DOCSLIB.ORG

Influence of African Traditional Religion And

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Influence of African Traditional Religion And INFLUENCE OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN UNDERSTANDING CHRONIC ILLNESSES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE: A CASE OF CHIWESHE COMMUNAL LANDS IN ZIMBABWE by Vincent Mabvurira THESIS Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in SOCIAL WORK in the FACULTY OF HUMANITIES (School of Social Sciences) at the UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO PROMOTER: PROFESSOR J.C MAKHUBELE 2016 Declaration I declare that this thesis, submitted to the University of Limpopo, for the degree, Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work; Influence of African Traditional Religion and Spirituality in Understanding Chronic Illnesses and its Implications for Social Work Practice: A Case of Chiweshe Communal Lands in Zimbabwe, has not been previously submitted by me for a degree at this or any other university; that this is my work in design and in execution, and that all material contained herein has been duly acknowledged. ____________________________ __________________ MABVURIRA VINCENT DATE i Dedication To the memory of my parents Obert Chivhaku and Beauty Mhundwa “I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the sea and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of my land………I am an African. I am born of the peoples of the continent of Africa….” Thabo Mbeki ii Acknowledgements It is African and very African to always acknowledge and appreciate the assistance one gets from others. This section is meant for the following people who have made this thesis a reality: My supervisor, Professor Jabulani Calvin Makhubele. I have seen hunhu in you; I have seen what it means to be African through you. You have been more than a supervisor to me. I thank God, the Creator of the universe, for all the guidance and moral support you gave me during the challenging times of my studies. My ever loving daughter, Makanaka Beauty, who is my source of inspiration. You have always inspired me since the day you entered this world, Alluta Continua Mamoyo. My son, Bethel Ngonidzashe, who was born during the course of my studies. This is for you. University of Limpopo Financial Aid Office, for providing me with a bursary which has enabled me to continue with my studies amid financial challenges. I really appreciate your support. My people, all the members of Chivhaku clan (the living, the living dead and those yet to be born), I appreciate your moral support during this pilgrimage. My respondents who offered me insightful information that helped me shape this study. The late Zimbabwean musician Marshal Munhumumwe, whose song Uchandifunga, invigorated me whenever I got weary during the course of my studies. My Creator, God, Mwari, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, Lord Jesus Christ, surely You create paths in the wilderness. You have been my pillar of strength even before I knew you. iii Finally, many thanks go to all those who, though unacknowledged in this thesis, have, in one way or the other, assisted me during the course of my studies. iv Abstract In many human service professions, religion and spirituality are increasingly recognised as significant sources of clients’ strengths that can aid clients’ well-being. This Afrocentric study sought to unveil the influence of African traditional religion and spirituality in understanding chronic illnesses in Chiweshe communal lands, Zimbabwe. The aim was achieved through the following objectives: to establish the assumed causes of chronic illnesses in Chiweshe communal lands, to explore how African traditional religion and spirituality promote management of chronic illnesses, to find out the impact of African spirituality on the resilience of people against chronic illnesses, and to establish how African belief systems affect community perceptions and care of people with chronic illnesses. This study was informed by three theories, namely; the Afrocentric theory, strengths perspective and resilience theory. The study adopted the Afrocentric methodology which is a qualitative approach to studying African phenomenon cognisant of African values. In line with this methodology which respects the canon of ujamaa among people of African descent, the study population was comprised of people living with chronic conditions, their families, the elderly, traditional leaders, village health workers and traditional medical practitioners and community home- based care workers from Chiweshe communal lands in Mazowe District of Zimbabwe. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for the study. Data were gathered from eleven people living with chronic illnesses and six families whose members have chronic illnesses and eighteen people (elderly, traditional leaders, traditional medical practitioners and village health workers and community home-based care workers). Data were gathered through one-on-one interviews (for people with chronic illness), family interviews (for families of people with chronic illnesses) and focus group discussions for the other participants. