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The Routledge Handbook of African Theology

Elias Kifon Bongmba

Theology of inculturation

Publication details https://test.routledgehandbooks.com/doi/10.4324/9781315107561-5 Laurenti Magesa Published online on: 16 Jun 2020

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Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 as well. come to the same awarenessflesh to this new and his party appreciation and helps Cornelius and doeswhatisright” (Acts10:34–35). gives Buttheelaborationhemakes tothegathering it isthatGoddoesnotshow favoritismbut acceptsfrom every him nationtheonewhofears ity oftheGospel. Itisafundamentalunderstanding. “I now realize,” heconfesses, “how true of Jesus’ core missioninto asinglesentence, thefoundationofuniversal onethatistruly - the ofpeople”“large gathering athishouse, Peter condenseshisnewly acquired discernment something peopleatthetimewould have foundunthinkable. and InhisspeechtoCornelius Peter and his colleagues who followedtion of the kind that not only surprised Jesus, but was ofGod,against hiswillby theSpirit Peter comestoaremarkable andrevolutionary percep- between the Apostle Peter andCornelius, there. a captain in the Roman army Sent almost Chapter 10ofthebook Acts ofthe insomedetail theencounter Apostles narrates that theworks and are aimedatthe are Jesus under the guidanceofHolySpirit performs from theidentityofJesus himself, “who isLord ofall” becauseheistheanointedone ofGod; of the proclamation of the Gospel, that the universality include the fact of Jesus’ message arises The mainelementsPeter isunderlining, andthatheinsists cannotbeseparatedfrom thetask THEOLOGY OFINCULTURATION that everyone whobelieves inhimreceives forgiveness ofsinsthrough hisname. God appointedasjudgeoftheliving andthedead. All theprophets testifyabouthim … Hecommandedustopreach tothepeopleandtestifythatheisonewhom because Godwas withhim. went around doinggoodandhealingallwhowere underthepower ofthedevil how GodanointedJesus andpower, ofNazareth withtheHoly Spirit andhow he out theprovince ofJudea, inGalileeafterthe baptismthatJohn beginning preached— peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened through- You know themessageGodsenttopeopleofIsrael, announcingthegoodnews of We are witnessesofeverything oftheJews he didinthecountry andinJerusalem History, meaning, andimplications “God doesnotshow favoritism…” Laurenti MagesaLaurenti 3 44 (Acts 10:36–43) 1 Theology ofinculturation Theology ofinculturation Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 sionaries totheChineseandIndo-Chinesepeoples sionaries for evangelization there tofollow. formissionaries European instructed mis- The Congregation as anexample, itwas in1659by fundamentally the stylearticulated the Vatican Congregation style andattitudedramatizedatPentecost. ofthechurch intheFarEast, ofthehistory Interms “language” orculture thathasprevailed andseemsmostacceptable today theologically isthe away, ifthey andthatwould were. harm causegreat Gospel exceptto “adapt” aspectsofdifferent cultures ittocertain thatcannotbeeasilywiped of the world parts grew that there incertain canbeno other way the message of the to impart valuesreligious in every culture was grudging. Even though cultures are different, the realization gelizers, culturaltolerancefollowed strategy. asamissionary The acknowledgment ofpositive of themessageGospel in different modesofperception, despite the attitudesof the evan- of different cultures in the world or permanence of the persistence and the inevitable translation human ego, perhapsunconsciously disguisedasfaith. recognitionWith thegradual ofthereality On closeanalysis, however, theissuehere doesnotappeartohave but essentially beenthefaith were invariably deemed “inferior” and “unworthy” faith. ofthe Christian ofexpressing thetruth happenedtobeexpressed over faith inwhichtheChristian gelizers thereceiving cultures that dialectic in this situation was the supposed “superiority” of the culture or cultures of the evan- ism withwhichthechurches may have beenassociatedatonetimeoranother. The controlling positive approval. reception oftheGospelinone extreme, through oftolerancein the middle, somedegree to ofproclamationranged from and ofculturalpluralisminterms refusal toacceptthelegitimacy with several responses. palpable ways, thequestionstillexercises and, thethinkingofChristians asfrom thebeginning, expression, astheearlyJudaizers insisted(Acts15:1, alsoGal. 2:1–19)? Again, inmany subtleand tongue,”their particular as happened at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–13), or in one or another “favored” be movement, atleastinprinciple. The contentiousquestionwas ways andinvarious continues to sage, ontheother, were pretty much settledquestionsfrom oftheChristian thevery beginning of theGospel, ontheone hand, andtheresponsibility ofChrist’s followers tospread themes- Mt. 28:19, Acts 1:8). Thus, of allpeoplesthroughout theprivilege the world tohearthemessage to go “all nations” withoutexceptionand “preach theGoodNews toeveryone” (Mk. 16:15, Gospel across theages. The commissionofJesus tohisdisciplesisirreversible; itmandatesthem places, inthesameway, ofGodby his andunderthesameguidanceofSpirit “witnesses.” liberation ofhumanityfrom every chainofevil; andthathisworks must becontinued invarious to culture hasstayed ofthechurch’s attheheart proclamation oftheGospel. Although oscillatingbetween timesandplaces, observance andneglectatcertain thisapproach how togoaboutthisdouble task. Istheidealmethodtoleteachpeoplehearmessage “in But oneapproach totheinteractionbetween theproclamation oftheGospelandhuman The history of the Christian churches shows oftheChristian thatpracticalattitudestothisquestion haveThe history Peter’s isanexcellentsynthesisoftheindisputable requirements ofthe proclamation ofthe what deserves toberespected. unless they are depraved, but, on the contrary, to keep them … admire tries and praise or reject any whichdoesnotspurn people’s but the faith bring andcustoms, rites of EuropeSpain or Italy or any otherpart into China[?]