A study of the traditional perception of sin among the Abakuria people of Kenya, with view to presenting a holistic Christian witness that will meet the felt needs among this community

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to examine the traditional perception of sin among the Abakuria people of Kenya, with the objective of presenting a holistic Christian witness that will meet the spiritual needs of these people. In order to achieve this goal, research was carried out in this community by focusing on the Abakuria traditional views of sin, the causes of sin as perceived by the Abakuria, and the traditional methods used to deal with sin whenever it occurs. The research was a qualitative study, and data was collected primarily through ethnographic interviews with selected participants among the Abakuria people. Questionnaires were also used to capture the general understanding of sin in this community. A keen analysis of the Abakuria cultural worldview regarding sin revealed the following observations: To begin with, the Abakuria like most African societies acknowledge the existence of sin. This acknowledgement is demonstrated by the terms and local phrases they use to describe sin/an offensive act. The research revealed that two terms iriraga and umugiro are used to describe sin. An examination of the two words revealed that sin has two dimensions at least according to Abakuria. While sin on one hand offends the divinity (ancestral spirits, spirits and ghosts), it also hurts and spoils relationships. Secondly, the Abakuria people categorize sins. There are those termed as the most horrible sins, there are terrible sins but can be put aright and there are also minor offences. The most horrible sins include murder, witchcraft and incest. The second category has sins like adultery, physically assaulting one's parent, and rape. The third category consists of sins such as lying, stealing foodstuffs, bitterness and greedy. Thirdly, this research discovered that the Abakuria people believe sin is caused by three forces; angry ancestors, influence from witchcraft and inheritance from parents. Fourthly, it was discovered that Abakuria deal with sin promptly whenever it occurs. The major means of dealing with sin in this community is through animal sacrifices. Sacrifices are meant to appease angry ancestors and other deities so that curses and other forms of punishment will not befall the living. Another form of dealing with sin in this community is by publicly shaming the wrongdoer and making him/her compensate the offended party. However, the first category, the most horrible sins do not have a solution except by killing the victim or totally excommunicating him/her from the society. The findings of this study raised several implications for missions in the continent of Africa and more so among the Abakuria community, for which appropriate recommendations have been made. The recommendations are intended to provide both theoretical and practical platform for the development of sound mission strategies. These mission strategies will go a long way in helping Christian witnesses to present a relevant and holistic gospel among the abakuria people.