Chieftaincy and Christianity: A Religio-Cultural Dilemma Facing Ghanaian Christianity

by Open Science Repository Religion and Theology
(June 2014)

Abstract

Chieftaincy is an integral part of the African society especially in the Ghanaian society for that matter. However, with the presence of Christianity and other religions in Ghana, the institution has come under criticism. The questions the study sought to address were: Should the church permit a Christian to become a traditional chief? Is it possible for a Christian to be a traditional chief and still be fully committed to the God of the Christian faith? In order to do this, the paper reviewed related literature on chieftaincy in Ghana, and conducted interviews. Four views in relation to the subject were identified and assessed, and the paper found that it is practically impossible for a Christian to become a traditional chief and still be committed to the Christian doctrine and faith because of the traditional religious customs, values and practices that are interwoven with the institution. Most of these religious customs, values and practices are incompatible to the Christian faith and practice. Therefore, Christians should refrain from vowing and/or accepting chieftaincy positions in Ghana.

Keywords: chieftaincy, Christianity, Ghana, religion and culture.

Full text

Chieftaincy and Christianity: A Religio-Cultural Dilemma Facing Ghanaian Christianity