. It is not these that you should andgoodmorals.opposed toreligion For Franceor whatismore absurd thantobring people tochangetheirrites, customs, andways of lifeunlesstheseare obviously Put noobstaclesintheirway; andfornoreason whatever shouldyou these persuade 2 ofpoliticalcolonial- attitudewasThe first fuelledmainlyby forms various 3 Theology of inculturation of Theology 45 Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 by it.” oftheGospelaswellunderstanding ashow allworldviews have andtransformed tobecritiqued directs, must continue studying Christians “how different culturalperspectives our may enrich Gospel isalways presented andreceived withinaculturalcontext.” Therefore, thestatement ing “the relationship between GospelandCulture, andpractice,” bothintheory because “The statement, oftheGospelmust- committhemselves messengers tothetaskofconstantlyclarify Greece, in2005onmissionandevangelism specifiedthat righteousness, andinsistsonmoralabsolutesinevery culture.” ity ofany culture toanother, but evaluates and oftruth allcultures according toitsown criteria as Vatican II. The LausanneCovenant statesthat - “The Gospeldoesnotpresuppose thesuperior Evangelical Fellowship atIguassu, Nigeria, in1999are examples. thesamething Bothaffirmed gelical missionstatementsatLausanne, Switzerland, in 1974andthe ofthe Affirmation World churches. onthesubjectareit offers thosealsoofmany othermajorChristian The evan- Although theCouncilwas speakingfrom theperspective ofCatholicChristianity, theinsights world, GaudiumetSpes, declared that most significantdocuments, theConstitution, ontherelationship between thechurch andthe the missionofproclaiming andhumanculture. theGospelofJesus Christ OneoftheCouncil’s around (1962–1965), themid-20thcentury was very specificabouttherelationship between times,In current theSecond Vatican CounciloftheCatholic Church (Vatican II), meeting A paperprepared foraconference ofthe World CouncilofChurches (WCC)in Athens, contexts which are hostiletothevoicing ofthegospel, thewitnesscould take place conveyed orberevealed by silentsolidarity way through adeeply spiritual oflife. In ofthegospel.”invited inthestory toparticipate Insomecases, thegospelmay bestbe fromand sincerely them… tolistenandlearn time,At theright peoplecouldbe ence.’ madetogetknow is first peopleinthat community, and understand An effort of makingnon-intrusive contactwithcommunities ofothercultures isthatof ‘pres- including init, where appropriate, localculturalsymbols. suggestthat Others “a way and churches, suchwitnessisimplicitwhenchurches regularly celebratetheliturgy, There are different approaches toculturallysensitive evangelism. For somepeople adapted to that culture and in ways that are relevant to people’s life experiences. In any culture, must beproclaimed themessageofChrist inlanguageandsymbols interior liberty.interior lates andadvances humanandcivic culture by heraction, leading…[people]toward every peopleandage. The Church, inthevery fulfillmentofherown function, stimu- comingfrom above,By riches qualitiesandtraditionsof itmakes thespiritual fruitful man.culture offallen Itnever andelevate ceasestopurify themoralityofpeoples. civilizations.ion withthevarious constantly renews the life and The Gospel of Christ wayany particular oflife. Faithful toherown tradition, shecanenterinto commun- nations. At thesametime, theChurch isnotboundexclusively toany raceornation, tures sothatinherpreaching, toall shemightspread andexplainthemessageofChrist Likewise, theChurch oftimehasusedthediscoveries inthecourse ofdifferent cul- Incarnate, SonoftheFather, hasspoken according totheculture proper toeachepoch. There are many tiesbetween themessageofsalvation andhumanculture. The 6 Current andculture perspectives on evangelization 4  Laurenti MagesaLaurenti 46 5 And according totheIguassu Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 proclamation oftheGospel, that hecontinues toclarify culture canexhaustthemystery ofourredemption inChrist.” andexpressionlimits ofunderstanding ofany oneculture. thatnosingle Itisanindisputable fact moment oftheirhistory.” isuniversal; FaithinChrist heinsistsit tothe “cannot beconstricted imitate modesofexpression whichEuropean nations[forexample]developed at aparticular church), “We cannotdemand thatpeoplesofevery continent, faith, inexpressing theirChristian mentalitiesandtendenciesprevailing ofcertain ofthe As heinsists(incriticism insomequarters be able tobeexpressed andproclaimed through cultures thevarious oftheworld isajoyous gift. the “joy oftheGospel.” toenterintoevery cultureThe aptitudeoftheGospelChrist andto ability” oftheGospeltodifferent cultures assomethingtocelebrate: itconstitutes, inhiswords, In aletterdedicatedspecificallytoevangelism, Pope the Francishasrecently described “adapt- time creating a unity which is never but and inviting a multifaceted uniformity harmony.” diversity, heobserves, of gifts, variety himself a rich whileat the same the HolySpirit forth “brings into theperfectcommunion oftheblessed Trinity, where allthings findtheirunity.” Inourcultural threat toChurch unity,” andenables ustoenter since ourhearts …transforms “The HolySpirit It follows, then, according tothePope, that “When properly understood, culturaldiversity isnota same timeasitiseminentlytranscultural. According toPope Francis, therefore, sees it, of the incarnation, isalsoin tune withthe logic thisfact whichisbothdeeplyculturalat the of thosewhoreceive it. intimately linked.” Gracesupposesculture, andGod’s