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. v African traditional religion was found to be central in understanding chronic illnesses among the study participants. The study participants reported that chronic illnesses are caused by avenging spirits, ancestors calling a person, witchcraft, failure to honour one’s ancestors, globalisation and modernisation. A number of strategies were reported to be used to manage chronic illnesses, namely; use herbs, incisions (nyora), exorcism (kupumha), healing charms (ndumwa), rituals, casting away (kurasira) and the use of divining bones. A number of factors in Shona traditional religion were found to promote resilience in chronic illness. These included, among others, the omnipresence of ancestors, having performed rituals such as bringing back ceremony (kurova guva), community rituals and the ability of traditional medical practitioners to tap into the spirit world and resolve the negative circumstances surrounding their clients’ lives. In times of need, care was, in most cases, found to be provided by family members, friends, other community members and home-based care workers. The concept of ubuntu was reported to have influenced the whole community when it comes to caring for the sick. Close friends (sahwiras), totem-based relatives, extended family, and traditional healers played an important role during people’s illnesses. Traditional healing methods were also reported to be cheap and linking people to their ancestral spirits. However, ATR was associated with witchcraft and was reported to interfere with allopathic medicine. Members of ATR suffer discrimination from service providers at both government and private hospitals and clinics. It can thus be safely concluded that African traditional religion and spirituality have significance in understanding chronic illnesses among the Shona people of Chiweshe communal lands. They influence the Shona people’s understanding of causes and management of diseases as well as their resilience against chronic illnesses. Social workers vi working with people of African descent must appreciate the central role of religion in the lives of African people. Social work practice should, in African communities, be spiritually sensitive. Social work practitioners should understand traditional beliefs and value systems found in African traditional religion. Strengths-based practice, which recognises African traditional belief systems as a source of resilience, should be recognised. It is also important for social workers to recognise African taboos, traditional social safety nets, communitarianism, totemism and African relationships which are broader and more encompassing as compared to the western individualistic ones. vii Keywords: African traditional religion, African spirituality, Afrocentric social work, chronic illness, Spiritually sensitive social work, Chiweshe communal lands, Shona, Afrocentricity/ Afrocentrism, Strengths perspective, resilience theory, Ubuntu, Traditional medicine, Shona traditional religion, Transpersonal social work, Strengths-based social work. viii Abbreviations and acronyms AIC African Initiated Churches AIDS Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome ART Anti-retroviral Therapy CDL Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle C&HBC Community and Home Based Care CSO Civil Society Organisations CSWZ Council of Social Workers (Zimbabwe) HAART Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus HBC Home Based Care IASSW International Association of Schools of Social Work IFSW International Federation of Social Workers IKS Indigenous Knowledge Systems IWK Indigenous Ways of Knowing JMC Johanne Masowe Chishanu NASW National Association of Social Workers (Zimbabwe) PLWHA People Living With HIV and AIDS UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme of HIV/AIDS UNESCO United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. USA United States of America WHO World Health Organization TK Traditional Knowledge TM Traditional Medicine TMP Traditional Medical Practitioner ix TMPC Traditional Medical Practitioners’ Council VHW Village Health Worker ZINATHA Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association x Glossary of Shona words Chiremba - Doctor Chirwere cheshuga - Diabetes Chisahwira - Friendship / friendship based joking Hakata - Divining bones Kupumha - Exorcise / exorcism Kurasira - Casting away Kurova guva - Bringing back home ceremony Mudzimu (plural vadzimu) - Ancestral/ family spirit (s) Munyama - Misfortune
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Alternation Article Template
    University of Groningen An Emergent Consciousness of the Role of Christianity on Zimbabwe’s Political Field Tarusarira, Joram Published in: Journal for the Study of Religion IMPORTANT NOTE: You are advised to consult the publisher's version (publisher's PDF) if you wish to cite from it. Please check the document version below. Document Version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Publication date: 2016 Link to publication in University of Groningen/UMCG research database Citation for published version (APA): Tarusarira, J. (2016). An Emergent Consciousness of the Role of Christianity on Zimbabwe’s Political Field: A Case of Non-doctrinal Religio-political Actors. Journal for the Study of Religion, 29(2), 56-77. Copyright Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons). The publication may also be distributed here under the terms of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act, indicated by the “Taverne” license. More information can be found on the University of Groningen website: https://www.rug.nl/library/open-access/self-archiving-pure/taverne- amendment. Take-down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Downloaded from the University of Groningen/UMCG research database (Pure): http://www.rug.nl/research/portal. For technical reasons the number of authors shown on this cover page is limited to 10 maximum.
    [Show full text]
  • Sierra Leone
    SIERRA LEONE AP Human Geography PICK-A-PING Directions: For this project, you will be provided with the name of a develoPING country. For the rest of the year, you will become an expert in your PING; spouting off factoids and anecdotes about life in your little part of the world! You will be provided with a list of countries. I will randomly pull names and you will select your PING. No trading! No whining! NO EXCEPTIONS! This sheet will serve as the table of contents for your PING folder and is required to be included in the folder or you will lose 5 points – don’t lose it I won’t give you another you will need to make your own Table of Contents. Due dates: JANUARY 20TH, 2016 NO PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED LATE – LATE PROJECTS WILL RECEIVE A ZERO. Table of Contents Requirements Points for each Points received Data Sheet 10 points Political / Physical map (3 maps): 10 points 1. Country in relation to the world map 2. Physical map of the state and border states (land formations, altitude, etc) 3. Political map: regions, cities, border states Population Profile (Migration/Immigration) 10 points Culture Profile 20 points Ethnicity Profile and Settlement Locations 10 points Political Organization 10 points Development Index 10 points Current Event Articles of relevance to development 50 points Cultural: 2 Political: 2 Social: 1 PING Data Sheet Name of PING Sierra Leone Capital(s)/Population Freetown/941,000 Area 71,740 sq km Arable Land % 23.4 Physical Features Mountains and plateaus in the East, coast, desert, grasslands Population 5,743,725
    [Show full text]
  • Culture and Customs of Zimbabwe 6596D FM UG 9/20/02 5:33 PM Page Ii
    6596D FM UG 9/20/02 5:33 PM Page i Culture and Customs of Zimbabwe 6596D FM UG 9/20/02 5:33 PM Page ii Recent Titles in Culture and Customs of Africa Culture and Customs of Nigeria Toyin Falola Culture and Customs of Somalia Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi Culture and Customs of the Congo Tshilemalema Mukenge Culture and Customs of Ghana Steven J. Salm and Toyin Falola Culture and Customs of Egypt Molefi Kete Asante 6596D FM UG 9/20/02 5:33 PM Page iii Culture and Customs of Zimbabwe Oyekan Owomoyela Culture and Customs of Africa Toyin Falola, Series Editor GREENWOOD PRESS Westport, Connecticut • London 6596D FM UG 9/20/02 5:33 PM Page iv Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Owomoyela, Oyekan. Culture and customs of Zimbabwe / Oyekan Owomoyela. p. cm.—(Culture and customs of Africa, ISSN 1530–8367) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0–313–31583–3 (alk. paper) 1. Zimbabwe—Social life and customs. 2. Zimbabwe—Civilization. I. Title. II. Series. DT2908.O86 2002 968.91—dc21 2001055647 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data is available. Copyright © 2002 by Oyekan Owomoyela All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, by any process or technique, without the express written consent of the publisher. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2001055647 ISBN: 0–313–31583–3 ISSN: 1530–8367 First published in 2002 Greenwood Press, 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881 An imprint of Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. www.greenwood.com Printed in the United States of America The paper used in this book complies with the Permanent Paper Standard issued by the National Information Standards Organization (Z39.48–1984).
    [Show full text]
  • 'Citizens of Both Heaven and Earth': Pentecostalism and Social Transformation in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya1
    ‘Citizens of both Heaven and Earth’: Pentecostalism and Social Transformation in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya1 Ezra Chitando Henrietta Nyamnjoh Damaris Parsitau Abstract As Pentecostalism enjoys unparalleled growth in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, greater attention has been paid to its problematic expressions by some scholars. Media images of the abuse of believers in different contexts have been widely circulated. These include sexual abuse by charismatic (male) prophets, financial scandals, as well as the degrading treatment of clients/members by forcing them to eat grass/snakes and other questionable acts. While conceding that these aspects are challenging, this article seeks to provide a more balanced perspective by highlighting the extent to which selected Pentecostal churches in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya have sought to contribute to social reconstruction in their respective countries. By examining the sermons and teachings on personal responsibility and having effective marriages by the Pentecostal leaders, the article contends that they mobilise their members and audiences to become agents of social transformation. The article highlights the potential role of Pentecostalism in social reconstruction in the selected countries. Keywords: Social transformation, social restructuring, competition, personal development, marriage, religion as strategic resource 1 This article emerged out of a multi-country study, ‘Propelled by the Spirit: Pentecostalism, Innovation and Competition in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe’, supported by the Nagel Institute. Alternation Special Edition 19 (2017) 232 – 251 232 Electronic ISSN: 2519-5476; DOI: https://doi.org/10.29086/2519-5476/2017/sp19a11 Pentecostalism and Social Transformation Introduction Pentecostalism is one of the fastest growing types of religion in sub-Saharan Africa (see for example, Kalu 2008; Adogame 2011; Asamoah-Gyadu 2013 & Lindhardt 2015).
