A comparative study between the Traditional rites of passage and Christian initiation rites in Effutu Traditional Area
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Date
2014-10-30
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Abstract
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
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 degree of Master of Philosophy