The impact of scripture translations on missionary churches

Abstract

In spite of the various Bible translations that have been made into African languages, there has been no systematized study that has been conducted to evaluate the impact of these translations on the state of the church. The impact of the translated scriptures has tended to be taken for granted by those on the translation desk - that the translation will lead to church growth.

However, although the church has grown numerically, the qualitative element in this growth may be lacking. Even with the scriptures in their local languages, some Christians appear to display theological ignorance in regard to most biblical accounts at the level of interpretation. In some cases, this ignorance has led to serious problems such as schisms.

This study is a critical survey on the impact of the scripture translations on missionary churches, with particular reference to the church of the Province of Kenya, Muranga District. The study is a result of both library and field research.

Chapter one is an introduction to the study. Chapter two provides a brief historical background on some aspects of Kikuyu traditional religion by the time Christianity arrived in Kikuyuland. Note is taken here of the initial but inevitable collision between western Christian religion and culture on the one hand, and Kikuyu traditional religion on the other.

Chapter four and five have focused on the impact that the translated scriptures lave had on the church. Relationship between church growth and scripture translations into African languages is discussed. The role of scripture translations in the rise of African indigenous churches has also been assessed.

The theological limitations and challenges that confront Christian users of the scriptures have also been discussed. It is emphasized that the theological implication of the biblical message remain hidden to most African Christians inspite of the scriptures having been made available to them in a language that they can understand.

The concluding chapter contains a summary of the research findings, conclusions from the research findings, recommendations for improving theological education to the Christians and, suggestions for further research.