becomesfleshintheculture gift ing toreality. isalwaysThe humanperson situatedinaculture: “nature andculture are society” and always exists in reference to society, findingthere a concrete way of relat- thatthehumanperson,is duetothefact “by nature standscompletelyinneedoflife develops ofitshistory people inthecourse autonomy. itsculture withlegitimate This to God. inthisway, Understood culture embracesthetotalityofapeople’s life. Each the specificway relate inwhichitsmembers tooneanother, toothercreatures and lifepresent inGod’sChristian people. Ithastodowiththelifestyleofagiven society, culture. The conceptof culture isvaluableexpressions thevarious ofthe forgrasping The People inthepeoplesofearth, ofGodisincarnate eachofwhichhasitsown show evangelizing than true more fanaticism zeal. intoa needless hallowingthe Church cansometimesfall ofourown culture, andthus the Gospel. The messagethatwe proclaim always culturaldress, hasacertain but we in a specificculturalform, nomatterhow beautifulorancientitmay be, together with cultures which have not received message, the Christian it is not essential to impose of them; itscontentistranscultural. Henceintheevangelization ofnew cultures or development thought, ofChristian therevealed messageisnotidentifiedwithany some cultures have beencloselyassociatedwiththe preaching oftheGospeland asmonoculturalandmonotonous.if we thoughtofChristianity that While itistrue out upon the Church.pours We would of the incarnation not do justiceto the logic Evangelization joyfully acknowledges treasures thesevaried whichtheHolySpirit dynamics oftheHolySpirit. that there isnosubstituteforpreaching theword, following themanifoldimpulsesand can berevealed.” insistthatinmostcontextsexplicittestimony Others iscalledfor through providing “a safespace” togerminate, forspirituality where theJesus story 9 7 Theology of inculturation of Theology 47 11 8 To explainthiscore pointofthe 10 As he he As Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 fact, theactualextensionand completionofthedivine activity ofliberationforthewhole of ofhumanity.is also archetypical of thehistory Jesus’ activity is themystical representation or, in existence. Theologically, Israel isaprototype of theentire humanrace; of salvation herhistory the liberatingactivity ofGodhimself, asexpressed inGod’s activity amongthepeopleofIsrael’s through Jesus toliberatetheentire humanity. In short, just as of old with Joshua in the liberation of Israel as a prototype, God will be acting and hewillreign over Jacob’s descendantsforever; hiskingdomwillnever end” (Lk. 1:31–33). be calledtheSonofMostHigh. The Lord Godwillgive himthethrone David, ofhisfather to callhimJesus [Joshua].” Luke’s Gospelspecifiesthatthisnew Joshua andwill “will begreat to Mary byhertotheeffectthat alerting to Mary is thepreeminent Messiah—rendered inGreek as “the Christ.” The angelpronounces thisdetail therefore, thesalvation themeisobvious atevery stageoftheaccount. Jesus, asthenew Joshua, thenews ofherbeingchosenby announcestoMary GodtobearGod’sthe angelGabriel son, Jesus asthenew appears Joshua forthenew peopleofGod, community. theChristian When Scriptures,the Christian theNew Testament, asculminatinginJesus. For theNew Testament, Hebrew Scriptures, theOld Testament. The samethemeistaken over from thevery outsetin he “anointed,” like Joshua, motifoftheentire is thecentralandoverriding narrative ofthe connote thesaving activity ofGodinhissuccessor. the missionwas HoseasonofNun, whowas christened “Joshua” by Moseshimself, evidently to of thefreedom ofthepeopleIsrael. However, whosucceededhimtocomplete theperson and workthe person of Jesus. Moses was, of course, figure in the initial movement the principal Exodus andJoshua, provide agoodcluetothecontextofascription “Messiah” lateronto freedom inthelandofCanaan, recalled theologically detailinthebiblical ingreat booksof narratives abouttheliberationofpeopleIsraelfrom thesituationofslavery inEgyptto of Israel. The titlecanonlybeproperly withinthe contextofthishistory. understood The One ofGod,” forinstance, thedesignationisnotwithoutfoundationin practical history from there.arise intheNewWhen Jesus isdescribed Testament as “Messiah” or “The Anointed the churches’ theScriptures. documents justexemplified alsopermeate They are basedonand betweenThe subtletiesoftheinterplay andculture, faith orinculturation, thatare indicatedin traditions These andnumerous from Christian various otherstatementsofasimilarorientation peoples, together withtheircultures, intoherown community,’” asPope Francisexplains. For as referred to theologically “inculturation,” the process through which “the Church ‘introduces stitutes thedynamicsbetween divine revelation andhumanculture orcultures. This iswhat expressed intheScriptures. This “structure” ofsalvation. thehistory forms Inoneword, itcon- toGod’sa schemeintrinsic self-revelation tohumanityfromofcreation, thebeginning asitis does notdomissionasherown invention. BecauseitisessentiallyGod’s mission, shefollows and thepracticaldynamicsofapproaching thischarge, pastoralaction. orChristian The church provide asynthesisofboththemissionchurch intheworld, whichisevangelization, What this affirmation demonstrates is the fact thatthesaving demonstrates isthefact activity ofJesusWhat thisaffirmation isfoundedin The salvation ofthepeopleIsraelby God’s power through theactionsofmentors jewels.” ferent monilibus cultures suis, andbecomes sponsaornata bedecked withher “the bride is preached, and lived.” understood In this way, the Church takes up the values of dif- “every culture positivetheway offers whichcanenrich values theGospel andforms 13 Contextuality and divine self-revelation Contextuality anddivine  Laurenti MagesaLaurenti “ You willconceive andgive toason, birth andyou are 48 14 12

Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 accurate and intimate understanding ofthecultureaccurate andintimateunderstanding andlanguageofthepeople they address.” its messengers. It toincludean “presupposes enlargetheirhorizons thatpreachersand teachers in aculturalvacuum. tinual dialogue whichalways takes placeinspecific cultural contextsandnever andnecessarily bybetween theircultures. Godandpeoplesasformed Itisanongoingcallandresponse, acon- must beinterpreted:the Gospel of Christ salvationissimplythisdialecticencounter history ately asa “sublime mystery.” Itis ultimate goalofhumanity. Like many others, Pope John Paul thisprocess- understands appropri revealed completelyandfullythemeaningofGodhisactivity intheworld the concerning ofJesus astheChrist-event—thaturrection constituteoneprocess—theologically described tion—the fundamentalmystery forhumansalvation. same asallofhumanityinrespects but sin(seeMt. 1:23andHeb. 4:15). - This istheincarna and truth” (Jn. 1:4). The Word, whoisJesus, isnow Immanuel, Godamongstus, andheisthe have seenhisglory, oftheoneandonlySon, theglory whocamefrom theFather, fullof grace existed from thebeginning, but he “became flesh[human]andmadehisdwelling amongus. We and forhumanityfrom ofcreation. thebeginning The Word (themanifestationofGodonearth) John likewise hisGospelby reclaiming begins thesamecontextofdivine self-revelation to connected withit. Inamore metaphysical but perhapseven more profound way, theevangelist the messiahshipofJesus uponthesalvation leitmotifofIsraelby recording themajorfigures his genealogy inhisGospelaccount, thisexactlesson. Matthew alsomeanstoimpart Hebases the humanracesincecreation. Byprefacing, ashedoes, thesaving activity ofJesus withalistof alized intimeandplaceifitistohave ameaningfulreception andresponse. “language” by capable ofbeingunderstood theintendedhearers. The Gospelmust becontextu- church in the world; it means that to be effective as such, the Gospel must be proclaimed in a God andhumanity. onby the Gospelcarried Suchalsoisclearlythecase withtheChristian in timeandspace. Revelation a istruly “dialogue” oraprocess of “communication” between at allwithoutGod’s direct engagementwiththeworld; thatis, God’s interactionwithhumanity ees ofGod’s message, isessentialtotheprocess. There couldnotandcannotbeany “revelation” humanity. Whatever the case, however, comprehension by specific men and women, the address - hisliberatingmessageclearly,signs andlanguagetoimpart whether ornotitisacceptedby and sociallocationsandconditions,geographical symbolsand withGodusingtheappropriate The Christ-event took place, and itsconsequencescontinue todoso, inreal time and actual A problem ifthisrequirement isignored arises orforgottenandthe Gospelispresented without an incarnation in a particular culture.” in a particular an incarnation oftheSonGod,For theIncarnation precisely becauseitwas completeandconcrete, was also the incarnation. oftheGospelmessageintocultures.“Inculturation isprecisely thisinsertion the Gospeltoallnations. Thus, intheview ofPope John Paul II, to inculturationcorresponds root inthelife-situationofhearers ofthe Word.” This iswhat itimpliestogooutandpreach explained, “so tootheGoodNews, the Word proclaimed ofJesus tothenations, Christ must take Practically, the proclamation of theGospelthroughout theworld makes demandson certain The incarnation anditsnaturalextensionconclusionintheteaching,The incarnation death, andres- For “Just as ‘the Word becameflesh anddwelt amongus’” (Jn. did forthemwhatheintendedtodothewholehumanrace. panied throughout ofsalvation, theentire history inorder toshow through whathe space, amidstapeoplewithitsown culture, apeoplethatGodhadchosenandaccom- :a mystery whichtookplaceinhistory inclearlydefinedcircumstances oftimeand Theology of inculturation of Theology 16 Like everything involved inhuman communication, 49 1:14), asPope John Paul II 15 17

Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 right toresist imposed difference.”right Teresia thisas everyone Hingadescribes andevery community’s tobedifferent andthe “right process ofevangelization, isrealized by recognizing andrespecting the of theother.”“otherness culture, cannotbedispensedwith, foritisinthesesituationsthatthedivine willisrevealed. beings, especiallythoseinneed(Mt. 25:31–46). Inthistask, time andspace, andtherefore human imperative ofdoingthewillGod, ofotherhuman forandservice whichisasincere concern the humanrelationship withGodisalsoconcrete, demandingthepracticeoflove-justice, the and suffered anddiedfortheliberationofhumanity(Phil. 2:5–7). Therefore, inChristianity, noted, areality concretized oftheincarnation, by thefact ofJesus intheperson wholived one alooffrom humanity. Godis,The Christian indeed, “Immanuel”—God withus, asalready and locationsinhistory. God, Godisahistorical The Christian notanabstractphilosophical have discussedabove. briefly This isthatGodreveals God’s divine selfthrough concrete events tothenature andmethodofdivine aspectpertains The theological self-revelation thatwe andtheotherexplicitlysociological,logical even ifthetwo are notcompletelyunconnected. take place localculturalcontext.” messageinaparticular lifeandtheChristian of Christian And thismust Whole SocietyonInculturation,” saw inculturationastheprocess of Arrupe “the incarnation inculturation thatwas provided by theJesuit Pedro father Arrupe. Inhis1978 “Letter tothe texts, we ofthenotion may adoptitasoneofthebesttechnicalandscholarlydescriptions Given theconditionalitiesofcommunication oftheGospelmessage within specificcon- Gospel isexpressed andpresented asan “alien” reality, removed far from one’s deepestexperience. It becomesdifficultforanyone to identifyoneselffullywiththeGospelifmessageof living” that of social settings.attention