradition and modernity; of sacred and secular, dealt with except tangentially. Also the reader will have to bear with some generalizations since most of the time an example will be given either from one country or ethnic group while the argument has to portray the general African view. However, I hope this essay would provide some illustration of the kind of work that still needs to be done if the African Christian is to address the problems affecting him or her in this continent.
African And Christian Perspective On Widowhood Rite
(Tangaza University College, 2005) Acquaye, Emmanuel
One of the earliest Christian movements to arrive in Ghana was the Catholic Church, which made its debut in around 1899. The missionary zeal couple with the dedication of the local catechist and clergy enabled the church to make significant inroads into extensive stretches of the country, such that as at now, "Ghanaian Catholic population is 12.18% of the total population which is about 20 million. "1 Against the relative success, in the absence of any deliberate moves to integrate the strong local traditions, the church's teachings remained a largely foreign concept to many. Early missionaries, it would appear, had failed to grasp the significance or import of the local, albeit enriching cultural practices, which they dismissed outright as devilish or as fetish. Rituals pertaining to widowhood are particularly poignant here. A new convert would find it conflicting and difficult to reconcile what one believes compelling in the traditional values and the new Christian teaching. The situation becomes even worse for the hapless widow who faces severe challenges related to the loss of a loved one, material and emotional deprivation and then the conflicts between cultural and spiritual welfare. It therefore remains the onerous duty of the pastors and theologians and religious scholars to revisit the issue, study the matter, and come up with some solution to this burning problem. This research study aims at taking a critical look into the subject, seeking out the meaningful components of the traditional practices and reconciling them with the church's teachings and liturgy. It is anticipated that the findings will contribute in some way to the other efforts that are being made to formulate an acceptable procedure in the rites aimed at giving the widow some solace following the traumatizing loss. The research focuses on the Akan community, made up of several groups that are widely spread throughout Ghana. The afflictions and the indignity that befall the widows among these distinctive groups are similar in many aspects. Some references will, however, be made to relevant issues on the subject emanating from other ethnic groups, in order to elucidate certain points. The study begins with the background of the Akans and their culture, in particular as it pertains to rites for bereaved widows. It goes on to sift through the cultural practices to find out possible applications and integration into the church's liturgy. Finally, a look is made into what the support groups within the civil society, government agencies and the church itself can contribute to ameliorate the plight of the widow.
African Christian Theology of Reconstruction
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Maganya, Halerimana
Africa is in crisis, and indeed in a deep crisis, which from the analysis of many, makes it a hopeless continent, ever degenerating and not capable of shaping its own future positively. We would have expected that with the age of technology, globalisation of the world economy and means of communication Africa would develop itself.' Instead while the world is becoming one global village Africa remains at the edge, if not swallowed by the village. Africa is more and more marginalised on the world's political and economic scene. Internally, there are a plethora of problems ranging from ethnic conflicts to gender based discrimination resulting in domestic violence. These conflicts include trans-border conflicts between African nations. The outcome of all this is the suffering of many, rendering it difficult to have any common meaningful project that can foster a better way of living together. Hence what is our attitude in front of this African situation? This essay is an attempt to look at African Theology in the light of the current situation of crisis on the continent. While many may be discouraged, this paper is about hope, a hope that lies in the Reconstruction of the continent based on Reconciliation and Forgiveness. The first chapter describes the African situation. According to Ka Mana2 we need to know what we have to reconstruct. He says that: "If we want to reconstruct our continent and build the finure, we must first have a correct idea of what has been destroyed and which is manifested in the crisis that our people and countries go through today.113 Though the analysis may be pessimistic, this chapter ends with a tone of hope. Hope is the source from which we draw our strength to undertake the project of rebuilding. It is difficult to undertake any endeavour without hope as a foundation. There has been other voices of hope, ours is only an emphasis. The second chapter confronts the theological thinking of Africans within the African reality. We look at the different trends in African Christian Theology and their relevance to the African continent. While acknowledging the genius of the scholars, we have basically concluded that this theology remains a privilege of a few and has little impact on the lives of many Africans. African theologians have not been able to shape the African mind so that it can be the agent of its own development. African scholars have so much emphasised the role of the West in the destruction of Africa that they have lost a vision for this continent. Instead of focusing on the empowerment of Africans they exclusively focus on theological elaborations and discussions that blame the West for Africa's misfortunes. Also they are theorists, praxis is lacking. The third chapter studies the Theology of Reconstruction, an emerging theology that tries to merge theory and praxis. It takes into account the concerns of Inculturation and Liberation Theologies arid at the same time claims to be a step ahead in that it focuses not on theoretical elaboration but on the praxis orientation of African