Tukutendereze: Contextualizing Salvation in Kigezi Sub-Region

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to contextualize the concept of salvation among the Anglican Christians in the Kigezi Sub-region. It takes time to investigate whether the salvation that Jesus offers is not enough in solving the Christians’ problems in the Kigezi sub-region and if the subjective theory of salvation that the East African revival movement espoused is relevant to the Bakiga Christians today. 

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 argues that Contextualization is central to any attempt to weave the gospel to cultures together. The context in which theology takes place shapes the form and influences the contents of the theology. All people, whether they realize it or not, are shaped by the culture in which they live. Culture even shapes a person’s reception of the Christian faith. This study asserts that no one ever meets universal Christianity in itself: we only ever meet Christianity in a local form and that means a historically, culturally conditioned form. The study concludes that there is nothing wrong in having local forms of Christianity if we remember that they are local.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that, when crisis strikes, believers should not deny the existence and potency of demonic spirits, but they should not yield to them. Instead, believers should affirm their radical commitment to the sovereign Lord. There is need for all Christians to address their cultural postulated reality of crises pastorally with seriousness, sensitivity, and respect.