Culture as an Essential Element of Evangelization, a Case Study of the Karimojong of Northern Uganda
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Date
2015
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
Our founder, Charles Cardinal Lavigerie of the Missionaries of Africa
encouraged all of the Missionaries going on mission to like the people, like their
culture: learn the language, eat the staple food, learn the traditions, share with them
their joys and sorrows etc. This has been a motivation, with the hope that, this
research will enlighten me more on how to apply the culture of the people in my
missionary activities effectively.
As a Dagao (someone born from my tribe), I realized in the Catholic Diocese
of Wa, Ghana (my home diocese) that people have overwhelmingly embraced the
gospel, however, the priests who know the traditions and practices of the faithful
have a greater impact on the Christians than those lacking that ability. The above
example testifies to the fact that the importance of culture in the process of
evangelization cannot be overemphasized.
At the end of my pastoral work in Uganda among the Karimojong, I felt the
Karimojong are opened to the gospel but still so much attached to their culture
which is good but some aspects especially the castle rustling and destruction of life
is contrary to the gospel values. The question is how can we find a bridge between
their culture and that of the gospel? Hence this research is aimed at enriching my
knowledge of the Karimojong culture so as to help me and other missionaries
working there do effective ministry.
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Keywords
Culture, Evangelization, Uganda, Africa, God