    [Show full text]
  • Christian Women's Organizations in Zimbabwe : Facilitating Women's Participation in Development Through Advocacy and Education
    University of Massachusetts Amherst ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014 1-1-1996 Christian women's organizations in Zimbabwe : facilitating women's participation in development through advocacy and education. Barbara Jean Huff University of Massachusetts Amherst Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_1 Recommended Citation Huff, Barbara Jean, "Christian women's organizations in Zimbabwe : facilitating women's participation in development through advocacy and education." (1996). Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014. 2282. https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_1/2282 This Open Access Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014 by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS IN ZIMBABWE: FACILITATING WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION A Dissertation Presented by BARBARA JEAN HUFF Submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF EDUCATION May 1996 Education 1996 (£H Copyright by Barbara Jean Huff All Rights Reserved CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS IN ZIMBABWE: FACILITATING WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION A Dissertation Presented by BARBARA JEAN HUFF Approved as to style and content by: David C. Kinsey , yChair ABSTRACT CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS IN ZIMBABWE: FACILITATING WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION MAY 1996 BARBARA JEAN HUFF B. B. A. , CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY M.A. , SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAINING Ed. D. , UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Professor David Kinsey Christian women's organizations in Zimbabwe have a long history.
    [Show full text]
  • Christianity in the Late Antiquity Chibango, C. Great Zimbabwe
    Christianity in the late Antiquity Chibango, C. Great Zimbabwe University, Faculty of Arts, Department of History and Development Studies, Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Abstract From the early fourth century to the late seventh century, North Africa was a Christian land. Alexandria produced great scholars such as Tertullian and Cyprian. The Egyptian or Coptic Churches spread the Christian faith in the local (Coptic) language, and many churches emerged in the interior of Egypt. The Roman government's fitful campaign to suppress Christianity reached its peak when Emperor Diocletian launched a major attack against Christians during 303–305, but this suppression came to an end in the year 312 when a pro- Christian emperor, Constantine, issued a decree of religious freedom. (2011), World History of Encyclopedia, Era 4: Expanding Civilizations, pp. 276-278. The Future of Agricultural Credit in Zimbabwe: A Stakeholder-Perspective Chibango, C. Great Zimbabwe University, Faculty of Arts, Department of History and Development Studies, Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Abstract This study explores the experience of giving agricultural credit under volatile macroeconomic conditions. It focuses on a case study of Zimbabwe, whose hyperinflationary levels reached over 3 000% in 2007 and a monthly rate of 79,6 billion percent in mid-November 2008. Findings from interviews with key-informants from stakeholder institutions in the agricultural sector revealed that the problem of agricultural credit in Zimbabwe was not only due to hyperinflation but also due to poor institutional capacity and dual agricultural policies. Some of these problems existed before hyperinflation and are likely to exist even after hyperinflation. It is argued that the future of agricultural credit in Zimbabwe is anchored on three pillars.
    [Show full text]
  • Faith-Inspired Organizations and Global Development Policy a Background Review “Mapping” Social and Economic Development Work
    BERKLEY CENTER for RELIGION, PEACE & WORLD AFFAIRS GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY 2009 | Faith-Inspired Organizations and Global Development Policy A Background Review “Mapping” Social and Economic Development Work in Europe and Africa BERKLEY CENTER REPORTS A project of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University Supported by the Henry R. Luce Initiative on Religion and International Affairs Luce/SFS Program on Religion and International Affairs From 2006–08, the Berkley Center and the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) col- laborated in the implementation of a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation’s Initiative on Religion and International Affairs. The Luce/SFS Program on Religion and International Affairs convenes symposia and seminars that bring together scholars and policy experts around emergent issues. The program is organized around two main themes: the religious sources of foreign policy in the US and around the world, and the nexus between religion and global development. Topics covered in 2007–08 included the HIV/AIDS crisis, faith-inspired organizations in the Muslim world, gender and development, religious freedom and US foreign policy, and the intersection of religion, migration, and foreign policy. The Berkley Center The Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, created within the Office of the President in March 2006, is part of a university-wide effort to build knowledge about religion’s role in world affairs and promote interreligious understanding in the service of peace. The Center explores the inter- section of religion with contemporary global challenges.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 the Role of Religion in National Healing and Democracy In
    The Role of Religion in National Healing and Democracy in Zimbabwe in the Context of the Global Political Agreement Tabona Shoko University of Zimbabwe Abstract The phenomenon of national healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe was necessitated by the disputed plebiscite by three political parties in Zimbabwe, namely ZANU-PF, MDC-T, and MDC-M. This arrangement resulted in the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) whose mandate was to draft a new constitution, prepare for a fresh electoral process and setting up of new government. An Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration was appointed to spearhead the national healing programmes. The mandate of the National Healing Committee was to draft a code of conduct to hold political parties perpetrating violence to account for their actions. The Church and Civil Society Forum (CCSF) were commissioned to engage with stakeholders that sought ways to stop violence and partner with government in attaining national healing. Despite efforts by the churches, some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civic organisations to stem the tide of violence, they achieved very little success. The potential role and contribution made by traditional religion and culture in the quest for peace has gone unnoticed, as if to suggest that the religion is ‘dead’ or ‘static.’ This paper therefore explores the role of the religion particularly the church and traditional religion and culture in the national healing process and democracy in Zimbabwe. Such a concern to tap into the wealth of religion in order to attain peace and reconciliation can be located in the studies by Villa-Vicencio who observed that African traditional practices have certain common threads that promote peace and reconciliation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Church in Zimbabwe's Peace and Reconciliation Process Under The
    IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 19, Issue 10, Ver. V (Oct. 2014), PP 63-70 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org The Church in Zimbabwe’s Peace and Reconciliation Process under the Government of National Unity Douglas Munemo and Elinah Nciizah Abstract: On 15 September 2008, the Global Political Agreement (GPA) was signed between Zimbabwe African People’s Union Patriotic Forum(ZANU PF) and the (Movement for Democratic Change) MDC formations to resolve the socio-economic and political crisis that engulfed Zimbabwe from 2000. The agreement paved the way for the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) in February 2009. The GNU provided an opportunity for the state to embark on a new national healing and reconciliation process. The process has however been championed by the government subsequently marginalizing of the church and other civil society groups. Christianity is the dominant religion in Zimbabwe accounting for more than eighty percent of the population. That makes the church perhaps the largest and arguably the most socially influential institution in Zimbabwe. As such, the church is expected to play a significant role in Zimbabwe’s reconciliation process but its role has been peripheral. The study theoretically analyses the part played by the church in promoting peace, unity and healing in Zimbabwe under the GNU. It accomplishes this through the lens of Lederach’s conflict transformation framework. Key words: Reconciliation, Peace, Church, Crisis I. Introduction The search for peace and reconciliation in Zimbabwe has a long history which has been influenced by events dating back to the pre-colonial period through the colonial era to the post-colonial period.
    [Show full text]
  • The Place of African Traditional Religion in Interreligious Encounters in Sierra Leone Since the Advent of Islam and Christianity