theology. From this perspective a question arises as to the best way to reconstruct Africa. The fourth chapter proposes reconciliation and forgiveness as the way forward for reconstruction. This reconciliation takes place at different levels beginning with the relationship between Africa and the West; reconciliation of Africa as a whole with itself but also reconciliation between Africans themselves is needed so that together they may work for the re-building of this continent. This reconciliation process is based on the therapy of re-telling painful stories.4 It implies, on the side of the perpetrators of violence, the recognition of the harm done to the other party, while on the side of the victim; this requires a conscious effort of recalling the suffering. Only then can the victim forgive the one who has wronged him or her. And together the agent of suffering and the victim will be able to work together for the reconstruction of this continent. For there will be no reconstruction without reconciliation and forgiveness. Are we still reluctant to tread this path lest our efforts remain in vain? Are we afraid that future generations will judge the Reconstruction movement as "irrelevant" just like the Inculturation and Liberation movements? As I prepare myself to start my ministry as a missionary in Africa, the theme of reconstruction challenges me. It calls me to become actively involved in the transformation of the African society. For me the Icairos is now, the opportune time to work for the betterment of the continent is now. Also the theme of reconstruction poses a challenge to all those who are involved in African Christian Theology at the academic level to make a difference this time. For the question remains: Are we going to produce a theology that is relevant to Africa, or is reconstruction going to remain another paradigm invented for the intellectual curiosity of theologians? Is Theology of Reconstruction going to make an impact this time? Unless theology takes into consideration the plight of the Africans at the grass roots, it will remain academic. Working for reconciliation is one way of making theology of reconstruction practical. Why should we embark on this work? Why bother about theology and reconciliation? My own background prompted me to reflect on the future of this continent and my mission as a Missionary of Africa in a continent that is very much torn by endless conflicts. I was born of a mixed marriage between a Hutu and a Tutsi. I come from the Great Lakes region and particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this place there is a lot of political unrest mainly because the question of ethnic origin has been very much politicised and many people are being rejected, despised and denied their nationality because they belong to a particular tribe. Consequently for decades, this region has been bathed in bloody conflicts which have claimed the lives of millions of people in Burundi, Rwanda and Congo. So it is a challenge to a theological institute such as Tangaza College to develop an interest in African Christian Theology. So far such an interest in African theology is lacicing,5 and attempts to nurture such a theology have met with dismal results. An active participation in the ministry of reconciliation will be a sign of commitment to transform the African society. Practically, I fuld it difficult to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to people who are suffering either because they are the cause of so many conflicts on this continent or because they are victims to such an extent that they cannot forgive. On which soil is the seed of the Gospel going to land? How can a divided people undertake the work of reconstruction? The story of Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9) shows that it is impossible to achieve anything if divided; hence reconciliation is an essential element in the reconstruction of Africa. The method used for collecting the data for this essay was primarily library research enriched with some personal experience with the victims of war, mainly refugees.
The African Concept Of Marriage And The Inculturation Process
(Tangaza University College, 2003) Muichavali, Benedict
Culture is a set of meanings and values that organize human life and a world view In the life of each individual and especial!) the faithful. there are particular significant and decisive moments for discerning Gods call and embracing the mission entrusted M Him. Inculturation enables the local church to li e the best of the tradition oi her people in a w a\ that full integrates them within the life and message of Jesus Christ.
African Death Rite Of Passage, Dialogue And Inculturation
(Tangaza University College, 2000-02) Obbo, Stephen Benedict
One of the objectives of this paper is to lead to a deeper understanding of the mystery of death and the rituals surrounding it. The term "death" is commonly understood as "end of life" - and human experience seems to echo this. From the African context, death is looked at as a moment of passing from the earthly life to another realm of life. It is a rite of passage like birth, Initiation into adulthood and marriage. Philosophically, death is defined as a separation of the intertwine aspects of the human person. That is, the body and the soul. From the christian perspective, death is a mystery which can be answered only by another mystery, the death of Jesus Christ. From the clinical or biological definition, death is the point when the brain's functioning stops. Because of the complexity and depth of the African death rites, only a few ethnic groupings have been considered in this paper for the sake of clarity and particularity. These are: The Luo and Abaluyia of Kenya; The lteso, Baganda, Jopadhola and Bakonzo of Uganda, The chagga, Hehe and Bena of Tanzania; and the Ndebele of Zimbabwe. An attempt has, however, been made to discern some similarities and differences between the Christian and African Traditional concepts of death. The conclusion proposes the need for dialogue and inculturation of the compatible African death rites with Christianity. During the course of research, I used certain methods. This includes interviewing aided by a tape recorder. The informants are mainly from Uganda and Kenya and are from different walks of life. I also used questionnaire and library work.
