Contextualization of the Gospel: Interpreting the Message of the Gospel in Igbo Peoples' Cultural Context

Abstract

Many scholars and missionaries have written extensively on various aspects of contextualization in the past few years. This study examines contextualization of Biblical message as prerequisite for a meaningful impact of the gospel on the people in contemporary Christianity and missionary enterprise. This study proposes a contextualization model that interprets the message of God in peoples' cultural context. This study is not majorly historical but an analysis of how Christians and missionaries deal with the awareness of other cultures during their early involvement in the work of the ministry. The study looks at challenges early Christian missionaries faced with traditional beliefs and practices of new convert - in other words, to the ‘old' culture. The study suggests how modern Christian pastors ormissionaries in Igbo society of South-east Nigeria should contextualize the gospel message to facilitate its proper understanding by their respondents. The study recommends, however, that the model apply to other Christians and missionary areas of the world.