Atonement and violence in popular African Christianity

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Periodical article

Title:	Atonement and violence in popular African Christianity
Author:	Atiemo, Abamfo
Year:	2004
Periodical:	Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies
Volume:	36
Issue:	1-2
Pages:	73-94
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	African theology norms violence
Abstract:	Perhaps, no theological theme of Christian orthodoxy has attracted more criticism than the doctrine of atonement. It is claimed that the theology of atonement glorifies suffering and thus promotes violence. This essay considers the issue of violence and atonement in the context of popular African Christian theology, using Ghana as a case study. It argues that, although certain interpretations of the atonement have pandered to or, at least, not helped to stem violence and abuse in Ghana, for most Christians in this country suffering violence is not deemed to have any real religious value. They believe that, by his violent death, Jesus stood in the breach to turn away the wrath of God rather than God placing on him the wrath that humanity was to bear. Instead of repeating Jesus's sacrifice, people are called upon only to accept what Jesus has done as God's gift to mankind for their joy and salvation. Upon this understanding is built the ritualistic idea and application of the atonement in popular Christianity in contemporary Ghana as it is expressed in the Ghanaian religious context and ritual of 'musuyi' - as the Akan call it - or 'musukpamo' in Ga, meaning 'to ward off or remove evil'. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]