A Contextual Missiological-Theological Response to Widow Cleansing in the Church of God in Zambia
One of the missiological tasks of the Church in Africa is to identify, study, and respond suitably to African cultural issues that impact its members, thereby promoting, protecting, and enhancing their well-being and dignity. This study has adopted that missiological approach. Consequently, the chosen topic for this research is “A contextual missiologicaltheological response to widow cleansing in the Church of God in Zambia.” The dissertation examines how the Church of God in Zambia has responded to the practice of widow cleansing and its impact on widows. To clarify and deepen the understanding of this study's issue, I have employed a missiological-theological framework based on David Bosch’s model of Missio Dei and Richard Osmer’s model of Interpreting Practical Theology. Using these models, I (1) have described and interpreted the lived experiences of widows regarding widow cleansing, and (2) have proposed practical approaches for the Church of God in Zambia to improve its support for widows. This research is a contextual, descriptive, qualitative study. I employed in-depth interviews and observation as methods for data collection from the participants. The study population consisted of 45 participants, including twenty (20) widows, fifteen (15) pastors, and ten (10) cleaners. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted thematically. The research has revealed the following findings: The practice of widow cleansing still exists in Zambia, indicating it is not yet extinct. Furthermore, widows who participate in it are affected, leading to various needs, including economic, material, social, health, spiritual, and psychological ones. The Church of God in Zambia is fully aware of the needs and struggles of these widows. Additionally, the church has significant resources, such as financial support, materials, trained personnel, and doctrinal guidance. However, the church's response to the ritual and its related harm appears inadequate and ineffective; it does not utilize its resources properly to address the ritual and support the widows in need. As a result, many widows' needs remain unmet. Moreover, the church has yet to establish an official position or policy regarding the ritual, leaving church members uncertain about whether they can practice it. Lastly, the church has not yet contextualized the issue within the framework of the Gospel and its traditions to help members discern the positive and negative aspects of the ritual. Based on the Church of God in Zambia's response to the issue of widow cleansing and the unmet needs of widows, there is a need for the church to be motivated and supported in enhancing and transforming its ministerial practices concerning widows. To achieve this, I have recommended that the church develop and adopt ministerial practices that are contextual, meaningful, practical, relevant, holistic, and transformative, thereby better assisting widows. This study builds on the African Church's efforts to find relevance and ministry opportunities that contextualize its message and create a missiological-theological impact, both holistically and practically, on its members, who are influenced by various African cultural issues.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations