A comparative study between the Traditional rites of passage and Christian initiation rites in Effutu Traditional Area

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2014-10-30
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This thesis A Comparative Study between the Traditional Rites of Passage and Christian Initiation Rites in Effutu Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana examines the traditional rites of passage and Christian initiation rites and their similarities and differences. The study establishes that traditional rites of passage in Effutu have educational and religious values. Winneba was the main study area however; the findings are present in all the Effutu communities in the Central Region. The study uses descriptive method of qualitative approach in analysing the information obtained from the field of study through the use of questionnaire and interviews. It was found out that though a number of the populace are now neglecting the traditional rites of passage, it has not died out at all. The research points to how traditional rites of passage are related or associated to the Christian initiation rites in the Methodist church of Ghana. The study maintains that traditional rite of passage is performed by both traditionalists and Christians. This is seen in the payment of dowry and during naming where the father is asked to give a name to the child even in church. This shows that, they both respect the requirement of the traditions during naming, puberty, marriage, and funerals. The study asserts that opinion leaders in the town like the chiefs, Assembly men and women, presiding members can come together to form a counselling centre where living spouses and family members can be counselled. The research concludes with the recommendation that the contents of instructions for traditional rites like personal hygiene, sex education, family life and home management can be added to the syllabus that the Methodist church uses for her confirmation classes, by that members would appreciate the values embedded in traditional rites of passage
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A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy
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