An African Exodus: Special Reference to the Exodus of the Baoule of Ivory Coast
(Tangaza University College, 2005) Yao Paulin, Kouassi Aoussou
Today, in a special way I remember my childhood like it was yesterday. I remember the nice smell of the sand when it rained, when we went to farm all day and came back very tired, and the special moment when we met in the night around the fire with our grandfather and some elders. I still remember the voice of my grandfather and the sound of the drums. Those days were the joyful moments of my life. hi the remote village, very far away, a village that the world may ignore, there, I was born in the silence of the night on the leaves of banana. I w as washed with cold water mixed with some plants. The first thing that touched my tongue was palm wine and then the voice of my grandfather followed to welcome me in the world. Full of mysteries where tomorrow is not known. Afraid, yes I was afraid, but my grandfather assured me his protection and guidance. My grandfather was well known in the entire region by his courage and also by his qualities as a great warrior. It is in the hand of such a great man that I was instructed. He was asked by the elders to be our teacher since he was the pillar o four tradition. Every night we gathered around him and listened to him attentively. I admired him a lot, you can see and feel our 'heritage' flowing from his soul and blood. He was a great man whose intelligence was well known, 'his head shines like fire'2. The method used by that great teacher was the narration of myths. All aspects of our life and about life were taught through myths. The entire heritage of our tradition was written in the soul and blood of my Grandfather. That it is why, we used to say, that if an old man died, it's like an entire library that has been destroyed. Since my childhood, I have been 'nourished by myths'. They formedme and through it I have learned about my tribe, my clan, and my ancestors and also to know the why and the teaching of the rules and morals of my community. Myths have forged my guiding principles and moral life. One who is not initiated into it, is not classified among 'humans' and has no right to sit among the elders. It is to say that, 'a child who has done sixty villages is wiser than an old man who is sixty years old and has never travelled'. Later on, in secondary school and at university, I came across Greek mythology, which has some similarities with ours, and it really fascinated me. Joining seminary was an opportunity for me to use that experience and background in sharing the Word of God, since myths can be found in the Bible too. And are well appreciated. Now it is an occasion for me to look closer at the myths and see in which way they can contribute to our effort of inculturating the Good News brought by our saviour Jesus Christ. Personally, I think that Christianity should be presented to other peoples and cultures in the way that is most meaningful for them. For that reason, the study of one of the myths of my people would be very helpful in presenting the Gospel since myths are a genuine part of our culture. It is an occasion also, to pay homage to my grandfather and through him to all the great Africans, who did their best to protect and to pass our traditions from generation to generation.
The African Family Before And After Industrialization
(Tangaza University College, 1997-02) Epajja, Constantine
I intend in this paper to explore and show how life was lived in the African Traditional family community before the period of industrialization. What the African concept sustained and helped the extended family to survive and fulfill her moral duties. In chapter four I shall discuss the place of material possessions in the African traditional family The origin of material things and the role it played in the family community: it enhanced the value, respect and dignity of both the individual and community, of both the poor and rich, and indeed of the stranger. The Supreme being and their ancestors blessed an individual with material property, so it was understood that the property was to be used to help the needy members in the community. Failure to do so would anger the Supreme Being and ancestors. Consequently, people cared for one another and shared their material things. A spirit absent today at the age of industrialization whereby people are more individualistic Having done that, then I shall also show ways in which the modern view of life is increasingly becoming focused on the acquisition of material things for meaningful life, hence subsequent erosion of moral standards of the past. How material things which enhanced the respect and dignity of the human person, has also contributed to the downfall of the human vocation - to live in the very freedom of the children of God. When God according to Genesis, created the world saw that it was good, then he entrusted it to the human race, it was to serve the ongoing development of that race into a community of material exchange and growing complicity. Yet all material property put into human hands immediately acquire a certain ambivalence. They can be either used to build up relationships as God intended, or they can be turned into instruments of division and