Browsing by Author "Dombong, John Nancwat"
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- ItemChristian faith in the encounter with orim (ancestor veneration) among the tarok people of North Central Nigeria(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12-15) Dombong, John Nancwat; Mbaya, Henry; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the encounter between Christian faith (COCIN) and Orim (Ancestor veneration) among the Tarok people of North Central Nigeria. This study which is, the product of library research and fieldwork, seeks to answer the following questions: Why do some Christians participate in Orim and others do not? What is the significance of the encounter between Christian faith and Orim? How does belief in ancestral spirits which is part of the Tarok worldview influence Tarok Christians. Does the encounter between Christian faith and Orim present an opportunity or a challenge to Christianity? What are the convergence and divergence points between Christian faith and Orim (ancestor) veneration among the Tarok? The research findings outline the differences and similarities between the Christian faith and the Orim (ancestor) veneration among the Tarok. Primary data collection in the field and extensive interviews were done. The study established that there was peaceful co-existence between Christian faith and the Tarok religion of Orim and that their collective influence was praise-worthy in terms of the promotion of social cohesiveness and the provision of certain social amenities. It examines the advent of Christianity among the Tarok people and the pattern of evangelism with special reference to the method used in the proclamation of the Gospel. The study shows that the impact of Christian faith has been so great that it has captured the theological norms of Tarok society. The study also established that even after many years of Christian mission in Tarok-land, the Orim cult (ancestors) remains a reality. A good number of Tarok Christians continue to pledge allegiance to both Orim (ancestors) and Christ. Although, the Tarok have welcomed the Gospel message presented to them by the Christian missionaries, some Tarok Christians have not abandoned their beliefs and practices of Orim (ancestor veneration). The findings of the study confirm that there are some Tarok Christians participate in Orim (ancestor) veneration alongside Christianity. The points of convergence between the Christian faith and the Tarok culture have been particularly noted as a model for dialogue between the faiths. The research concludes that sound exegesis does not allow accommodate Orim (ancestor) veneration in the Christian church, but that respect for ancestors should be embraced. Recommendations were given to enhance the harmonious relationship between the Christian faith and the Orim cult. The study relies mainly on interviews. In each one of the four selected COCIN Churches, one pastor was interviewed.
- ItemThe impact on and the response of the ECWA to the violent activities of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Dombong, John Nancwat; Mbaya, Henry; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study the impact on and the response of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) to the violent activities of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria is highlighted. An historical overview of the ECWA and Boko Haram in Nigeria is also provided. Their leadership structures, the aims and objectives, the ECWA mission statement, articles of faith and practice, and the ideology, theology and philosophy of Boko Haram are described. Relevant and suitable theological concepts and theories on religious violence are given and the reasons behind the sudden rise of the Boko Haram sect in Northern Nigeria are explored. One of Avery Dulles’s five classical models of the church [Church as Servant] is used in order to highlight the theological concept on violence that best describes the context of the ECWA‟s operations. Forgiveness is essential in the life of a Christian and in this study the focus is on forgiveness and reconciliation in the context of conflict and suffering. The prejudice or scapegoat theory is used to understand who is blaming whom for his frustration and who the scapegoat is. The effect of Boko Haram’s violent activities on the ECWA in Northern Nigeria and how the ECWA responded to the violence is explored. Evidence of how the ECWA lost many of its members as a result of Boko Haram’s violent activities is provided. Many ECWA churches and properties were destroyed and many members were displaced due to Boko Haram’s frequent and devastating attacks on churches in Northern Nigeria. It is shown that the social and spiritual lives of both adults and children were adversely affected by the violent activities of Boko Haram. The factors that gave rise to the Boko Haram sect in Northern Nigeria and its rejection of Western Education, unemployment, poverty, parental negligence, illiteracy and the demand for Nigeria to be Islamized, are also discussed. In the conclusion various recommendations on how ECWA can respond to conflict and suffering are made.