Ironies of Christian Presence in Southern Africa

Masondo, Sibusiso

doi:10.17159/2413-3027/2018/v31n2a10

Cited by 12 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Some remained dedicated but contemptuous of those they claimed to be converting. Others developed deep affection and respect for those they worked with and made a long-lasting impression [62].…”

Section: The Changing Landscapementioning

confidence: 99%

Christianity and Indigenisation in Africa

Masoga

Nicolaides

2021

THEOLOGY

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In a quest for greater coherence between parochial identities, culture and Christianity, there exists an African consciousness which seeks to indigenise and decolonise Christianity. Africans are profoundly religious people who view their faith as part of their way of life, as strengthening their cultures and providing a moral compass for daily living. In efforts to transform society, the Christian religion has played a significant role in the path to African development. Christianity in Africa dates to the very inception of the church. Africans consequently played a crucial role in establishing the doctrines and theology of the early church. While African Traditional religion (ATR) is paramount, it is the purpose of this article to suggest that the Christian faith has and continuous to play a significant role on the African continent in its development. While there are many indigenous African beliefs, these have been to a large extent supported by Christianity in a quest to systematize novel knowledge and promote peace and tolerance across the continent. Many Africans have sought facets of Christianity that are similar to their religious and personal practices and continue to do so. Thus, while there exist numerous similarities and also differences between Christianity and ATR, it is imperative to preserve old-style regional distinctiveness and Christianity as the unifying rudiments in nation building endeavours and in efforts to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Africans can and should come to comprehend the Triune Godhead as being consistent with their own spiritual consciousness and existential veracities. Indigenization of Christianity requires enculturation and essentially an understanding that it is indeed ecumenical and also embraces diversity and fundamentally requires viewing Holy Scriptures and the truths they propound as being applicable to any context and cultural milieu across the ages. Christians after all espouse a faith in the Ekklesia or body of Christ for all its people who are the Laos of God.

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Section: The Changing Landscapementioning

confidence: 99%

Christianity and Indigenisation in Africa

Masoga

Nicolaides

2021

THEOLOGY

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“…These two verses reveal the composer's situation at the time of composition and contemporary gospel musicians rarely sing this section. Most Zulu and Xhosa traditional hymns speak about the composers (Masondo 2018;Nkomazana & Setume 2016). Many hymn composers express their state of sadness or happiness when penning hymns.…”

Section: Umzuzu Nay'ujesumentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, many hymns are examples of African traditional-style music combined with Western music (Nkomazana & Setume 2016:35). It is also prudent to acknowledge and consider that oral history and the preceding literature reveal that the arrival of European missionaries played a vital role in establishing the Christian society in South Africa (Masondo 2018;Nkomazana & Setume 2016). Masondo (2018) highlighted that:…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The missionaries arrived in South Africa early in 1844, just before the outbreak of the Anglo-Zulu war in 1879 (Abiolu 2019;Masondo 2018;Mzondi 2018). Mzondi's (2018:41-42) study highlighted that hymn music played a vital role in the late 1800s and early 1900s.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although there is extensive literature on African traditional hymns (Masondo 2018;Mzondi 2018;Nkomazana & Setume 2016;Tönsing et al 2015), the existing literature only focuses on the history, content and structural approach to these traditional hymns. Furthermore, limited attention is given to addressing and discussing the importance of understanding and making sense of Zulu traditional hymns as a form of expressing worship.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The importance of understanding and making sense of Zulu traditional hymns as a symbol of expressing worship: Cognitive hermeneutics and hermeneutics of hymnody theories

Yende

2021

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

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Singing and understanding Zulu traditional hymns among charismatic churches and gospel groups have become a fundamental worship tool. Zulu traditional hymns are at the centre of Christian lives in South Africa. Singing Zulu traditional hymns (iCilongo Levangeli) is predominant for many South African musicians and gospel groups using modern musical styles. However, contemporary churches, musicians and gospel groups tend not to understand the authenticity of these hymns. The issue of Zulu traditional hymns in the modern gospel industry is a matter of great concern. Therefore, this article addresses and discusses the importance of understanding and making sense of Zulu traditional hymns as a symbol of expressing worship. Data were collected for a research practice using a hermeneutic phenomenology paradigm to obtain a precise understanding and the original meaning of the prominent Zulu traditional hymns. The study reveals that there are Zulu traditional hymns that were misinterpreted and misunderstood. The misinterpretation of Zulu traditional hymns is partly attributable to the ignorance of the underlying true meaning, emotions, state and purpose of the original composer.Contribution: This study recommends that contemporary gospel musicians sing Zulu traditional hymns in the original text to ensure that they do not misinterpret the hymns.

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Christian Femininity in Independent Africa

Tembo

2024

The Palgrave Handbook of Christianity in Africa From Apostolic Times to the Present

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Ironies of Christian Presence in Southern Africa

Abstract: Indeed, it can be argued that the modern missionary movement from the West, along with other developments within Western Europe, played a significant role in bringing about the crumbling of Western Christendom, though this outcome may not have been intended' (Bediako 2000:316).

Cited by 12 publications

References 7 publications

Christianity and Indigenisation in Africa

Christianity and Indigenisation in Africa

The importance of understanding and making sense of Zulu traditional hymns as a symbol of expressing worship: Cognitive hermeneutics and hermeneutics of hymnody theories

Christian Femininity in Independent Africa

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