Christianity and Culture
Reflections on Contested Discourses in the Wimbum Community in Cameroon
In: Religion and TheologySearch for other papers by Elias Kifon Bongmba in
Current site
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Abstract
This article analyzes the tensions between traditional Wimbum culture and Christianity. I argue that new Christian discourses and practices, particularly from Baptist and Pentecostal influences, threaten to drastically alter Wimbum cultural identity. The article highlights specific conflicts, such as the disruption of traditional funeral rites for a prominent Wimbum elite by Baptist pastors who deemed them “non-Christian.” Another incident involved church leaders allegedly influencing authorities to seize traditional artifacts, leading to strained relations between churches and local chiefs. A third instance describes a traditional custodian burning cultural artifacts due to Pentecostal-leaning beliefs in material prosperity. I argue that a rigid “black and white” interpretation of Christian versus non-Christian practices ignores the dynamism and inherent value of Wimbum traditions, which many Christians wish to maintain. Drawing on Matthew 28:16–20, the paper concludes that Christian discipleship should not necessitate the dismantling of existing cultures, advocating for a “lived religion” approach that allows for coexistence and cultural appreciation without demeaning non-Christian practices as satanic. The article emphasizes that culture is negotiable and evolves, stressing the importance of preserving Wimbum institutions as tools for identity and social relations.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 200 | 148 | 12 |
| Full Text Views | 21 | 17 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 44 | 41 | 0 |
Christianity and Culture
Reflections on Contested Discourses in the Wimbum Community in Cameroon
In: Religion and TheologySearch for other papers by Elias Kifon Bongmba in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
This article analyzes the tensions between traditional Wimbum culture and Christianity. I argue that new Christian discourses and practices, particularly from Baptist and Pentecostal influences, threaten to drastically alter Wimbum cultural identity. The article highlights specific conflicts, such as the disruption of traditional funeral rites for a prominent Wimbum elite by Baptist pastors who deemed them “non-Christian.” Another incident involved church leaders allegedly influencing authorities to seize traditional artifacts, leading to strained relations between churches and local chiefs. A third instance describes a traditional custodian burning cultural artifacts due to Pentecostal-leaning beliefs in material prosperity. I argue that a rigid “black and white” interpretation of Christian versus non-Christian practices ignores the dynamism and inherent value of Wimbum traditions, which many Christians wish to maintain. Drawing on Matthew 28:16–20, the paper concludes that Christian discipleship should not necessitate the dismantling of existing cultures, advocating for a “lived religion” approach that allows for coexistence and cultural appreciation without demeaning non-Christian practices as satanic. The article emphasizes that culture is negotiable and evolves, stressing the importance of preserving Wimbum institutions as tools for identity and social relations.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 200 | 148 | 12 |
| Full Text Views | 21 | 17 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 44 | 41 | 0 |
