Problems of Christian Family Life Among the Agĩkũyũ in Relation to African World-view and Ecclesial Instructions: a Case of Kĩambaa Sub-county, Kĩambu County

Abstract

The study examined the problems of Christian family life among the Agĩkũyũ in relation to African world-view and Ecclesial instructions on family basing itself in Kĩambaa Sub-County, Kĩambu County. It aimed at empowering Christian families to effectively handle the difficulties that they encounter in living their family life so that they can achieve a fulfilling Christian family life. It is both anthropological and theological. On one hand, the anthropological section scrutinizes the social organization, cultural, social and religious values of the Agĩkũyũ relevant to the family and on the other hand the theological section explicates the relevant Church Doctrines and theological reflections on family life. The two were merged with the intention of the realization of a true African Christian family life. The main goal of the study was to investigate the problems Agĩkũyũ of Kĩambaa Sub-County encounter in Christian family life in the light of African world-view and ecclesial instructions on family. It was achieved by first investigating the problems encountered in living a Christian family life then explaining the nature and expected royalty of African harmonious world-view items on family in general and Christian family life in particular. Furthermore, the study discussed significant ecclesial instructions on family life that can be exploited for the common good of the family and welfare of Christian family life as well as how respect for African harmonious world-view items and Church teaching on family can be fruitfully utilized in addressing today‟s problems to Christian family life. To examine the research further, the Study was guided by three interrelated theories which are General cum Special Revelation theory propagated by scholars like Latourelle where he explicates the issue of “external and internal testimony” on family through the Holy Spirit, Rahner who explains how God manifests Himself to families through Jesus Christ and Dupuis where he expounds how God reveals Himself to people through His creation so that Christians can understand God‟s plan for family members. The other theory that guided the study was mediation theory propagated by Boff and Boff. The theory complemented the above theory which did not provide the methodological approach to the primary and secondary data accompanied by way forward. Then there was the third theory that helped in sourcing from the Bible scientifically called redaction criticism theory propagated by Biblical forthright scholars like Bornkamm, Fuchs and Kasemann. The theory provided a critical manner of sourcing from the Bible and Tradition. The overall hypothesis of the study was that Agĩkũyũ of Kĩambaa Sub-County encounter problems in Christian family life that deserve to be handled in the light of African world-view and ecclesial instructions on family. It was supported by specific hypotheses that there are problems confronting the Agĩkũyũ of Kĩambaa Sub-County in living Christian family, then a proper understanding and realistic adherence to African harmonious world-view items on family in general and Christian family life in particular is of immense importance to the study. Moreover, there are significant ecclesial instructions on family that can be employed for the common good of the family and welfare of Christian family life and that respect for African harmonious world-view items and Church teaching on family can be fruitfully utilized in addressing today‟s problems to Christian family life. Additionally, the findings of the research showed that there are a vast number of problems faced by the Agĩkũyũ of Kĩambaa Sub-County. But the researcher focused mainly on the effect of poverty on family life, marital, parenting and cultural difficulties encountered by Christian 2 families in the area. Proper analysis and interpretation of the study‟s outcome are meant to conscientize the researcher, readers and family members in various communities on the negative impact of their shortcomings to family life especially in the contemporary society. The study did not stop at identifying these problems but went further to show how respect for African world-view and Ecclesial instructions on family can be fruitfully utilized in addressing today‟s complications to Christian family life. Moreover, from the study, the Church was challenged to journey with the Christians and to constantly remind them to lead the kind of lives that God intended for them hence realizing a fulfilling Christian family life. Furthermore, the members of the community were encouraged to uphold Agĩkũyũ traditional values that promote their lives as African Christians hence attaining a satisfying African Christian family life. Due to the limitations imposed on the current study, the study suggested areas for further research including carrying out a research on the problems facing families basing itself on other religions and communities