The Influence of the African Religious and Cultural Context and Its Impact on Lutheranism: The Case of Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality

Abstract In Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality, traditional religion has played a significant role in transforming Christianity by confronting it with the decisive issue of indigenization. The purpose this study was, therefore, to examine inter-religious relations among and African Traditional Religion (ATR), explore how religious cultural values have impacted on Christian – ATR within municipality, latter has, also, been affected former. primary research question raised is: what is relevance indigenous people’s music existing (Lutheran) liturgy? employed an intercultural theological approach Science Religion, analysis based acculturation principle elimination substitution. also utilized triangulated contextual approach, data was collected through observations, face-to-face interviews video recordings rehearsals performances during church services other related events. Secondary sources included published books Journal articles. investigation revealed that integration spiritual folk songs (choruses), musical instruments, handclapping, dancing into liturgical service almost all Evangelical Lutheran churches found not compromised essence tradition. It rather encouraged maximum, active unimpeded participation and/or Congregational singing. Indications from shown dimensions rhythm play important contextualize Africanize liturgy, order make missionary qualities worship integral part mission work. During study, observed creativity musicality visited embrace elements such as capacity for becoming absorbed emotionally ability enter intimate relation it, so whole organization soul affected. concluded indeed great significance should be regarded matter ultimately becomes vessel which carries full meaning Gospel.