violence. It is true that due to Western influence, the world is becoming more secularized and individualistic, with very little focus, concern paid to the humane and spiritual dimensions of human existence. In the African traditional family community there never existed a distinction between the Sacred and Secular. The basis of traditional morality lay in the firm belief in the unity of the universe. The unity of the universe defied any attempt separate secular from Sacred. I an also aware in this paper that my recommendations of having a new look back at old attitudes to material things, moral values in African traditional family, is not a romantic call to a return to an ancient form of life. Certainly industrialization is a positive sign that man obeys the commandment of God of subjecting the earth to himself and so Improve the standards of living. But because of the daily experience, African families are becoming more and more secularized and the African child is loosing contact with traditional culture and values. It is helpful to re-examine once more the African traditional familyvaluesbefore industrialization to discover what lessons can sustain African family today and enhance concern for others especially those lacking the basic human necessities of life. Many have values which modern society, family needs and certainly western societies need to learn so as to move towards liberation and more humane modes of life. Industrialization has caused many challenges today to the African modern family Challenges such as the weakening of the African Family communal life of the past and replaced it with inhuman structures as I shall show in the following chapters. Also in chapter three I shall discuss the values with which the extended African family respected and nurtured children with great honour. The life of a child was much loved to the extent that any act of abuse done to the child such as prostitution and rape, was severely punishable. For that reason, child abuse was rarely unheard of in the past family, incomparable to what is happening to the contemporary child. Then chapter five I will give the teaching of the Church on Family, marriage and children which is compatible with my earlier treatise. Finally, I shall offer a critical evaluation on Family as a Universal phenomena, hence drawing some pastoral suggestive guidelines for pastors, parents, leaders and indeed, for all those who are inveloped in Family education, catechesis and evangelization. I would like to sum up my introductory words with a quotation of the Pope's opening homily of the African Synod as a Preliminary insight and Foundation of my paper: "The sons and daughters of Africa love life. It is precisely this love for life which leads them to give such great Importance to the Veneration of their ancestors . The believe instinctively that the dead continue to live and remain in communion with them. Is this not in some way a preparation for belief in the communion of Saints? The People of Africa respect their life which is conceived and born. They rejoice in this life. They reject the idea that it can be destroyed, even when the so-called "Progressive Civilizations" would like to lead them in this direction. And practices hostile to life are Imposed on them by means of economic systems which serve the selfishness of the rich"' The Pope continued in these words, We are pleased to notice that opening up towards life is one of the most beautiful and typical features of the African continent, on the other hand, we are very sorry and worried to see that this continent is torn apart by old tension and bloody wars. We can only be deeply struck and upset by this dramatic contrast between love and hate, between joy to live and terror, between solidarity and fratricide, between life and death
The African Family: A Comparative Approach To The Trinity
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Awity Sheith Oluoch, Maurice
The doctrine of the Trinity is central to the Christian revelation. In fact the confession of one God in three persons is rightly regarded as proper and specific to Christian faith and revelation. This Trinitarian confession is and will always remain a mystery, a problem that believers have to contend with. Through the ages, theologians of various cultural milieus have given different interpretations to the Trinity. These theologians have used analogies and theoretical categories that helped their contemporaries to understand and appreciate the mystery of the Trinity. It is the contention of this essay that an African understanding of the mystery of the Trinity cannot rely on categories and models that are not close to their own reality. The study like the one we are taking is focused on using a category and model close to the African cultures. There are several images used to depict the Trinity. In this work we have taken the family as an appropriate image. The approach is in line with the AMECEA Bishops and the Synod of 1995 proposal; the 'Church as Family of God'. This theological 'discovery' was provoked by the need for a better and integral understanding of the Church and the Christian faith in general. In this paper the focus is to show how the African model of the Family helps in understanding the Trinity.
