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Inculturation: a Conditio Sine Qua Non for Effective Evangelization in Cameroon in the Light of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in Africa

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Inculturation: a Conditio Sine Qua Non for Effective Evangelization in Cameroon in the Light of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in Africa Inculturation: A Conditio Sine Qua Non For Effective Evangelization in Cameroon in the Light of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in Africa by Eugene Chianain A Thesis submitted to the University of St. Michael's College and the Graduate Center for Theological Studies of the Toronto School of Theology In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Theology awarded by the University of St. Michael's College and the University of Toronto © Copyright by Eugene Chianain 2018 Inculturation: A Conditio Sine Qua Non for Effective Evangelization in Cameroon in the Light of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in Africa Eugene Chianain Master of Theology University of St. Michael’s College and the University of Toronto 2018 Abstract Early missionaries to Cameroon dismissed fundamental cultural and religious practices of the people, especially the cult of the ancestors as paganism and sought to replace it with the Christian doctrine of the communion of saints. Considering the significant liturgical-cultural shifts that occurred at the Second Vatican Council and the propositions of Pope John Paul II in Ecclesia in Africa this research analyses both the theology and rituals around the communio sanctorum and the veneration of ancestors and demonstrates that ancestral veneration is not bound up with superstition and error but is replete with parallels to the doctrine of the communion of saints. It articulates their differences and similarities and argues for the liturgical inculturation of ancestral veneration in the domains of the litany of the saints, the Eucharistic liturgy and the use of ancestors’ names at baptism. This will enable Cameroonians to become Christians and remain Africans. ii Acknowledgments I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to Prof. Darren Dias, OP for directing my thesis with tremendous patience, fraternal love and academic rigour that helped to shape and focus this research. I am also thankful to the two other members of my thesis committee, Prof. Michael Attridge for reading this thesis and proffering constructive criticisms and Prof. Ann Anderson who has been my greatest source of inspiration and encouragement at Saint Michael’s College. I am immensely grateful to Saint Michael’s College and its benefactors for offering me this wonderful opportunity to further my studies in theology. Special thanks to the members of my religious family, the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception (C.F.I.C) of the African Province and the North American Delegation as well as the good people of Immaculate Conception Parish in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada where I presently serve as pastor. Thank you all for your incredible love, encouragement and relentless support throughout my academic journey at Saint Michael’s College. I remain forever grateful to Rev. Fr. Dr. Idara Oto, MSP for his fraternal love, valuable criticisms, regular phone calls and academic advice. Finally, I would like to express filial gratitude to my beloved mother Song Lawrentia, my siblings Priscilla Song, Nestor Song, Walters Song and Jude Song. Lastly, I would like to dedicate this work to my father, mentor and role model, Song Stephen Chongwain and my darling sister, Fuentum Emma Song (Emmsong) who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May the Lord welcome them into the communion of saints in heaven. iii Table of Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................. iii Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. iv Chapter 1 General Introduction ..........................................................................................1 1.1 From A Eurocentric To A World Church: The Crisis Of Non-Inculturation .........1 1.2 Thesis Statement .....................................................................................................9 1.3 Methodology ...........................................................................................................9 1.4 Procedure ..............................................................................................................10 Chapter 2 Magisterial Teachings On The Theology Of Inculturation .............................13 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................13 2.2 The Theology Of Inculturation In Some Vatican II Documents ..........................14 2.2.1 Sacrosanctum Concilium .............................................................................14 2.2.2 Gaudium Et Spes ..........................................................................................19 2.2.3 Ad Gentes .....................................................................................................21 2.3 Post-Vatican II Magisterial Teachings On Inculturation ......................................22 2.3.1 Pope Paul VI ..................................................................................................22 2.3.2 Pope John Paul II and Inculturation ..............................................................26 2.4 The Theological Understanding of the Term Inculturation ..................................28 2.5 The First African Synod and the Theology of Inculturation..................................31 2.5.1 Ecclesia In Africa and the Urgent need for Inculturation ............................33 2.5.2 The Theological basis for Inculturation .......................................................34 2.5.2.1 Incarnation ....................................................................................34 iv 2.5.2.2 The Paschal Mystery .....................................................................35 2.5.2.3 The Pentecost Event ......................................................................37 2.5.3 Inculturation As Dialogue Between Faith And Culture ...............................39 2.6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................41 Chapter 3 The Theology Of The Communion Of Saints and Ancestor Veneration in Cameroon .........................................................................................................42 3.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................42 3.2 A Brief Historical Overview of The Cult Of Saints In Christianity .....................43 3.2.1 The Development of The Process of Canonization .....................................45 3.3 The Concept Of Sainthood In Catholic Christianity .............................................47 3.3.1 The Catholic Doctrine Of The Communion Of Saints ................................48 3.4 The Concept Of Ancestors In Cameroon ..............................................................51 3.4.1 The Ritual of Ancestor Veneration Among The Mada Of Northern Cameroon ..............................................................................................................53 3.4.2 Some Comparisons Between Ancestor Veneration And The Communion Of Saints .....................................................................................................................56 3.5 Jesus As Mediator Par Excellence ........................................................................60 3.6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................63 Chapter 4 Toward The Integration Of Ancestor Veneration In Christian Worship In Cameroon ....................................................................................................65 4.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................65 4.2 The Litany Of The Saints ......................................................................................66 4.3 Ancestor Veneration In The Context Of The Eucharist ........................................68 v 4.4 The Use Of Ancestors’ Names At Baptism ..........................................................73 4.5 A Critique Of Ancestor Veneration In Cameroon ................................................77 4.6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................81 Chapter 5 Implications Of This Study .............................................................................82 5.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................82 5.2 Theological Implications ......................................................................................83 5.2.1 Ecclesiological Implications .........................................................................84 5.2.2 Liturgical Implications .................................................................................85 5.3 Challenges To The Praxis Of Inculturation in Cameroon ....................................86 5.4 Recommendations For Effective Inculturation in Cameroon ...............................88 5.5 Further Questions And Areas For Research .........................................................90 5.6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................90
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