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Unisa Institutional Repository THE PLACE OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN INTERRELIGIOUS ENCOUNTERS IN SIERRA LEONE SINCE THE ADVENT OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY by PRINCE SORIE CONTEH submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY In the subject RELIGIOUS STUDIES at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA PROMOTER: PROF G J A LUBBE APRIL 2008 i TABLE OF CONTENTS SIGNED DECLARATION ix ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS x SUMMARY xi KEY WORDS AND PHRASES xv CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Objectives 3 1.2 Methodological Approach 4 1.2.1 Field work 6 1.3 Past and Present Academic Context 9 1.4 Literature Review 10 1.5 Socio-History of Sierra Leone 20 1.6 Outline 21 CHAPTER 2 Fundamental Tenets and Practices of Sierra Leone Indigenous Religion (SLIR) and Culture 25 2.1 Introduction 25 2.2 Meeting our Subjects 26 2.2.1 The Mende 26 2.2.2 The Temne 27 2.2.3 The Limba 28 2.2.4 The Kono 29 2.2.5 The Krio 30 2.2.6 Common Cultural Straits 31 ii 2.3 Sources of SLIR 34 2.3.1 Oral Tradition 34 2.3.2 Forms of Art 35 2.4 Components of SLIR 37 2.3.1 The Supreme Being 37 2.3.1.1 Names of God 38 2.3.1.2 God Lives Above 41 2.3.1.3 God’s Intrinsic Attributes 43 2.3.1.3.1 Omnipotence 43 2.3.1.3.2 Omnipresence 45 2.3.1.3.3 Omniscience 45 2.3.1.3.4 All-seeing God 46 2.3.1.4 Activities of God 46 2.3.1.4.1 Creator 46 2.3.1.4.2 God as Ruler 48 2.3.1.5 The Worship of God 49 2.3.2 Lesser Gods/Deities 50 2.3.3 Angels 52 2.3.4 Ancestral Spirits 53 2.3.4.1
    [Show full text]
  • Religion and Peacemaking in Sierra Leone
    i RELIGION AND PEACEMAKING IN SIERRA LEONE Joseph Gaima Lukulay Moiba HCPS, Cand. Mag., PPU1&2, MA, Cand.Theol., PTE. Director of Studies: Prof. Bettina Schmidt, PhD, D.Phil. University of Wales: Trinity Saint David, Lampeter Second Supervisor: Dr Jenny Read-Heimerdinger, PhD, LicDD. University of Wales: Trinity Saint David, Lampeter STATEMENT: This research was undertaken under the auspices of the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David and was submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of PhD in the Faculty of Humanities and Performing Arts to the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David. SEPTEMBER 2016 ii Declaration This work has not previously been accepted as a whole or in part for any degree and has not been concurrently submitted for any degree. Signed: JGLMOIBAREV (Signed) (Candidate) Date: 8. 9. 2016 Statement 1 This thesis is the result of my own investigations, except where otherwise stated. Where correction services have been used, the extent and nature of the correction is clearly marked in a footnote(s). Other sources are acknowledged by footnote giving explicit references. A bibliography is appended. Signed: JGLMOIBAREV (Signed) (Candidate) Date: 8. 9. 2016 Statement 2 I hereby give consent for my thesis, if accepted, to be available for photocopying and for inter-library loan, and for the title and abstract to be made available to outside organisations. Signed: JGLMOIBAREV (Signed) (Candidate) Date: 8. 9. 2016 iii Abstract: This thesis concerns religion as a peacemaking tool in Sierra Leone. The vast majority of people in Sierra Leone consider themselves to be Christians, Muslims and / or adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR).
    [Show full text]
  • Index of Subjects
    Index of Subjects Abaluyia (Kenya), 469, 549 in South Africa, 413, 433, 707 Boarding schools, 97, 768, 827. SeealsoEducation Abbott, Joseph, 892 in Uganda, 372 Bodo (India), 489 Abolition of slavery, 131 Anglican Mission of Santo Agostinho, Maciene BoH,Leonardo, 778 Aboriginal peoples, 788 (Mozambique), 727 Bok(blessing), 461 Aborigines (Australia), 93, 533, 646 Animism, 587 Bolivia, 627 Abraham, 57, 146 Anthropology, 64, 226 Bonnand, Clement, 20 Acculturation, 42, 259, 698, 710. SeealsoAncestor theological, 238, 915 Booth, Catherine, 479 practices; Contextualization; Cultural Anti-Communism, 223 Borneo, 194 assimilation; Culture change; Ethnic identity; Apartheid, 823 Botswana, 387, 439, 603 Inculturation; Indigenization; Syncretism Apocalyptic, 96 Bouldin, George Washington, 374 Acoma (United States), 706 Apologetics, 750, 762, 850, 872 Braga, Erasmo de Carvalho, 516 Acosta, Jose de, 87 Appalachia, 669 Brazil, 48, 112, 160, 168, 198,276,386,438,516,548, Acts of St. Mark, 90 Appavoo, James Theophilus, 754 725 Acts of the Apostles, 52, 311, 341,440,517,518,573, Appenzeller, Henry, 565 Bridgman, Elijah Coleman, 451, 767 690, 703, 734 Arab Christians, 36, 270, 566 British Columbia, 66, 195, 272 Adjustment, cross-cultural, 4, lIS, 228, 918 Arathi (Agikuyu Spirit Churches), 248 Bronson, Miles, 685 Administration, 74, 263, 887 Archeology, 42 Brown, William Adams, 60 Afonso I (Mvemba Nzinga), 610 in China, 173 Buber, Martin, 70 Africa, 269. Seealsounder respective countries Architecture, 458, 860 Buck, Pearl 5., 476 culture of, 485, 558, 561 Armenian Christians, 50S, 553 Buddhism, 206, 495, 804, 813 traditional religions of, 172, 225, 487, 560, 578, Armenian Evangelical Church, 281 Bulgaria, 694 579,592,620,62~802,838,848 Art, 37, 864 Burma, 337, 659, 721.
    [Show full text]