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A Critical Analysis of the Interpretation of the Doctrine of «Justification by Faith Alone» by the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, Gongola Diocese

by James J. Reynolds (Author)
©2015 Monographs XVI, 200 Pages
Series: Bible and Theology in Africa, Volume 21

Summary

Within the context of the Lutheran Church in Nigeria, Gongola Diocese, this book examines the issues of the interpretation, transmission, and appropriation of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Using contextualization as the main tool in this exploration, James J. Reynolds argues that intercultural communication holds the key to unlocking how effectively and appropriately these three engagements with theology are executed. The Lutheran church, and indeed most Protestant denominations, assert that justification by faith alone is the cardinal doctrine of Christianity. Scholars, however, are concerned that there is a great level of ignorance among members and misappropriation of justification by faith alone in the lives of members of these denominations. To investigate these underlying factors, three theories are used as a framework with which to test the church’s interpretation of this doctrine: gospel and culture in dialogue, translatability, and contextual theological education programmes for the training of both clergy and laity. In order to initiate this process, the gospel and culture must engage in dialogue through a viable and contextual theological education programme for the training of both clergy and the laity. The Lunguda practice of ntsandah provides an ideal entry point for a proper informed interpretation of justification by faith alone. Ultimately, the author argues that the employment of intercultural communication in transmitting the message of justification by faith alone will be successful in helping address this problem.

Table Of Contents

  • Cover
  • Title
  • Copyright
  • About the author
  • About the book
  • Advance praise for A Critical Analysis of the Interpretation of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone by the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, Gongola Diocese
  • This eBook can be cited
  • Table of Contents
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
  • 1 General Introduction and Background of Study
  • 1.1 Introduction
  • 1.2 Historical and socio-cultural background of the study
  • 1.2.1 Brief historical background of LCCN
  • 1.2.2 The general cultural, social and economic background of Gongola Diocese
  • 1.2.3 An overview of the training of clergy in Gongola Diocese
  • 1.3 Motivations for the study
  • 1.3.1 My personal motivation
  • 1.3.2 Academic motivation
  • 1.4 Rationale or purpose of the study
  • 1.5 Research problem and research objectives
  • 1.5.1 Research problem and questions
  • 1.5.2 Research objectives
  • 1.6 Scope of study
  • 1.7 Principal theoretical assumptions or theoretical framework
  • 1.8 Significance of the study
  • 1.9 Research design and methodology
  • 1.10 Conclusion
  • 1.11 Structure of the Study
  • 2 Contextualization: A Vital Tool for Creating an Informed Interpretation and Appropriation of Justification by Faith Alone
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Gospel and culture in dialogue theory
  • 2.2.1 The historical background of the gospel and culture debate
  • 2.2.2 Gospel and culture in dialogue
  • 2.2.2.1 Bediako on the gospel and culture
  • 2.2.2.2 Sanneh on the gospel and culture
  • 2.3 Translatability theory
  • 2.4 Contextual theological education for training of clergy and laity theory
  • 2.5 Conclusion
  • 3 Missional Journey of Justification by Faith Alone from St. Paul to Martin Luther
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Doctrine of justification by faith
  • 3.3 Justification by faith in St. Paul
  • 3.4 St. Augustine’s doctrine of justification by faith
  • 3.5 Luther’s doctrine of justification by faith alone
  • 3.5.1 Historical background and development of Luther’s theology
  • 3.5.2 The revelation of the gospel of justification by faith alone to Luther
  • 3.5.3 The posting of his 95 Theses and the Reformation
  • 3.5.4 Indulgences and its practice in the church
  • 3.5.5 Martin Luther’s Reformation
  • 3.5.6 Luther’s doctrine of justification by faith alone
  • 3.5.6.1 Disputation concerning justification
  • 3.5.6.2 Alien or faith righteousness
  • 3.5.6.3 Merit or works righteousness
  • 3.6 Conclusion
  • 4 From Luther to the Mission Field: Transmitting the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone to the LCCN
  • 4.1 Introduction
  • 4.2 Brief background of Protestant and Lutheran missions
  • 4.3 The missionary church and intercultural communication: Transmitting the doctrine of justification by faith alone to LCCN
  • 4.4 The LCCN interpretation of the doctrine of justification by faith alone
  • 4.4.1 Means of interpretation
  • 4.4.1.1 Interpretation in church documents
  • 4.4.1.2 Interpretation through teaching
  • 4.4.1.3 Interpretation through preaching
  • 4.5 How the church members express their understanding of justification by faith alone
  • 4.6 Conclusion
  • 5 Research Design: Methodology and Methods
  • 5.1 Introduction
  • 5.2 Research design
  • 5.2.1 Qualitative empirical research
  • 5.2.2 Research site and the procedures to gain access
  • 5.3 Research methodology
  • 5.3.1 Procedure and methods of data collection
  • 5.3.1.1 Procedure of data collection
  • 5.3.1.2 Methods of data collection
  • Analysis of existing literature
  • Archival research
  • Field research
  • 5.3.2 Tools for data collection
  • 5.3.2.1 In-depth interviews
  • 5.3.2.2 Focus group discussions
  • 5.3.3 Research participants
  • Church leaders
  • Seminary lecturers
  • Clergy
  • Lay members
  • Seminary students
  • 5.4 Data-analysis: Procedure and method of data analysis
  • 5.4.1 Procedure of data analysis
  • 5.4.2 Method of data analysis
  • 5.5 Methodological limitations
  • 5.6 Ethical considerations
  • 5.7 Conclusion
  • 6 The LCCN Gongola Diocese’s Interpretation of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone: Field Work
  • 6.1 Introduction
  • 6.2 Data presentation and analysis
  • 6.2.1 Knowledge of the doctrine of justification by faith alone
  • 6.2.1.1 Responses on personal knowledge of the doctrine
  • 6.2.1.2 Responses on the LCCN official understanding of the doctrine
  • 6.2.2 Responses on the relationship of the gospel and people’s cultural world view
  • 6.2.3 Transmission of the knowledge of the doctrine to members
  • 6.2.3.1 Responses on resources, means and method of transmission
  • 6.2.3.2 Responses on LCCN’s policy on theological education of the clergy and laity
  • 6.2.4 Assessment of the impact of the doctrine and church’s interpretation
  • 6.2.4.1 Responses on assessment of the impact of the doctrine on the life of congregants
  • 6.2.4.2 Responses on the challenges involved with the doctrine of justification by faith alone
  • 6.2.4.2.1 Challenges related to transmission of this doctrine
  • 6.2.4.2.2 Challenges related to appropriation of this doctrine
  • 6.2.4.3 Assessment of the church’s (LCCN) interpretation of the doctrine
  • 6.3 Conclusion
  • 7 Contextual Implication for Theological Education
  • 7.1 Introduction
  • 7.2 Inadequate knowledge of the doctrine of justification by faith alone among members
  • 7.3 Theological education programme of LCCN is clergy centred
  • 7.4 Lack of contextual approach in the curriculum of the church’s seminary
  • 7.5 Lack of adequate teaching resources including qualified personnel
  • 7.6 Lack of utilization of mother tongue (translation)
  • 7.7 Less commitment in transmitting beliefs and practices to the grassroots
  • 7.8 Conclusion
  • 8 Conclusion: Towards a Contextual Missio-Cultural Appropriation
  • 8.1 Introduction
  • 8.2 Summary
  • 8.3 Conclusion
  • 8.4 Contribution to knowledge/proposals
  • Notes
  • 1. General Introduction and Background of Study
  • 2. Contextualization
  • 3. Missional Journey of Justification by Faith Alone from St. Paul to Martin Luther
  • 4. From Luther to the Mission Field
  • 5. Research Design
  • 6. The LCCN Gongola Diocese’s Interpretation of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone
  • 7. Contextual Implication for Theological Education
  • References
  • Published research in journals and other periodicals
  • Unpublished research (dissertations/theses)
  • Minutes, official documents and presentations
  • Internet references
  • Focus group discussion
  • Individual in-depth interviews
  • A. Church leaders
  • B. Clergy
  • C. Seminary lecturers
  • D. Seminary students
  • E. Members
  • Series index

