Inculturation as self-identification : an african in search of authentic christian identity : a theological enquiry among the Ewe of Ghana

This academic research seeks to represent inculturation as an effective means to render the Christian faith more meaningful and practical to Ewe Christians in particular and Africans in general. Specifically, the study examines the assertion that inculturation is self-identification and an African search for authentic Christian identity. The historical survey of the evangelization process among the Ewe people and many African cultures indicates that their religious and cultural worldviews were not given due recognition during the evangelization. In other words, Ewe cultural context was considered as inferior and inadequate to serve as the possible fertile ground for evangelization. Christian converts were obliged to forsake their cultural identity. However, since Africans could not dissociate themselves completely from their religious and cultural beliefs, they tend to blend the Christian faith with their traditional religious beliefs, even if they contradict the Christian faith. This created instability, dualistic attitude and identity crisis among African Christians. This research points to the fact that, it is the demand of inculturation to root the Christian faith into cultures in such a way that Christ becomes the principle that guides decisions and transforms the lives of people. When the Christian faith is integrated into African cultures it purifies them, and the wholesome elements found in them are incorporated into the life of the Church. This gives uniqueness to the African Church and also enrichment to the Universal Church. Africans will feel at home in the Church. This would liberate Africans from their schizophrenic tendencies to live their Christian faith in truth and in spirit. As such, effective inculturation would create in Africa, the Church that is truly Christian and truly African. However, this dissertation does not intend to equate the African religious and cultural beliefs to Christian faith. The research only explores the theological and anthropological relationship in the faith ...