to variations Anthony J. Gittins presents it as a thesis in “intercultural thought through, lived notfaithfully out.” whichhasnotbeenfullyreceived,which doesnotbecomeculture isafaith notthoroughly isnotjustademandofculture,ture andfaith but alsoof faith,” John Paul IIdeclares. “A faith culture, somethingthat is demanded by bothGospel and culture. “The synthesisbetween cul- This isprecisely thedynamics, according toPope John Paul II, a faith thatmakes theChristian The sociological aspect of inculturation concerns itselfwithhumandignitythat, aspectofinculturation concerns The sociological inthe isolate twoScholars fundamentalproperties oftheprocess ofinculturation, onemainlytheo- remaking it so as to bring about remaking itsoastobring “a new creation.” thatanimates,but becomesaprinciple directs, andunifiesaculture, and transforming to theculture inquestion(thisalonewould benomore thanasuperficialadaptation), in such a way not only finds expression through that the experience elements proper schizophrenia. or spiritual to live deeplywithinandthrough one’s own culture canproduce akindofreligious throughbe encouragedtoexpress faith one’s culture andbemadeaware thatfailure liveda corresponding culture. Faithisexpressed inpractice. This requires that everyone it follows thataperson’s can onlybe lived faith culturally; there isnolived without faith culture (orconstellationofculturaltraits)markseverySince aparticular singleperson, Scholarly meaning of theconcept of meaning Scholarly 18 21 On the part oftherecipients oftheGospel, Onthepart inculturation,  Laurenti MagesaLaurenti 20 50 19

Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 bring about bring “new life.” be born again,”be born communities sothatthey have new perspectives onactualliving. For this, perhapsthephrase “to passes theseexternals, itistrue, and attitudesofpersons but theinterior itworks to transform genuine inculturation is always a deeper reality manifestations. than its sociological It encom- faith islived,faith thenthatharvest—and nottheliturgyitself—isinculturatedfaith.” evant cultures. “If, however, modificationsproduce liturgical aharvest ofrenewal intheway the If oneistobeprecise theologically, liturgycanonlybe “acculturated” or “adapted” totherel- life aswell. The subjectofinculturationisfaith, “not liturgy, ritual, translation, oradaptation.” phrase inculturation”“liturgical otherareas tokeep ofchurch is important in mindconcerning to appreciating the “different other,” seenfrom theirvantageor, pointsasimpermissible indeed, andtoday.adigmatic instancesofinculturation bothinprimitive Christianity Initiallyresistant analogous inmany fundamentalways tothatofSaul Tarsus orPaul (Acts9), and there are par- tion is primarily a theological term that essentially refers to term a theological “God and faith.”tion is primarily (liturgy), andculturaldignity—ashasjustbeenpointedout—incultura- andasenseofpersonal overt expressions sociological and consequences, ritual such asmodes of conducting Christian useful to specifywhat inculturation isnot. speaking, Strictly even if the process has important 16:13–20). ofPeter’s thematurity confirms andhisreadiness fortheresponsibility (Mt. faith ofleadership answer, “You are theChrist, theSonofliving God,” Jesus acknowledges thismomentand hisidentity:posed tohisdisciplesconcerning “And you, whodoyou say thatIam?” InPeter’s vidual andthecommunity. Onecannotavoid here totheempowering questionJesus referring terms,in theological becauseitallows tosinkitsroots thefaith intothevery beingoftheindi- am.” One becomes an adult when one reaches this point in life. It is a liberating moment, even therefore, ofself-definition, demandstheright that ortheabilitytoassert “this iswhoorwhatI early existenceofthechurch, leading totheir(theoretical, doctrinal for betterorworse. the very nature of humancommunication andinfluences thedirection ofhumaninteractions, answer might be. to the inquiry For, in general, the sense of evaluation of the “other” belongs to if often implicit) component of the narrative of inculturation regardless of what, in the end, the The question of how “we” do things in relation, or as opposed, to “them” is always a major (even between oramongmodesofhumanexistenceintheworld.explicit orimplicitcomparisons is ahighlydynamicandinteractive process which has, asoneofitsmainfeatures, continuous mately, people at any given Christian time and place may or may not do. As such, inculturation based onChrist’s Gospel. Inculturationis, consequently, towhat, anarrative thatpertains - legiti about thedistinctionbetween whatis “clean” or “unclean;” orotherwise orwhatispermissible tensions Church containnecessary dynamicsofinculturationintheChristian The historical from within.” transcends mere acculturation. Itisthestagewhenahumanculture isenlivened by theGospel we speak of inculturation,” as Aylward specifies, Shorter to a phenomenon that “we are referring than enculturation, acculturation, or adaptation, which are processes. sociological Council ofJerusalem at around 50CE. The Apostle Peter’s transformation spiritual From pastoraltheology, therefore, whatGittinscautionsaboutthepopularusageof At thispointinthediscussiononnotionofinculturationacademicscholarship, itis From theNew Testament, ofinculturationisclearlyillustratedby tensionsinthe thestory 24 26 if used correctly in its theological sense, initstheological ifusedcorrectly isaccurate: inculturationshould true Practical and theological dynamics of inculturation dynamics of andtheological Practical Theology of inculturation of Theology 51 27 ) resolution atthe Apostolic 22 It is much deeper 25 Itmeansthat 23 28 But “when is certainly iscertainly Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 Vatican II, Nostra Aetate, putsit, to eachlocality. For, “From