African Psycho-Religious Understanding of `Ratum ET Consummatum' Versus Catholic Church's Teaching
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Priscus, Michael Massawe
On Friday 2ld Jan. 2000, the Holy Father received the prelate Auditors, Officials and Advocates of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota for the solemn opening of the judicial year. Addressing the Jurists in the Sala Clementina of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope spoke of the possible juridical effect of the current divorce mentality on the marital consent and reiterated the church's constant teaching that ratified and consummated marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power not even the Roman pontiff. The Holy Father insisted on the church's finidamental duty to reaffirm strongly as the Synod Fathers did, the doctrine of the indissolubility of marriage (FC.20) in order to dispel the shadow that seems to be cast over the value of the indissolubility of the conjugal bond by certain opinions stemming from theological and canonical research (L'osservatore Romano, 26th Jan. 2000). Looking at our African situation whereby the marriage issue is one of the major challenges in the pastoral work in the parishes and this declaration of the Holy Father to all Christians, I started to ponder about our church here in Africa where there is a lot of an accentuate increase of marriage dissolution_ Reading in the Newspapers, maga7ines and articles we find a lot of marriages broken e.g. separation of ratified and consummated marriage, divorce, cohabitation and the like. Reflecting on what might be the causal factor, I realized that there is misunderstanding between our African culture and traditional understanding of marriage with that of Catholic Church's teaching. For instance, African culture, which allows marriage separation, polygamy etc., differs with the church's teaching on indissolubility and monogamy of marriage. It is in line with this, we made an assumption that African psycho-religious understanding of ratum et consummatum versus catholic church's teaching is a pastoral issue today which requires an immediate solution for the betterment of African Christian people. It is from this assumption that we were prompted to carry out this research work for the justification that African psycho-religious understanding of ratum et consummatum versus catholic church's teaching is a pastoral issue today. The results, discussions carried out are placed in this research work. All findings placed in this research work are emanating from the responses of the respondents from Arusha Archdiocese in Tanzania. The data were discussed and analyzed in which the recommendations and practical pastoral suggestions for the future research were developed.
African Trinitology A Response to Ethnocentrism in Kenya.
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) ODIGWE UCHENNA, FRANCIS
This essay sets out to achieve dual objectives. It serves the purpose of making the doctrine of the most Holy Trinity intelligible to Africans. This intelligibility lies in the essay's focus on the communitarian model of the Trinity, which evokes familiar communitarian sentiments among the Africans. The sentiment is deepened with the use of African communitarian categories like the ancestors and their descendants. Besides the objective of intelligibility, the other objective is relevance. The essay seeks also to make the communitarian Trinity respond to a specific African problem, ethnocentrism. The relevance of the communitarian Trinity to the question of ethnocentrism makes the essay not just theoretical but also practical and thus dispels the abstract connotation that goes with the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. Therefore, the goal of the essay is to demonstrate the intelligibility and relevance of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to an African mindset. The essay is presented in the methodology of liberation theology designated as pastoral cycle. The methodology begins with an observation and an analysis of the social situation, followed by an evaluation from the gospel point of view of the social situation, and ends with some plans of action(s) towards ameliorating the situation. Chapter one of this essay tries to analyze the dynamism of ethnocentrism in Kenya. This analysis is presented in a socio-political frame such that it traces the evolution of ethnocentrism in the political history of Kenya. In this section of the essay my sources are both library and some fieldwork. I used some books, journals, and reports of researches especially from the Kenya Human Rights Commission resource center, Nairobi. I also tried to check out some bits of information I got from the library materials by actually visiting some ethnic clash sites like Mob, Nakuru, and Likoni. At these places, with the help of the Sectariate of Catholic Justice and Peace of Kenya, I was able to interview some of the victims of these clashes. The facts in this chapter represents the fruit of these researches both in the library and in the field. The second step in pastoral cycle methodology is the evaluation of the social situation in the light of the gospel. This second step is used in chapters two. While chapter one ends with the observation that the reflection on the implications of our belief in the doctrine of the Trinity could respond to ethnocentrism, chapter two exposes a nascent model of the Trinity ascribed as the communitarian model. In this chapter this model is presented and ethnocentrism evaluated from its perspectives. The final step of the pastoral cycle is planning, the mapping out of courses of actions to combat the social malady. Chapter three of the essay is dedicated to this planning. The chapter advocates for a re-definition of the African concept of community using the trinitarian community as a model and goes further to suggest concrete ways of executing this plan through the declaration of Christ as the Ancestor of the Kenyan citizens, based on the trinitarian ancestral concept of the Trinity. On the trinitarian ancestral interaction is based the christological ancestral relationship to us which forms the point of the unification of the ethnic groups in Kenya. It is in this manner that an African trinitology will respond to ethnocentrism in Kenya. However, before delving into the essay proper, we will present a brief sketch of Kenya. Kenya lies across the equator in east central Africa on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is a moderate sized country with an area of 582, 650 square kilometers in which only 25 percent is inhabitable and the vast remaining 75 percent is either arid or semi-arid. I Kenya has a population of 28.7milion with an average annual increase rate of 3.4 percent. This population is a conglomeration of 64 ethnic groups ranging from small to large groups. The 1999 population census2 puts the percentages of some of the groups as follows: Kikuyu 22 percent, Luhya 14 percent, Luo 13 percent, Kalenjin 12 percent, Kamba 11 percent, Kisii 6 percent, Meru 6 percent, Asian, European and Arab 1 percent and others 15 percent. In view of the diversity of ethnic communities in Kenya, Kenyans speak English language as the official language and Swahili as the national language. There is also a diversity of religions in Kenya. The religious distribution is: Protestants 46 percent, Roman Catholics 30 percent, Traditional religionists 6 percent, Moslems 16 percent and others 2 percent.3 Historically, paleontologists' researches show that human beings inhabited Kenya about 2 million years ago. The Arab seafarers established settlements along the coast and the Portuguese took control of the area in the early 1500. The largest group of the Kenyan ethnic groups, the Kikuyu, migrated to this region at about the 18th century. This whole area became a British protectorate in 1890; a crown colony in 1920 when it was ascribed as British East Africa. In this area, nationalist stirrings erupted in the 1940s and in 1952, when the famous Mau Mau movement rebelled against the colonial government. Kenya became independent on December 12, 1963 under the leadership of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. From 1964 to 1992, the Kenyan African National Union (KANU), first under Jomo Kenyatta and then under Daniel Arap Moi, ruled the country of Kenya as one-party state. It took demonstrations, riots and international pressure to get the government of Moi to repeal the one party state and accept multi-party elections in 1992. In the Republic of Kenya, there is a one-house National Assembly constituted by 188 members elected for five years by the universal suffrage, 12 nominated members by the president and 2 ex-officio members, to make a sum total of 202 members of Kenyan Parliament. Among the many problems that besiege economic and political growth in Kenya, is ethnocentrism. Several authors and publications depict this reality. "Intricately connected to most of the economic and political challenges and problems that Kenya faces today is the question of the place of ethnic groups"' Atieno Odhiambo puts it that, "Ethnicity forms the strongest cleavages in the Kenyan society"5 Kiraitu Murungi writing on Multi-Partism in Kenya warns; "We cannot pretend that ethnicity is not an important factor in Kenyan politics. It is part of our historical and social reality."6 He then concludes that "the time for lies on this issue is over and an honest and open national discussion on ethnicity should take place."7 These statements bring us to the end of the introductory pages of this essay. We shall now delve into the essay proper.
