History and Theology of East African Revival Movement and a Distinction between the Western Evangelical Concept of Salvation and the East African Revival Movement’s in Kigezi Sub-Region

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of article was to study the history and Theology of East African revival movement and draw a distinction between the western evangelical concept of salvation and the East African Revival Movement’s in Kigezi Sub-Region

Methodology: The researcher employed qualitative research approach. This study was conducted in the geographical jurisdiction of Kigezi Sub-region in the present-day dioceses of Kigezi, North Kigezi, Kinkizi and Muhabura. These were the cradle of revival movement in 1930s. The population for this research was the Bakiga who are the adherents to the Anglican faith in Kigezi Sub-region. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique. The key respondents in total were 8 people who included the surviving members of 1930s and 1950s Revival movement in Kigezi Sub-region, the church leaders and ordinary Christians who are only adherents to Anglican faith. The researcher used the questionnaires and interview guides. The data was analyzed by the researcher in a descriptive way

Findings: The study revealed that, it’s true that most Anglican professing Christians in Kigezi Sub-region revert to traditional values, beliefs, and practices in quest to be relevant to their culture. They assert that even when they believe in the salvation power in Christ, but most of their daily life needs are not met by the approach the contemporary church in Kigezi Sub-region applies.  Most Revivalists discarded traditional beliefs and only sacrificed themselves to Jesus by this declaration; ‘Yesu Namara’.  They told Stories and confessions about crises faced against their faith such as Witchcraft. They testified though the belief in witchcraft attempts to provide a solution to the existence of evil in the world, the solution it offers is inadequate.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: They study recommend proper theological education to be mandatory taught to everyone seeking to preach the word of God and Bible studies must be encouraged for all Christians. It also recommended that; for any missionary seeking to preach the gospel outside his cultural setting must understand that contextualization is very central to any attempt to weave the gospel to cultures together. All people, whether they realize it or not, are shaped by the culture in which they live.