ancienttimesdown tothepresent,” astheconciliardocumentof Still, theGospelmust, necessarily, even ifgradually, take onthesymbolsandlanguageproper The Pope continues toexplainthatinculturation ongoing development. Missio, InhisencyclicalRedemptoris Pope John Paul II noteslikewise that of theGospelmoves from oneplaceoftheworld toanother, issimilarlyalong-drawn-out and from within, asisalsoevident throughoutofthechurch astheproclamation thelaterhistory ally unfinisheddevelopment. Inculturation, peoplesandcultures thedivine activity transforming ofthisnature isnotasuddenhappening;the transformation itisratherastretched outandusu- reality, them. somethingthatradicallytransforms They embraceanew perspective. “unclean,” bothPeter andPaul are ledintoanew insighttoappreciate theother’s perception of south oftheSahara. Realizing thisfact, Pope Paul oftheconciliardocument VI echoed thespirit introduced onlyincomparativelyhas beenformally recent times. This isthecasewith Africa Nevertheless, it is more pronounced of the world in some regions where the message of Christ It shouldbeclearhow andwhy inculturation is aworldwide requirement oftheGospel. of theprocess. This iswhy, according to Vatican II, theChurch all things.” dialogue are, Ecumenismandinterreligious therefore, properelements andnecessary atanycontained inhumanunderstanding onetimeorplace, but must continually besought “in cal implications. Inculturationreminds ofGod, usofthegreatness whocannotbecaptured or ofSt.a phrasefrom the spirituality IgnatiusofLoyola. - theologi This isoneofitsmostimportant Inculturation must, therefore, to encourageallpeopleoffaith “find Godinallthings,” toborrow Whatever impression theseandotheraccountsinboththeOldNew Testaments portray, perception andrecognition penetrate theirlives withaprofound sense. religious indeed have cometotherecognition ofaSupreme Being, oreven ofaFather. This hovers over ofthingsandover thecourse theevents ofhumanhistory; attimessome perceptionthere ofthathiddenpower peoplesacertain isfoundamongvarious which faith. for itmust innoway compromise oftheChristian thedistinctiveness andintegrity also theChurch’s reflection andpractice. Butatthesametime, itisadifficultprocess, is thusaprofound andall-embracingone, whichinvolves message and theChristian humancultures.” into thevarious ofChristianity insertion and the mation ofauthenticculturalvalues throughintoChristianity theirintegration adaptation,a matterofpurely external forinculturation “means theintimatetransfor - The process of the Church’s into peoples’ insertion cultures is a lengthy one. It is not and moral, aswell asthesocio-culturalvalues foundamong these…[people]. andlife, faith Christian they recognize, preserve andpromote thegoodthings, spiritual followers andlove ofotherreligions, outwithprudence andinwitnesstothe carried hersons [and daughters],exhorts that through dialogue and collaborationwith the 29 Inculturation in Africa Inculturation  Laurenti MagesaLaurenti 52 31 30

Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 this appear? This isthequestionfor ecclesiology andworship.African thepraisesandpetitionsof hertotaluninhibitedhumanity,”[Christ] how in practicewould would heact? This isthequestionfor soteriology.African And, finally, “if offered … Africa Christology. came into the world If Christ as theliberator of the African person,African how questions that are asking,Africans whatwould helooklike?” This isthequestionfor African quest of theology:African theseare suchas were“if Christ toappearastheanswer tothe The questionsJohn V. Taylor the ago(in1963)must posedmore form thanhalfacentury theology must addressAfrican questionsthat peopleandcommunities are facing.African there undertheguidanceof Gospel. In Africa, theology must fulfill thisrole.African culture in and totransform Africa, must envisionAfricans whatispossible forthechurch creates it. cultureImagination as much as it transforms in Jesus For faith to become a culture Africa, theseremain themost urgentquestions. of proclaiming theGospel. Without mincingwords, they said: in Kampala1969. The Pope urgedthebishopstotake inthetask the contextseriously African Gaudium etSpes, notedabove, totheentire episcopateofthe CatholicChurch gathered African history. of thecontinent, visionand undertheguidanceofHolySpirit, theirChristian toconstruct stop beingseenorseeingitselfas “a carboncopy ofEurope.” Itisimperative forthechurches the words ofBishopBernard fromAgre theIvory Coastin1990isthatthe church must African Numerous more references canbecited tothesameeffect. Inshort, thepointbeing made, in stated in1977: Similarly, the final Communiqué of the Pan Conference of African Third World Theologians consistent withournew faith.” new ways canfashion we [Africans] ofspeakingtoandaboutGod, andnew stylesofworship should take place.” spirituality,African according to Tutu, remains store“a great from which … [is]vitalforthe African’s self-respect thatthiskindofrehabilitation heritage ofhisreligious for conveying to theGospel verities Africa,” as Archbishop Desmond Tutu onceobserved. “It values.religious …shouldhave thevehicle andheritage formed experience religious “African This exercise involves oftheintellect, thehumanfaculty of theimagination Africa. tude” whichsheneeds, hour. inthishistoric particularly of - contribution totheCatholicChurch theprecious“negri andoriginal of bringing congenialtoyour own Catholicisminterms to formulate culture; you willbecapable remain sincerely African, even life; inyour ofChristian interpretation you willbeable ofexpression,of richness allitsown, andgenuinely …[Y]ouwillbeable to African in Christianity, andforChristianity, fullness, superior atrue andprove tobecapable uptoperfection, ofculture whichcanrise forms suchastofind and characteristic you may, and you