The African Value of Life: A Case of the Igbo and Inculturation
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Anichitkwu Ugwu, Stephen
The central concern in contemporary African Christian theological reflections on evangelization is how to help Africans respond positively to and accept the message of salvation. The core message of salvation is that God the Father, in His mercy and love, wills that all human beings be saved from their sinful human condition and then come to the dignity of sharing fully in His divine life. The divine life is a life shared by the Trinity: The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That life is often called "eternal life," "a life of love", "the essence of God's existence" and it tells us how God the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit existed together before creation. It is the life brought to all people by Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. This is the noblest value to which every human being is called for the purpose of attaining fullness of life. Sharing in that life means entering into a loving relationship with God the Father, uniting one's life with that of His Son and relying on the Holy Spirit for a transformation in love as Jesus rightly puts it, Al came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly" (Jn 10: 10). As a student of theology and someone who will be involved in the work of evangelization, I have been asking myself these questions: "After my studies, how am I going to present what I have studied, especially the above mentioned value, to my fellow Africans in general and my people the Igbo of Nigeria in West Africa in particular? Since people easily understand an idea related to their cultural values, what value would help the Africans to deepen their relationship with God? What value would help them to appreciate more the person of Jesus and his role in salvation?" While I was reflecting on all these questions, the word "life" struck me. Life is an important Igbo (African) value, an intrinsic good held in high esteem. It is what gives meaning to all the good things obtainable in Igbo society. Life as a value determines how all human beings are related to God, themselves, to each other and the world in which they find themselves. In fact, life is a value that determines how moral, social, spiritual or religious an Igbo person is, and how he or she understands and seeks the realisation of his or her destiny. Believing that life is an important value in Igbo society, I sought to understand this value better. I became more interested in ascertaining the depth of this value when I read from the Synod of African Bishops held in 1994 that we must develop a deep theological concern and reflection on African values if the effort to help Africans welcome Jesus Christ, as the one who fully reveals God and through whom they can deepen their relationship with God, is to bear much fruit. In their conference, the Bishops identified three African cultural values as good tools for theological reflection and inculturation: a religious sense, a sense of community and a sense of life! These values are evident among the Igbo. They are inseparable from each other. But for the sake of the scope of this study, we shall focus on life as an important value in Igbo society. Because the Igbo society sees life as its most important value strongly connected with God, it seems suitable as a basis on which inculturation could start and evangelization bear much fruit not only in Igbo society, but also in all African societies. This essay attempts to highlight the Igbo understanding of life as a value. The study recommends that this value be preserved, protected and promoted, lest it loses its meaning and significance. It also attempts to unveil the incompatibilities and the compatibilities of the Igbo value of life with the Christian's for the purpose of a proper inculturation. From this background, we could learn to see life as a strategic value for evangelization, not only in Igbo society, but also in any other African society. For that reason, this essay will further attempt to disclose the Christian view of the value of life. However, because the issues here are so complex, this essay is somewhat longer than originally anticipated. Reducing the number of pages, I felt, would have required eliminating material essential to the argument. And so I beg the reader's patience at the length. This essay has five chapters. Chapter one gives the clarification of some terms used in this work. Chapter two deals with the meaning of inculturation, its principles, its importance for the Church and for Africa, and the inculturation of the Gospel values into the Igbo society. Chapter three highlights the Igbo understanding of life as a value. Chapter four deals with the Christian teaching on the value of life and the possibility of inculturating that value into the Igbo value of life. And, chapter five gives us the general conclusion of this essay with some recommendations.
Agroforestry in Small Scale Farming In Kenya
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Adigbo, Cyprien Komlan
The biosphere is the fourth system in the environment and it is the zone where all living things (plants, animals and people) are living. It is a unique feature of the earth because the other planets were said to not have any trace of life. It is a region where there is enough water, mineral and gaseous reserves. The biosphere is therefore the expanse zone of land, water and air. It is a zone, which is an immense variety of living species varying in size from minute bacteria to huge trees and big animals. In this zone, life forms and other things existed under equilibrium or balance. There was a good marriage between crops and the environment. These mean that animals lived in milieu that fit both for them and their future generations. The recent unmindful exploitation of the environmental resources has created an unfavourable condition that has caused animals and birds to migrate to the other areas. Changes in climate have also contributed to the movement of species and sometimes making them become rare in their original habitats. Now as conditions become unfavourable, animals and birds migrate to other areas. Climate change is another element that moves the species and sometimes they become rare. As mentioned before, human beings are also part of the elements of the biosphere. They live in interdependence with to plants and animals for food and other necessities oflife. Human beings have continuously modified the environment causing change in the types of species and the ecological interactions among them. These changes occur as result of development, which is a necessity but which is conducted in a manner that is sometimes not sustainable. Due to the illusory believe in unlimited bounty of natural resources, human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing and use of fertilisers and pesticides, the impact of oil spills and increasing pollution in the biosphere have alerted people on the need for environmental conservation and development that is sustainable. Reijntjes and others (1992) quoted: "In 1989 the World Commission on Environment and Development (WC.E.D) called attention to the immense problems and challenges facing world agriculture, if present and fixture food needs are to be met, and the need for a new approach to agricultural development". It observed that "The agricultural systems that have been built up over the past few decades have contributed greatly to the alleviation °Munger and the raising of living standards. They have served their purposes up to a point But they were built for the purposes of a small, more fragmented world. New realities reveal their inherent contradictions. These realities require agricultural systems that focus as much attention on people as they do on technology, as much on resources as on production, as much on the long tenn as on the short term. Only such systems can meet the challenge of the future"' (W.C.E.D 1987,p.144). The United Nations, also being preoccupied by the future of the coming generations, said: "Degradation of land results in not only a loss ofproductivity but it reduces the productive potential of these resources for figure generations."2 The situation in Kenya is not different from the foresaid. The challenge is therefore how to manage well the Kenya resources in the Kenyan environment so that the coming generations would also live happily? The other challenge is how to educate the population and make it aware of their environmental heritage and be themselves the stewards of the their future? This paper proposes that Agroforestry is the best way out of this puzzle. Agroforestry is a land use system in which trees and / or shrubs are managed together with crops and / or livestock on the same piece of land either at the same time or at different times. Agroforestry in farming is a way of developing the earth without violating God's plan. It has double meanings: For the sustenance of the human creation and the protection or sustenance of the environmental resources. This agriculture is more sustainable than both traditional and industrial ones. It does more justice and gives respect to the environment as well as to promoting better human survival. If deforestation, erosion, traditional and industrial technologies contribute to the degradation of the land, it will be recovered through Agroforestry sustained in small-scale farming.
