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A Study to Formulate a Model for Agikuyu Christian Funeral Rites that Would Integrate Relevant cultural, Scriptural and Practical Norms
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TextPublication details: Johannesburg, South Africa South African Theological Seminary 2014Description: 334p PDF A4 Abstract. Table of contents. Works cited. AppendicesSubject(s): Dissertation note: Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (PhD) South African Theological Seminary 2014 Dr Kevin Smith Summary: As far as can be ascertained, no one has undertaken an in-depth study with respectto formulating a model for Agikuyu Christians’ funeral rites. Again,as far as I have been able to ascertain,neitherhas 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 tohandle issues surrounding death. The issue of resurrection and of the resurrectedbody 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 5 would take care of those left behind and would bring glory to God. Pertinent recommendations are made to the Agikuyu Christians in this regard.
| Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | URL | Status | Date due | Barcode | |
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Thesis
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South African Theological Seminary Online Resource | Electronic Holdings | Link to Resource | Available | 0000000001960 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (PhD) South African Theological Seminary 2014 Dr Kevin Smith
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