must, have an . Christianity African Indeed, you possess human values accountable to people. African of domination. from istocreate Ourtaskastheologians atheology andis thatarises ofthepeopleintheirresistanceitself according againstthestructures tothestruggles must reject, therefore, ideasofNorth theprefabricated Atlantic theology by defining different from thecolonialpastandneo-colonialpresent. … theology African and culture and the creative attempt of people to shape a new future that is African We believe that theology inthecontextof must beunderstood African life African 34 Essential to inculturation in Africa is the critical Essentialtoinculturationin isthecritical Africa “rehabilitation” of spiritual/ African 35 33 Theology of inculturation of Theology 53 32 36 For inculturationin Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 of the World CouncilofChurches, already referredto, statesaccordingly: Church whichiscalledupontoproclaimof theChristian itthroughout theages. The document of thehumanraceandentire creation: Gospel ofChrist, itmust take intoaccounttheGospel’s definitive visionandgoalforthewhole blanche but acomplexaffair. This isitsultimatechallenge. To ofthe tothespirit befaithful As thesamedocumentcontinues toelaborate, inculturationis, therefore, never anywhere acarte andestablishes. constructs backgrounds feelathome” inthenew environment theproclamation ofGospelcontinuously lar locationataspecificpointinhistory, and, second, “to make peoplesofdifferent cultural twofold: first, torespond to toconstantlytry “the deephuman needs”- ofpeoplesaparticu inculturation intheprocess ofproclaiming theGospelthroughout theworld is, therefore, always evangelism Church. intheChristian spelledoutby M.A.C.As briefly Warren, thechallengeof Christ’s invitation todiscipleship—must beacknowledged astheessenceofevangelization or ings andwiththeirvalues andcustoms, someresponding positively negatively andothers to the Gospelconcretely meetingculturalhumanbeingswiththeirown- strengths andshortcom Inculturation asamatterof “encounter” cultures— andparticular between theGospelofChrist 4 3 2 1 In thissense, andpragmaticterms, andparcel inculturationcannotbut ofGospeland bepart with jealous and intelligible pride,with jealous and intelligible and retains as a precious heritage. cherishes Her aim is a super- which each people, characteristics and does not think of deprecating or disdaining the particular lar vein inhisencyclicalletterSummiPontificatus(no. 44–45)that …cannot “The Church ofChrist Vatican II, GaudiumetSpes, no. 58. Incidentally, already in1939. Pope inasimi- Pius XIIhadwritten among theNations, 176. Cited by Peter K. Sarpong, Meets “Christianity Traditional Cultures.”African InHunt, TheGospel Orbis Books, 2010). A.Hunt,Robert For documentsfromofthechurch thatindicatethesedifferent thehistory attitudes, see, forexample, of theBible (NIV). For thisactivity ofJesus, see alsoMt. 4:23. quotationsare from Scriptural theNew International Version understanding and articulation ofthegospel. andarticulation understanding the gospel. At thesametime, cultures nourish, illuminate, enrich, andchallengethe others. Through suchprocesses, cultures may betransfigured andbecomebearers of some aspects of a culture,will affirm while challenging, critiquing, and transforming ture andopensupbiblical meaningforitstimeandplace. andtheological The gospel When thegospelinteractsauthenticallywithaculture, itbecomesrooted inthatcul- Christ.” andultimate identity isinJesus into anew community inwhichtheprimary rather ascomplementary. “The gospelreconciles andunitespeopleofallidentities should bedefinednotinoppositionto, incompetitionwithorfearofothers, but of God,a gift but it must not be used to reject and oppress other identities. Identity need togobeyond inculturationtheologies. certain Culturalandethnicidentityis press humanrights, orhinderasustainable relationship towards creation. There isnow The gospelchallengesaspectsofcultures injustice, whichproduce orperpetuate sup- 39 The GospelamongtheNations: ofInculturation History (Maryknoll,A Documentary NY: 37  Laurenti MagesaLaurenti Conclusion Notes 54 38 Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 26 25 Gittins, 24 23 22 Gittins, 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 7 6 5 9 8 file:​///C:/User Nations, 267. “Iguassu ofthe Affirmation World Evangelical Fellowship, 1999.” InHunt, TheGospelamongthe “The LausanneCovenant (1974).” InHunt, TheGospelamongtheNations, 263. common destiny.” provided and thatthey are notopposedtothedutiesincumbentonmenfrom theirunityoforigin intheindividual characterofeachrace, forces andtendencieshavingtion ofparticular theirorigin blessing everyher maternal methodofguidanceandcare whichaimsatawiseandorderly evolu- andsuperficialby weak thatvery fact external … The Church hailswithjoy andfollows with natural unioninall-embracinglove, deeplyfeltandpracticed, andnottheunity, whichisexclusively See Jesus’ conversation withNicodemus inJn. 3:1-21. Aylward Shorter, Toward a Theology ofInculturation (Maryknoll, NY: OrbisBooks, 1988), 12. See Gittins, LivingMission, 56–60. Uitgeversmaatschappij J.H. Kok, 1994), 17. Turkson andFrans Wijsen, eds., Inculturation: Abide byof theOtherness and Africa (Kampen:Africans Teresia Hinga, of “Inculturation and the Otherness Africans: Some Reflections.” In Peter ii_sp​e_20020514_message-poupar https​://w2.vati​can.v Culture. for Message ofJohn Paul IItoCardinal Paul Poupard forthe20th Anniversary ofthePontifical Council reflection.demic theological however, “inculturation” inthesechurches andmovements takes placeintuitively withoutmuch aca- intheOld of somethepatriarchs Testament forjustificationof their own behaviour. Inthe main, in asaculturalimposition.Africa Inthiscase, they appeal, ifpressed