The Akan (Ghana) Concept Of Witchcraft: A Pastoral Problem.
(Tangaza University College, 2000-02) Kofi, Kodom Patrick
In the following work, I have tried to examine the Akan concept of witchcraft as a pastoral problem, which both foreign and local missionaries face, and how to help the victims out of it. The focus of the work has been trying to understand in a deeper way the roots of the fear of witchcraft. Though the fear of witchcraft is so pervasive in Africa, so far the response of the Christian Church, especially the established Churches has been one of denial and rejection. Should this continue the way it is now, or something has to be done? This is one of the basic questions that I have tried to answer. Although I personally doubt the existential substance of witchcraft, I firmly believe that the reality of the belief in witchcraft is indubitable. The conclusion of the work then is, witchcraft is a pastoral problem in the African Church and all efforts must be made to fully understand it.
Alcohol and Drugs Addiction A Pastoral Problem
(Tangaza University College, 1998-02) Kamau, Francis Ngumi
One of the major discoveries of this century is the fact that alcoholism is a disease. As a result of this, there is so much written on addiction to both alcohol and drugs. In so doing, it is hoped that this will create an awareness to the public who have to live and interact with addicts almost all the time. Unfortunately most addicted people and a section of the public deny the disease concept of this serious addiction. They treat it as a moral issue rather than what it is, namely a disease. In the meantime, the disease continues to unleash terror on a good percentage of the human race. From America alone, a study carried out in 1965 gives the following information. Of the eight million adults in the United States who drink about seventy one percent of the adults population, between five and six million can be considered "alcoholics" by our definition. For every female alcoholic in the United states of America, there are between four and five male alcoholics.' Other books that I read put the figure at 7% of the human race while in A.A. Circles the figure is as high as 10%. whichever the case, the problem of alcoholism is universal and can no nger be ignored or wished away. In this essay I hope to shed some light on addiction to alcohol though I will briefly focus on drug addiction too. My aim is to show how much damage alcohol does to its victims and the public at large. Though my work will be based on the Kenyan situation, I will make reference to other areas in Africa and the world at large with the United States as a focal point. I will show my familiarity with alcohol using my own experience as a recovering alcoholic. I will also show how I have been involved in helping alcoholics and drug addicts in the last seven years as an active member of the alcoholic anonymous. Finally I wish to propose a rehabilitation program whose model will be that of the Good Shepherd. A good pastoral approach based on Christ who laid down his life for his sheep and who came so that all may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10). As a member of the Universal church I hope to re affirm the church's commitment to bringing healing and reconciliation to those afflicted by the disease. This church is the channel through which grace is transmitted to its members especially the sick and in so doing restores their hope. As Christ said, it was to seek the lost and to heal the sick that his mission was directed. (Mt. 18:12ff). This kind of Christian spirituality and approach offers the best foundation for this healing to be effective. Last but not least, I will show how my own community; the Franciscan Missionaries of Hope, hopes to be involved in this apostolate. We see our charism as a response to the needs of addicted people, and other people who carry heavy burdens both spiritually and psychologically. We believe it is possible to achieve this goal through the gospel value of hospitality and availability. Cf. Charism Statement FMH.
An Analysis on Empowerment of Women in Githunguri, Kambaa and Miguta Parishes in Kiambu
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Mungai, George Njoroge
In the contemporary world where every sphere of human life is advancing to a great height, the issue of gender equality and fair treatment is among the issues discussed. For a long time women have been considered and taken as the second sex, weaker sex, the second class human beings. They have been neglected, oppressed, discriminated against, ridiculed, abused and above all their presence and contribution in the development process has been underrated. In post-independent Africa, especially in the last three decades, many voices are raised in defence and uplifting of women. There is a realisation that women have a high potential and that their place in the society is equal to that of their male counterparts if not even better. This has caused an explosion of liberation theories and practicalities that geared to raising the status-quo of women. Different countries, cultures and localities have come up with strategies of empowering women. Much effort has been put into this issue, but much is yet to be done, and to be achieved. In Kenya, issues concerning women have been mostly addressed and effected in urban areas while the rural women in many cases have remained in the same situation. It is the rural women that this study will concentrate on, trying to investigate their education, economical, political, cultural, and religious status and the extent of their empowerment. Muriithi observes that: The proper empowerment of these women that we hope will be effected gradually; will witness a tremendous revolution for the better of the present women and men.
