Kuona, An African Perspective on Religions: J.N.K. Mugambis Contributi

Kuona, An Afri mess Perspective on Religions J.N.K. Mugambis ContributionABSTRACT Kuona is a Shona (one of Zimbabwes major languages) verb meaning to see. In poetical constructions, it is a great deal used as an ocular metaphor meaning sixth sense or understanding. This ocular metaphor can be used to describe Mugambis perspicacity of the exclusivistic claims one often encounters in the Abrahamic religions. Such claims often arise from a strongly held smell that the adherent is one of Gods chosen. Mugambi has emerged as one of the closely articulate philosophical theologians in the African continent. His reflections, ubiquitous in classrooms on the continent, deserve a much broader audience. My paper seeks to introduce Mugambis emplacement on religion. Part of Mugambis project has been to make an legal opinion of this effect of chosenness in the Abrahamic religions. He does so particularly with reference to the family amid Christianity and the African religious heritage. K uona is a Shona (one of Zimbabwes major languages) verb meaning to see. In poetic constructions it is often used as an ocular metaphor meaning insight or understanding. This ocular metaphor, it seems to me, can be used to describe Mugambis assessment of the exclusivistic claims one often encounters in the Abrahamic religions. Only those who believe as we do have any hope of an eternity with God. We are the ones destined or predestined for heaven. These and such claims often arise from a strongly held popular opinion that the adherent is one of Gods chosen ones. Part of Mugambis project has been to make an assessment of this notion of chosenness in the Abrahamic religions. He does so particularly with reference to the relationship between Christianity and the... ...on mark on the Mosaic religions, Mugambi proceeds to suggest that new(prenominal) religious traditions may be propounding perspectives closer to the divine ideal. He assesses he religions of the Orient especially Buddh ism as being immensely tolerant and respectful of the humanity and integrity of others. The African religious heritage, he finds to be as well as inclusive rather than exclusive. Realizing that his challenge is bound to evoke a cathexis of Universalism on the part of many evangelical Christians in the North Atlantic areas, Mugambi contends that his insights are not such as to bring shame on those who accept them. He declares that when Christians of non-EuroAmerican cultures seek a synthesis of the Christian confidence with their own heritage, a charge of universalism may after all revoke out to be a virtue rather than a vice. In the final analysis God is the final arbiter.