foranexplanation, to thepractice several African AICs, where ofmonogamy thesechurches objecttotherule inthemainlinechurches it isoftenextremely pronounced reality. asasociological The practiceofpolygamy isacase inpoint (AICs). Although thesedonot, asarule, have a “theology” ofinculturation, theirpracticalexpression of expression ofwhichareone important the Initiated,African Independent, orIndigenousChurches the implicationsofdynamicsnotion. cess ofinculturationasanadulterationtheBible. Yet thisdoesnotmeanthatthey altogether escape Bible says.” Consciously, therefore, many Pentecostal andneo-Pentecostal communities reject thepro- istoapplytheBible asitis,main orientation by thatisusuallyprefaced themantra anassertion “the inculturation does not arise,concerning speech. at least not as a point of theological These churches’ involvesfirst thePentecostal andneo-Pentecostal churches andmovements, forwhomthequestion Sources, 1981), 172–181. Other Apostolates Today: SelectedLettersand Addresses ofPedro SJ.Arrupe Vol.Cultural Systems–Part 1.” 3(St. Louis: instituteofJesuit TheologicalStudies, 55(1994): 69. For theentire letter, see J. Aixala, ed., “Letter tothe Whole Societyon Inculturation.” Quoted by Carl F. Starkloff, “Inculturation and MN: Press, Liturgical 2015), 4–5. Anthony J. Gittins, LivingMissionInterculturally: Faith, Culture, andtheRenewal ofPraxis (Collegeville, (Ottawa: Novalis, 2005), 186. E.See Frederick Crowe, andHistory: Christ Lonerganfrom1935to1982 ofBernard The Christology John, Paulin Africa II, no. Ecclesia 60. John Paul II,,in Africa 1995, Ecclesia Apostolic Exhortation no. 60. oshua​-joshua-ye​shua-jesus-and-yeshu​/ https​://je Yeshu.” and Jesus Yshua,Joshua, For adiscussiononthisandrelated names, seeJews forJesus, “An Introduction totheNames Yehoshua/ Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, no. 116. See someofthesedocumentsinHunt, TheGospelamongtheNations. Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium,no. 117. Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, no. 117. Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, no. 115. 2013, no.Publications Africa, 118. Pope Francis, The Joy oftheGospel– EvangeliiApostolic Exhortation Gaudium. Nairobi: Paulines There are also the indigenous Christian movementsThere are alsotheindigenousChristian andchurches oftheworld, indifferent parts ofinculturationdiscourse,In terms there are two significantissuestonotewithinChristianity. The Living Mission, 60. Living Mission, 60. ​s/Fr.​%20Magesa/Downl​oads/Prepa​rator ​d.html ​a/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/2002/may/d ​ocuments/hf_jp- Theology of inculturation of Theology ​wsforjesus.org/answe​-intr ​rs/an 55 ​y%20P d, o 52. no. ​aper%20No%201%20(2).pdf, ​oduction-to-the-names-yeh​ Downloaded By: 10.2.98.160 At: 18:12 28 Sep 2021; For: 9781315107561, chapter3, 10.4324/9781315107561-5 Gittins,J. Anthony Crowe, E. Frederick Christ, andHistory: . Lonerganfrom1935to1982 ofBernard The Christology Ottawa, ON: Bujo, Benezet. African Theology inItsSocialContext. Maryknoll, NY: OrbisBooks, 1992. 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 Turkson, Peter, andFrans Wijsen, eds. Inculturation: Abide by of the Otherness and Africa .Africans Taylor, Kampen: John V. Shorter, Aylward. Pope, Francis. TheJoy oftheGospel– EvangeliiApostolic Exhortation Gaudium. Nairobi: Paulines Publications Mugambi, J.N.K. Christian African Theology: An Introduction. Nairobi: HeinemannKenya, 1989. Martey, Emmanuel. African Theology: Inculturation andLiberation. Maryknoll, NY: OrbisBooks, 1993. Magesa, Laurenti. WhatIsNotSacred? . Spirituality African Maryknoll, NY: OrbisBooks, 2013. A.Hunt,Robert Novalis, 2005. Uitgeversmaatschappij J.H. Kok, 1994. Africa, 2013. Books, 2010. Press,Liturgical 2015. No. 50. file:​///C:/User M.C.A. Warren,“Foreword.” In Taylor, See also, BenezetBujo, African Theology inItsSocialContext(Maryknoll, NY: OrbisBooks, 1992). John V.Taylor, Books, 2004), 50. Quoted inKwame Bediako, JesusandtheGospelin Africa: (Maryknoll, andExperience History NY: Orbis Inculturation, 72. See Frans Hoeben,Wijsen andHarrie “We Are NotaCarbonCopy ofEurope.” In Turkson and Torres,Sergio Wijsen,eds., ConferencePan-African of Third World Theoogians, “Final Communiqué.” InKofi Appiah-Kubi and 35–36. Italicsinoriginal. 32 Evaluating in Articles Inculturation ofChristianity (Eldoret:Africa AMECEA GabaPublications, 1990), Paul VI, Address “To theInaugural1969SECAM, Kampala.” See TeresaVatican 2. II, Okure, Nostra Aetate,no. Paul van Thiel etal., Vatican 2. II, Nostra Aetate,no. Pope John Paul II, Missio, Redemptoris no. 52, See above. human existenceandthemessageofGospeltoever-changing circumstances. it intra-orintercultural, inculturationisanongoingprocess, acontinual attemptto “adjust” modesof tensions cannotbecompletelyresolved onceandforallisofthenature ofhumancommunication. Be in ing ofJerusalem described Acts 15because, inactualfact, theconflictscontinued. That intercultural toemphasizethe It isimportant The Primal The Primal Vision: Presenceamid Christian Religion.African London: SCMPress, 1963. The Gospel Among theNations: ofInculturation History .A Documentary Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Toward a Theology ofInculturation. Maryknoll, NY: OrbisBooks, 1988. The Primal The Primal Vision: Presenceamid Christian Religion (London:African SCM Press, 1963), 24. Living MissionInterculturally: Faith, Culture, andtheRenewal ofPraxis. Collegeville, MN: ​s/Fr.​%20Magesa/Downl​oads/Prepa​rator African African Theology EnRoute(Maryknoll, NY: OrbisBooks, 1979), 193. aspect of the instructions ofthe aspectoftheinstructions theoretical ordoctrinal Apostolic meet- Christian Presence,8. Christian Bibliography  Laurenti MagesaLaurenti 56 ​y%20P d. o 49. no. ​aper%20No%201%20(2).pdf.