Primal Spirituality of Indigenous Songs in African Christianity. A Theological and Ethical Analysis of Some Selected Lyrics of Agbadza and Bobobo Music

Table of Contents

• Chapter One: Introduction
• 1.1 Background of the Study
• 1.2 Statement of the Problem
• 1.3 Research Questions
• 1.4 Objectives of the Study
• 1.5 Significance of the Study
• 1.6 Scope of the Study
• 1.7 Limitations of the Study
• 1.8 Definition of Key Terms
• 1.9 Organization of the Study
• Chapter Two: Literature Review
• 2.1 The Concept of Africanness in African Christianity
• 2.2 Primal Spirituality
• 2.3 The Use of Indigenous Music in African Christianity
• 2.4 The Significance of Agbadza and Bɔbɔbɔ Music
• 2.5 The Theological and Ethical Dimensions of Indigenous Music
• Chapter Three: Methodology
• 3.1 Research Design
• 3.2 Population and Sampling
• 3.3 Data Collection Methods
• 3.4 Data Analysis Methods
• 3.5 Ethical Considerations
• Chapter Four: Data Analysis and Findings
• 4.1 The Excitement of Worshippers
• 4.2 Theological and Ethical Thoughts on Selected Lyrics
• 4.3 Eco-Ethical Dimensions of the Lyrics
• Chapter Five: Discussion of Findings
• 5.1 The Communicative, Healing and Deliverance, Inspirational and Encouraging Nature of the Lyrics
• 5.2 Theological Thoughts Embedded in the Songs
• 5.3 Eco-Ethical Implications of the Lyrics
• 5.4 The Role of the ARS and GEC in Promoting Africanness
• Chapter Six: Recommendations
• 6.1 Reinterpretation of the Lessons in Cultural Music to Address Ecological Issues
• 6.2 The Need for Holistic Missions and Structural Sin Prevention
• 6.3 The Role of Education in Fostering Generational Thinkers
• 6.4 Collaborative Efforts to Employ Cultural Music for Eco-Care
• Chapter Seven: Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This dissertation explores the theological and ethical implications of the use of indigenous songs, specifically Agbadza and Bɔbɔbɔ music, within the context of African Christianity, specifically the Apostles Revelation Society (ARS) and Global Evangelical Church (GEC) in Ghana. The research seeks to understand why these musical traditions generate excitement among worshippers and to analyze the theological and ethical content of selected lyrics.

• The role of indigenous music in expressing primal spirituality within African Christianity
• The theological and ethical dimensions of Agbadza and Bɔbɔbɔ lyrics
• The impact of these musical traditions on the worshippers, particularly their emotional and spiritual responses
• The potential for using these musical forms to address environmental issues and promote eco-care within the church
• The significance of promoting African cultural heritage within the Christian context

Chapter Summaries

• Chapter One: Introduction

This chapter introduces the research problem, outlining the use of indigenous songs within African Christianity and the specific context of the ARS and GEC in Ghana. It defines key terms and outlines the research questions, objectives, and significance of the study.

• Chapter Two: Literature Review

This chapter reviews relevant literature on the concept of Africanness in African Christianity, primal spirituality, the use of indigenous music in African Christianity, and the significance of Agbadza and Bɔbɔbɔ music within the Ghanaian cultural context. It also explores the theological and ethical dimensions of indigenous music.

• Chapter Three: Methodology

This chapter details the research design, population and sampling methods, data collection and analysis techniques, and ethical considerations employed in the study.

• Chapter Four: Data Analysis and Findings

This chapter analyzes the data collected and presents the findings, focusing on the reasons behind the worshippers' excitement, the theological and ethical thoughts embedded in the selected lyrics, and the eco-ethical implications of the songs.

• Chapter Five: Discussion of Findings

This chapter discusses the findings in detail, exploring the communicative, healing, and inspirational aspects of the lyrics, the theological perspectives embedded in the songs, the potential for eco-care through these musical traditions, and the role of the ARS and GEC in promoting African cultural heritage within the Christian context.

• Chapter Six: Recommendations

This chapter offers recommendations for reinterpreting the lessons in Agbadza and Bɔbɔbɔ music to address environmental issues, the need for holistic missions and structural sin prevention, the role of education in fostering generational thinkers, and collaborative efforts to employ cultural music for eco-care.

Keywords

This dissertation focuses on the themes of African Christianity, primal spirituality, indigenous music, Agbadza and Bɔbɔbɔ music, theology, ethics, eco-ethics, environmentalism, and cultural heritage. The research also explores the role of these musical traditions in shaping the spiritual experiences and practices of the ARS and GEC in Ghana.