Bachelor of Arts in Theology

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    Christian-Muslim Relationship: A Challenge to the Roman Catholic Church in Zanzibar
    (Tangaza University College, 2005) Renatus, Karumuna
    From 1860-1964 Christians seemed to be in diaspora where they could not exercise their faith. The animosity between Christians and the Muslims was evident such that the church was not allowed to proselytise. When was she free? The local ordinary writes, The first revolutionary government did not allow the building of permanent churches because it was intended that the migrant workers go back home. However, since Zanzibar had no choice but to seek protection by uniting with Tanganyika, the Islands adopted the national constitution which allows "freedom of religion- and hence the freedom of worship. Only two church buildings were recognised, the Anglican Cathedral and St. Joseph's Cathedral (Minara Miwili the Two Tower Church). Unable to provide educational and health services because of nationalisation, and unable to proselytise because such an activity would tarnish the relationship with the Muslims, the Church was reduced to sacramental ministry only1 Indeed, seeds of animosity between Christians and Moslems have undeniably been planted; henceforth the roots of religious tolerance and reconciliation are to be promoted. Working out strategies and process for inter-religious harmony can do this. Reviewing the theological understanding of the two religions will help to achieve this goal. That is, there is only one God, but there are different ways that lead them to God, provided they are good ways or means. This can only be possible if the religious leaders are well informed of their religious history. Many controversies and the enmity which exists between the two religions does not emanate from within. These come about as a result of religious misinterpretations, particularly by fundamentalists or extremists. Religious leaders must understand that the animosity, which is found, between Christians and Muslims in other Islamic countries in Arab world are not justifiable in Zanzibar. The Christians and Muslims in Zanzibar must construct their own mission strategies such as interfaith dialogue. The dialogue must explain their theological issues, discussions over dogmas and other issues which may come in as practical realities in people's lives. For example, how to liberate the human person from sufferings and other issues that affect the human dignity. In order to promote good relationship it is said that, "the same goal which marked the mission of the first Spiritans was liberate the human person to become all that one is created to become- marks the mission of Christ being lived out in Zanzibar today."2 If the Christians and Muslims co-operate in efforts of clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, healing the sick, educating people and so on, then all of them are in the process of achieving true fruitful dialogue, and this is likely to lead to the one true God. Once all these procedures are taken seriously and conscientiously, different religious and their followers can live together in peace without the inter-religious animosity such as that witnessed in Zanzibar. The key theological perspective to be upheld in interfaith dialogue is embedded in the concept of monotheism. as both Muslims and Christian believe in One God.
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    Muslim-Christian Relations in Muslim Predominant States: A Case Study of Zanzibar
    (Tangaza University College, 2017) Kweyamba, Respicius
    Christianity has been in existence since the 1st Century in the Middle East. Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad, born around 570 C.E in Mecca. Hence encounter between Muslims and Christians can be traced back to the 7th century. The Bible and Qur’an are the deposits of faith for Christians and Muslims respectively. From a religious point of view, both Muslims and Christians agree that they share in common origin, common humanity and common destiny. They all believe in One Creator of all that exists and who will judge them in the life to come. On the other hand, the animosity that exists between Muslims and Christians is influenced by differences in their truths of faith and relations over centuries. History has records of good and bad relations between Muslims and Christians. In this work, I intend to examine Muslim-Christian relations with particular reference to Zanzibar. Generally speaking, the relations between Muslims and Christians still leave much to be desired. There have been tension and animosity in different Muslim predominant states where Christians are minorities. They include countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia and Zanzibar. This arose curiosity in me to examine what transpires in Zanzibar where Christians are a minority. I lived in Zanzibar in the whole of 2014. As a Christian I had much fear of the Muslims, based on the perceived image the world has about Muslims and Islam. There is a common notion that “every terrorist is a Muslim but not every Muslim is a terrorist.” This comes as the aftermath of world terrorism in which Muslims are perceived to be ringleaders. 2 Personally I consider Zanzibar to be a special case and a role model as far as the relation between Muslims and Christians is concerned. Despite some few challenges between Muslims and Christians, Zanzibar still stands as an island where peaceful co-existence reigns. In this work I endeavor to tackle the following questions: How did Muslim and Christian communities emerge in Zanzibar? How are the relations between Muslims and Christians like in Zanzibar? What are the causes of some incidences of animosity between Muslims and Christians in Zanzibar? How do Christians perceive Muslims in Zanzibar and vice versa? I will also examine the efforts both religious groups make to improve Muslim- Christian relations in Zanzibar. I expect that this work will be resourceful and helpful to people who are committed to work for peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians in Zanzibar. It is an eye opener with regard to Muslim-Christian relations over centuries. This work is a call for change of perspective about Muslims as enemies or dangerous people.