Abanpredease Christology: A Christological Interpretation of Dormaahene’s Chieftaincy Appellations

Abstract

ABSTRACT The centrality of the person and works of Jesus Christ in Christianity cannot be denied. In relation to his works, Christ holds three offices simultaneously; namely, those of king, priest and prophet. A proper understanding of African traditional kingship may facilitate the African Christian understanding of the kingship of Christ and in the process, give the African audience a contextual expression of the Christian faith. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how African Christians can appreciate the kingship of Christ based on their understanding of the traditional chieftaincy institution. To this end, the paper examines relevant aspects of the Dormaa kingdom of Ghana—particularly the Dormaahene’s chieftaincy appellations—from a Christological perspective. The paper used a literature-based research methodology to interpret the appellations Ɔsagyefoɔ and Ɔseadeɛyɔ as Christological titles and then linked them to Ahobammɔ Christology—that is, the protection that Christ offers believers. The main thesis of the paper is that the chieftaincy appellations of the Dormaahene have rich Christology which when developed and promoted from an Akan Christian perspective, will catalyze the decolonization and contextualization of Christianity in Africa. The paper contributes to the Christianization of African chieftaincy institutions. The findings from the paper demand that traditional rulers exercise their authority in accordance with God’s purpose and will for their kingdoms, noting that only God is the Supreme Ruler. Keywords: Abanpredease Christology, Ahobammɔ Christology, Christ, Dormaahene, Ɔsagyefoɔ Christology, Ɔseadeɛyɔ Christology