← x | xi → Preface

This study examined the issues of the interpretation, transmission and appropriation of the doctrine of justification by faith alone within the context of the Lutheran Church in Nigeria, Gongola Diocese. Using contextualization as my main tool in this exploration, I argue that intercultural communication holds the key to unlocking how effectively and appropriately these three engagements with theology are executed within the context of this study. The Lutheran church and indeed most Protestant denominations assert that justification by faith alone is the cardinal doctrine of Christianity. Scholars are however concerned that there is a great level of ignorance among members and misappropriation of justification by faith alone in the lives of members of these denominations. Many reasons were advanced as being responsible for this, some of which include: its absence from the preaching agenda of Protestant pulpits, and inadequate teaching from the church, its clergy and theological educators. Other reasons are its failure to be shown to be clearly applicable to lived experiences of the people in their contemporary challenges. The message of justification by faith alone has not been adequately translated into people’s social and religious-cultural world views.

The LCCN as an institution subscribes to Luther’s teachings as expressed in his writings and taught by the Lutheran Church globally. However, the LCCN is faced with the problem of how to transmit the meaning of justification by faith alone ← xi | xii → to its members. This study therefore sought to investigate the underlying factors for this development. The question that the study wished to answer was: How does the interpretation of justification by faith alone by the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (as an institution) enhance its understanding and appropriation by members and serve as a guide in this study? In attempting to answer this question three theories were used as a framework with which to test the church’s interpretation of this doctrine. These theories are: 1) gospel and culture in dialogue; 2) translatability, and 3) contextual theological education programmes for the training of both clergy and laity.

This is an empirical qualitative study and was structured into eight chapters. Participants in this study were categorized into five groups: church leaders, seminary lecturers, clergy, seminary students, and lay members. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with participants, relevant data were generated and analysed manually.

The study found that the LCCN’s interpretation of justification by faith alone is detached from the religious and cultural world view of its members; this has in turn created a conflict in how it is understood and appropriated in their lived experiences. The message of justification by faith (the gospel) has not been allowed to engage in dialogue with the culture of the people; rather, culture is perceived as evil or something to be avoided. Thus, I argue that this failure on the part of the missionaries and the indigenous leadership of the LCCN to employ intercultural communication in transmitting the message of justification by faith alone is the major cause of the problem. Most of the participants including the leaders of the church acknowledged that the church, the seminary and the clergy have not been faithful in transmitting the appropriate message ofjustification by faith alone. The conclusion of this study therefore, is that the LCCN’s interpretation of justification by faith alone does not enhance its understanding and appropriation by members. This study proposes that the Lunguda practice of ntsandah provides an entry point for a proper informed interpretation ofjustification by faith alone. For this to be possible, the gospel and culture must engage in dialogue through viable contextual theological education programmes for the training of both clergy and the laity.

← xii | xiii → Acknowledgments

First, I thank God Almighty for guidance, protection, health and success of this study. I thank my sponsors, Karlslunde Strandkirke Congregation Denmark for their magnanimity in offering me sponsorship and also assisting my family. My appreciation also goes to my friend Rev. Jesper Ertmann Oehlenschläger and his family, who has been very instrumental in making the connection between me and the congregation. My wife Labauga and children Mercy, Hope, Joyce, Grace and John have been wonderful companions throughout this journey. I thank them for their sacrifice and support.

Secondly, my profound gratitude goes to Prof. Isabel Apawo Phiri, my supervisor, for her devotion, encouragement and availability. She was not only a supervisor to me but also a mother and mentor. I thank Dr. Roderick R. Hewitt for accepting to co-supervise my work; and for his commitment and valuable suggestions and contributions which made significant impact on this study. I would also like to mention the UKZN community for granting me admission. I thank the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics for creating a conducive environment for study and also granting me scholarship to help me finalize my study. I thank Sister Maggie Govender of the UKZN Campus Clinic Pietermaritzburg, whose timely intervention saved my life when I was stressed up due to what the family was passing through back home. My thanks also go to Dr. Sean Drew, who handled my situation with diligence, respect and commitment. I thank Dr. Jay P. Karappian.

← xiii | xiv → Thirdly, I thank Dr. Theresa Adamu, who provided accommodation for my family when they were innocently ejected from the house while I was away. I thank Mr. Emmanuel M. Sabiya for his encouragement and paying for the application form fee. Elizabeth Holtegaard for assisting with some of the materials I needed in the cause of the study. Mr. Yakubu Bulama of the LCCN Archives Jimeta-Yola, for giving me access to use the archives and even made photocopies of some material for me. I thank Prof. Tersur Aben, current Provost of the Theological College of Northern Nigeria, for taking the initiative for my re-instatement. My thanks also go to the members of the Ministries Committee TCNN Bukuru for their moral support. I thank my friend and brother Rev. Dr. Peter Bartimawus for support and some insights. I thank my friend Rev. Yaluna Yijep for his support to me and the family. I thank the LCCN national leadership, the Archbishop and his staff; the leadership of the LCCN Gongola Diocese, the bishop and his staff for their support, especially during my field research. My friend Rev. Dauda Andrawus Gava for his support and encouragement, Zelda Cossa my daughter for her support; my friends and flat mates Rev. Paul Deouyo and Rev. Lesmore Gibson Ezekiel. Mrs. Rahila Leng Jakawa, Rev. Gladys Ekone Atem, Sister Chika Eze, SHCJ, Sister Catherine Siyali for their company and encouragement, especially during my surgery. I would like to thank the following individuals and groups: Rev. Samuel D Elkanah, Rev. Liatu Nathan, Famau S. Atiman, TCNN Lutheran students and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Bukuru, and the LCCN Jos District for the support and encouragement.

Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation to all participants in both the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. I thank them for agreeing to be interviewed and or participate in the focus group discussion and for their time and contribution.

← xiv | xv → Abbreviations and Acronyms

Details

Pages
XVI, 200
Year
2015
ISBN (PDF)
9781453914748
ISBN (ePUB)
9781454193395
ISBN (MOBI)
9781454193388
ISBN (Hardcover)
9781433128059
DOI
10.3726/978-1-4539-1474-8
Language
English
Publication date
2016 (April)
Keywords
Lutheranism Intercultural communication Ntsandah Theology
Published
New York, Bern, Berlin, Bruxelles, Frankfurt am Main, Oxford, Wien, 2015. 200 pp.

Biographical notes

James J. Reynolds (Author)

James J. Reynolds received his PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and is a senior lecturer at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCCN) Bukuru. His many accomplishments include an earned Diploma in Theology at the Brønnum Lutheran Seminary, Mbamba, an internship to teach at the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria Bible School Purokayo, and an ordination by the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria. After serving for three years, Dr. Reynolds gained admission into TCNN Bukuru, graduating with a Bachelors of Divinity and a Masters of Theology in Systematic Theology.

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Title: A Critical Analysis of the Interpretation of the Doctrine of «Justification by Faith Alone» by the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, Gongola Diocese
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