Kuona, An African Perspective on Religions: J.N.K. Mugambis Contributi

Kuona, An African Perspective on Religions J.N.K. Mugambis ContributionABSTRACT Kuona is a Shona ( unmatchable of Zimbabwes major(ip) languages) verb meaning to see. In poetic constructions, it is often used as an ocular allegory meaning insight or understanding. This ocular metaphor can be used to describe Mugambis assessment of the exclusivistic claims one often encounters in the Abrahamic religions. Such claims often arise from a strongly held popular opinion that the adherent is one of Gods chosen. Mugambi has emerged as one of the most articulate philosophical theologians in the African continent. His reflections, ubiquitous in classrooms on the continent, deserve a often broader audience. My paper seeks to introduce Mugambis perspective on religion. Part of Mugambis project has been to make an assessment of this notion of chosenness in the Abrahamic religions. He does so particularly with reference to the relationship amidst Christianity and the African religious heritage. Kuona is a Shona (one of Zimbabwes major languages) verb meaning to see. In poetic constructions it is often used as an ocular metaphor meaning insight or understanding. This ocular metaphor, it seems to me, can be used to describe Mugambis assessment of the exclusivistic claims one often encounters in the Abrahamic religions. Only those who believe as we do have any hope of an eternity with God. We are the ones destined or predestined for heaven. These and such claims often arise from a strongly held belief that the adherent is one of Gods chosen ones. Part of Mugambis project has been to make an assessment of this notion of chosenness in the Abrahamic religions. He does so particularly with reference to the relationship between Christianity and the... ...on mark on the Mosaic religions, Mugambi proceeds to suggest that other religious traditions may be propounding perspectives closer to the divine ideal. He assesses he religions of the Orient especially Buddhism as being immens ely tolerant and respectful of the humanity and integrity of others. The African religious heritage, he finds to be also inclusive rather than exclusive. Realizing that his quarrel is bound to evoke a charge of Universalism on the part of many evangelical Christians in the North Atlantic areas, Mugambi contends that his insights are not such as to bring shame on those who accept them. He declares that when Christians of non-EuroAmerican cultures seek a synthesis of the Christian faith with their own heritage, a charge of universalism may after(prenominal) all turn out to be a virtue rather than a vice. In the final analysis God is the final arbiter.