Gwanza, Tersoo (2022) Rites of Transition: Death and Burial as a Basis for Inculturation in Tiv Culture, Benue, Nigeria. Masters thesis, Hekima University College.
![[img]](http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text (Rites of Transition: Death and Burial as a Basis for Inculturation in TIV Culture, Benue, Nigeria)
Tersoo Gwaza.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (7MB) | Request a copy |
Abstract
The preliminary question is, how far are Tiv traditional rites of death and burial compatible with Christian, specifically Catholic, rites? Is it possible for a baptized Catholic who is a polygamist or a baptized woman who is traditionally married but whose marriage is not blessed in the Catholic Church to be accorded a Catholic burial by the Catholic clergy? By Catholic burial, we mean the celebration of the Holy Mass, which prepares the departed soul to meet God, and the farewell prayers that are a source of consolation to the grieved members of the family; rather than a Catholic service conducted by a catechist or another lay minister as it is happening in Tiv Christian communities today. Thus, this thesis will discuss the theological-philosophical beliefs about life, death, and the hereafter in Tiv culture as a starting point for religious inculturation between Christianity and Tiv culture. Both Christian and Tiv rites believe in a Supreme Being who is the Creator of the universe, the author and finisher of life. The rites from Tiv and Christianity affirmed that death does not end life; rather, death extends life. The dead person returns to God and continues to dwell with God forever. The burial rites in both Tiv and Christianity support this claim. Thus, we will argue that based on the similarities of burial rites between Christianity and Tiv culture, inculturation of burial rites is possible. Put differently, inculturation of burial rites between Christianity and Tiv culture must wear the garment of marriage. In marriage, there must be mutual agreement, understanding, tolerance and acceptance of one's behaviour and cultural values, such as language, food, dressing, etc. If one party is dominating the marriage, there will be tension, conflict, misunderstanding and sometimes disappointingly, violence. If Western Christian values are imposed on Africans at the expense of African values and traditions, the conflict between Christianity and African cultures will be inevitable just as it is in some mixed marriages. Therefore, we will recommend that Christianity should accommodate some of the burial rites in Tiv culture that are fused with Christian rites of transition, particularly Catholicism, for effective evangelization in Tiv land that is largely polygamous. These actions will demonstrate a sign of respect for the Tiv culture and a true spirit of inculturation between Christianity and the Tiv culture. In this way, the Tiv people will be true Christians and truly Tiv, by embracing Christian values and still practising their Tiv culture. If not, many Tiv will continue to practice Christianity on Sundays and Tiv religious practices on weekdays as is happening amongst many Tiv Christians today. Inculturation of burial rites in Tiv culture by Christian agents, that is the clergy and the laity, should not be undermined, taken for granted, or swept under the carpet. In failing to adhere to our recommendation of inculturation of rites of transition in Tiv culture by Christian agents, Christianity will sooner or later decline massively in Tiv land.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform |
| Divisions: | Africana Afro-Christiana Jesuitica |
| Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email ict.admin@jhia.ac.ke |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Feb 2024 08:00 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Feb 2024 08:00 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/9907 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |