Exploring the Interplay between Biblical Culture and African Traditional Customs: A Contextual Investigation

This study examines the relationship between biblical culture (Old Testament) and African traditional customs to identify similarities, differences, and contextual integration in modern Christian expression. The biblical culture depicted the marriage ceremonies, rituals, community frameworks, and theological concepts that serve as a basis for comprehending divine-human relationships, collective identity, and spiritual expression. Conversely, African traditional customs marked by communal values, honour for ancestors, oral traditions, and Indigenous rituals, portray a rich spirituality shaped by historical and sociocultural contexts. This study employs a contextual method to evaluate how African traditional customs correspond with or contradict biblical standards. The research investigates how biblical principles have been adapted to African contexts without losing their scriptural integrity. Findings indicate that while some African customs align with biblical values, others pose theological challenges. Thus, the study, therefore, advocates for a thoughtful engagement that transforms cultural expressions while maintaining biblical truths.