Inculturation of Marriage Among the Bemba People of Zambia
Loading...
Date
2002-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Inculturation, Marriage, Bemba People, Zambia