The Annunciation of the Birth Of Jesus in Lk 1:26-38
(Tangaza University College, 1999-02-12) Odunga, Godfrey
The practice of reading and studying of the Bible in the Church is gradually taking root, especially during this post-Vatican II era. This is a positive step in the process of evangelization and missionary activity worldwide. In Africa, the reading of the Bible has been enthusiastically promoted in the Protestant Churches notwithstanding the obstacle of illiteracy in the last decades. It is quite recommendable that the Catholic Church is now taking seriously this aspect of evangelization. Apart from the institutions of learning, the Basic Christian Communities have proved to be efficient in this process from the grassroots. The above awareness and experience in the pastoral field of the many questions raised about the message and content of the Bible is what has prompted me to opt for this kind of research. It is the challenge of African scholars to respond to this urgent need using the opportunities available. In this research I have employed scholarly tools and methodology appropriate to the critical study of the Bible. Therefore in the first chapter we shall start with the exegesis and then theological analysis of the text of Lk1:26-38, which is the subject matter of this study. Then will follow the third stage of venturing into the task of applying the fruit of our exegesis in our contemporary African context. This passage is unique and quite relevant since it announces the coming of Our Lord and proclaims fundamental mysteries of our faith
Apocalyptic Eschatology in Matthew 25:31-46 Its Message for Nairobi's Vijiji Today
(Tangaza University College, 2002-12-12) Powell, Carmel
During my years in Southern Africa I have been amazed to see the diversity of the social conditions in which people live. However, it was only in Kenya that I have encountered human misery in a degree I could not imagine before. On top of this. I have experienced a wide range the faiths/churches and communities to which people seek refuge from their often hopeless existence The enrolment in the "mushrooming" faith communities does not necessarily mean the improvement of living conditions. but it gives something else in return, perhaps some sense of belonging and above all hope for the better future. My first visits in the Nairobi's vim, like Kibcra, were exciting and challenging at the same time. Walking through the gorges, between the mud huts, little children as well as adults were surprised seeing inzungul visiting kyyl Some attempts of understanding the life "on the other side" became real. This presentation on the Gospel of Matthew is the fruit of my time spent in kyyl, with some reflection on the Matthean community who listened to the same Gospel message. Today it is important to discover that the times and people change but the Gospel message is still relevant and God's Word remains dynamic.
Art and Symbols as A Communication of Faith in The History of Ethiopian Orthodox Church
(Tangaza University College, 2005) Medhin, Samson Gebray
With time, the term "art" has become to mean more than drawing and painting. To our understanding it has come to encompass a variety of expressive fields such as drama, theatre, music and much more. This fairly modern type of inclusion has made it quite a challenge to easily define art. "Culture", as one would expect, simply adds to the complexity. It is with this understanding and inborn knowledge of the unique, complex artistic nature of Ethiopia, that it is not easy to give a single definition as to what Ethiopian Art and Ethiopian Culture is. Instead in this long essay I have tried to outline what I think are the most important components of Christian Art in the History of Ethiopian Orthodox Church and it communication aspect in delivering the faith to the young Generation of Ethiopia. To do this, in the first chapter I am going to stress on the Historical back ground of the Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and the origin of Ethiopia Art. I am going to show how Ethiopian Art developed together with the first Christian evangelization. As many historian tells us that One of the most important events in Ethiopian art history occurred around 330 A.D., when Ezana, the Aksumite ruler of the highlands of northeastern Africa, accepted Christianity. This occurred not long after the emperor Constantine declared Christianity a legal religion of the Roman Empire. By 500 CA., the most sacred of Christian texts the Gospels had been translated into Ethiopia, and the foundations of a Christian artistic tradition, setting the course of artistic development in the region, had been firmly established. Pre- Christian Askurnite rulers celebrated their victories by setting up monumental statues to the gods of heaven and earth. However, Ethiopia's Christian rulers celebrated their majesty by building churches and endowing monasteries. The city of Askum became symbolically the New Jerusalem, and the cathedral there was dedicated to St. Mary of Zion. Therefore, all this points and other similar ideas will be developed in the first chapter. In the second chapter I will try to explain in a more specific way same of Ethiopian Christina arts like painting, architectures, church music and Christian symbols and their communication aspect in transmitting the faith to the next generation. I will try to find out also those Ethiopian artists who manage to communicate effectively the Gospel value and traditional worship though their great artistic mind. When I speak of Ethiopian art mostly I refer to Ethiopian Orthodox Church because the Church was one of the most significant pillars of Ethiopian society. It developed the only significant fixed constructions monasteries and churches of any importance for many years. So, in a sense, the fixed icons of Ethiopian society were those provided either by the church, or by the ancient stel (obelisks) of the Aksumite ruins. Therefore, the second chapter is more on the value and communication aspect of those Christian arts in the church. The third chapter is more on a pastoral concern of those Christian arts to day in Ethiopia and young generation. I will try to give the current situation of that traditional cultural heritage and the problem of young generations. In the last part of the chapter I will mention the effort of church in keeping those cultural heritages and how the church is communicating its faith to the young generation with arts and symbols. I will also portray some of the things that the church didn't do in reaching the need young people and communicate effectively to them through its great historical arts and symbols. Therefore the aim of this long essay is to help the young generations of Ethiopian to see and give values to their Christian cultural heritage and help them to know how those Christian arts communicate faith and pass the message of the good news. To help them to have respect, admiration, love and knowledge of their orthodox church, not to consider the church as out of fashion, which is the model of strong faith and rich tradition and As a student of theology and communication my aim is also to show to those young people and church leader how the church was communicating its faith through out its past history starting from 4'h c even during the challenging time and during attack from Muslims. So that, the church may open it eyes and learn from the past and know how to communicate its traditional faith and Christian values to the very challenging present generation with out changing its identity.

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