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Download Thesis A STUDY TO FORMULATE A MODEL FOR AGIKUYU CHRISTIAN FUNERAL RITES THAT WOULD INTEGRATE RELEVANT CULTURAL, SCRIPTURAL AND PRACTICAL NORMS By Johnson Ng’ang’a Mbugua A Dissertation Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology at the South African Theological Seminary AUGUST, 2014 Supervisor: Dr Kevin Gary Smith DLitt; PhD A STUDY TO FORMULATE A MODEL FOR AGIKUYU CHRISTIAN FUNERAL RITES THAT WOULD INTEGRATE RELEVANT CULTURAL, SCRIPTURAL AND PRACTICAL NORMS by Johnson Ng’ang’a Mbugua In accordance with the South African Theological Seminary policies, this dissertation is accepted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology Committee Members Date 1 The opinions expressed in this dissertation do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Theological Seminary. 2 DECLARATION I hereby acknowledge that the work contained in this dissertation is my own original work and has not previously in its entirety or in part been submitted to any academic institution for degree purposes. ___________________________ JOHNSON NG’ANG’A MBUGUA KIKUYU TOWN KIAMBU COUNTY KENYA AUGUST, 2014 3 ABSTRACT As far as can be ascertained, no one has undertaken an in-depth study with respect to formulating a model for Agikuyu Christians’ funeral rites. Again, as far as I have been able to ascertain, neither has it been done for any other African tribe. This study surveyed traditional funeral rites that were observed by the Agikuyu before they interacted with other cultures and religions. Also surveyed was how the contemporary Agikuyu are coping with death; what the funeral rites were during Biblical times, as revealed in Scripture; how did the early Christians cope with death and how did the Church fathers teach the faithful how to handle issues surrounding death. The issue of resurrection and of the resurrected body was also surveyed. A critical correlation of all these aspects was done, which compared all those aspects with each other in order to establish what relationship the various traditions have with each other and with the current Agikuyu Christian practice of coping with death. The study has shown that the Agikuyu traditional funeral practices are neither known nor followed by the contemporary Agikuyu. Also observed is that funeral practices of the Jews in scripture were not normative. Additionally, it was shown in the study that funeral and burial rites practised by the early Christians were not directed by the early Christian fathers to be necessarily observed by future Christians. The study has revealed that the current mode of coping with death of contemporary Agikuyu Christians differs substantially from Agikuyu traditional funeral practices; are not in line with those observed and practised during Biblical times as revealed in scripture, and have little resemblance to those of the early Christians. Consequently, contemporary Agikuyu Christians, through ignorance or for other reasons, have developed practices for coping with death that have little connection with those of Agikuyu tradition, scripture and those of early Christianity. Their current mode of coping with death is termed “customary”, while in fact it is an adaptation from practices of other races, tribes, cultures and religions. Were the Agikuyu to curb numerous practices and demands which they deem necessary and “customary”, when in actual fact they are not, funerals for them would become cheaper, faster, simpler, and at the same time would be decent enough for the dead. Additionally, it 4 would take care of those left behind and would bring glory to God. Pertinent recommendations are made to the Agikuyu Christians in this regard. 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To God Almighty who gave me life and the ability to accomplish this task. To my supervisor, Dr Kevin Gary Smith (DLitt; PhD) whose guidance was invaluable in the accomplishment of this study; for his reacting promptly to all my submissions and numerous requests. Dr Smith and the South African Theological Seminary Registrar of Postgraduate Studies, Mrs Leschenne Rebuli, were there when needed and they never stepped back. To the assistance and understanding I have received from SATS, including from the Principal Dr Reuben David van Rensburg, who authorized a partial scholarship for me when my studies almost came to a halt due to a cash flow problem I was facing near the completion of my doctoral programme. My darling wife Dr Naomi W Mbugua PhD and our children Waithera, Nyokabi, Dr Njeri and Njoki who gave me love, support and encouragement during this study. To my sons-in-law for their moral support. My gratitude and appreciation goes to the Chief Librarians and staff of Tangaza College, Nairobi; the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Nairobi; Africa International University (NEGST), Nairobi; Saint Paul’s University, Limuru and Daystar University, Nairobi. Also to the personnel of Kenya National Archives, Nairobi, Kenya. Finally, to my respondents and all who gave me assistance and their views on numerous issues that were required in the completion of this dissertation. May the Almighty God bless you all and your families now and always. JOHNSON N MBUGUA KIKUYU TOWN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA AUGUST, 2014 6 DEDICATION To all the Agikuyu, living and dead who are the subject of this study. Also to all Christians the world over who might find this study helpful in coping with the death of their loved ones. Finally to theologians, scholars, students, researchers, pastors, academic institutions and other readers who might find this study helpful. May Almighty God shower His blessings on you all. JOHNSON N MBUGUA KIKUYU TOWN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA AUGUST, 2014 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................ 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................... 6 DEDICATION ............................................................................................................ 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................. 8 LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................... 14 LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................... 14 ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................... 15 CHAPTER 1 .......................................................................................................... 16 1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 16 1.2 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................ 22 1.3 Problem Statement .................................................................................. 22 1.4 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................ 22 1.5 Research Questions ................................................................................. 23 1.6 Significance of the Study .......................................................................... 23 1.7 Scope of the Study ................................................................................... 24 1.8 Limitations and Delimitations .................................................................... 25 1.9 The Current State of Scholarship ............................................................. 25 1.10 Methodology ............................................................................................. 28 CHAPTER 2 .......................................................................................................... 31 2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 31 2.2 The Agikuyu ............................................................................................. 33 2.3 Origin of the Agikuyu ................................................................................ 34 2.4 Agikuyu Society and Culture .................................................................... 36 2.5 Relationship of the Agikuyu with their Neighbours especially the Maasai 43 2.6 The Kikuyu Traditional Religion ................................................................ 46 2.7 The Agikuyu Ancestral Spirits (Ngoma) ................................................... 51 2.8 Agikuyu Traditional Burial Rites ............................................................... 56 2.9 Death Ceremonies – Members of the Agikuyu Guild ............................... 58 2.10 Death Ceremonies of an Elder – Agikuyu Guild ....................................... 58 8 2.11 Extramarital Sex, Sex Taboos and Some Other Aspects Of Agikuyu Sex Life That Were Observed in the Past but not Presently ........................... 69 2.12 Disposal of the Dead – Agikuyu Guild – Others ....................................... 72 2.13 Disposal – Abnormal Deaths of Kikuyu Guild Members ........................... 73 2.14 The Ukabi (Maasai) Guild Burials and Accompanying Rites .................... 74 2.15 Summary of the Kikuyu Rites Concerning Death ..................................... 77 2.16 Traditional Funeral Rites of Selected African Tribes ................................ 80 2.16.1 Akamba View of Death and Their Burial Rites ......................................... 80 2.16.2
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