The Christian Contested Socio-Religious and Cultural Aspects of Idumi Ritual: A Catholic Perspective among Tirikis of Hamisi Sub-County

Abstract

This study explains the Catholic perspective of the Christian–contested socio-religious and cultural aspects of Idumi circumcision rituals among the Tirikis. In some African communities, male circumcision rituals have persisted because of cultural beliefs. Christianity has struggled to discourage some of these cultural practices that contradict the Christian message in vain. This study aimed to explore the question; how has the Catholic Church perceived Idumi circumcision ritual? The study was guided by Niebuhr’s Consultative/Dialogical Critical approach to cultural transformation. Particularly, one of the five approaches, Christ against culture was used to identify the contested aspects of Idumi rituals. Purposeful sampling was used to select twenty – four (24) respondents for the study. Twelve (12) key informants were interviewed, and twelve (12) respondents participated in two focus group discussions of six (6) members each. Data collected was analyzed qualitatively using the thematic method and presented by reporting key findings using appropriate verbatim quotes as narrated. The study revealed that there has been an effort by the Catholic Church to identify some of the Christian - contested Aspects of Idumi that cause challenges to evangelization.