A comparative study of the prophets of African indigenous Churches and Akan Traditional Priests: A critical examination of their training.
Loading...
Date
2010-07-18
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis critically examines and compares the training of the (AIC) prophets and prophetesses
with the Akan traditional priests and priestesses. There have been constant criticisms among
Ghanaians, both Christians and non-christians about the modus oparandi and training of the AIC
prophets and prophetesses. The abuses in activities of some AIC prophets and prophetesses in
Ghana have called for a study of the kind of training the prophets and prophetesses go through.
Besides examining the training of the AIC prophets and prophetesses the thesis also compares
their training that of the Akan traditional akomfo, to find out the similarities and dissimilarities.
The primary data for this study were obtained through interviews. The researcher visited some
AICs in Ghana and interviewed senior prophets and prophetesses. as well as the would-be
prophets and prophetesses for the study. Some schools that train AIC prophets and prophetesses
were also visited. The principals of the schools and some past students were interviewed. Some
traditional shrines Taakwadwo were visited to know in detail, through interviews the kind of
training they give to their would-be priests and priestesses. Secondary data were obtained
through relevant literatures. The researcher read some books and articles on the topic. The study
revealed that the AICs in Ghana are mainly trained through mentoring or discipling, though there
are other forms of training, such as institutional type and the TEE. Many AICs prophets and
prophetesses are not patronising these types of training institutions because some believe that
they do not need such training. The researcher therefore recommends that the AICs prophets and
prophetesses should take advantage of the available training institutions in order to change the
perception of many Ghanaians towards them.
Description
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 award of Master of Philosophy degree in Religious Studies.