Project – Understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb World View
Kuteb, Ussa Local Government Area, Taraba
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
The Kuteb people, an ethnic group in Nigeria, have a unique worldview that is deeply rooted in their understanding of God’s authority. This understanding is often expressed through their cultural practices, religious beliefs, and social norms. The Kuteb people believe in a supreme being, whom they refer to as “God,” and they attribute all authority to this deity. This belief system is similar to many African traditional religions, where the supreme being is considered the ultimate authority over all things (Mbiti, 1990).
The Kuteb worldview is characterized by a strong belief in the omnipotence and omnipresence of God. They believe that God’s authority is absolute and extends to all aspects of life, including the physical and spiritual realms. This belief is reflected in their daily activities, where they seek divine guidance and protection from God. They also believe that God’s authority is manifested in the natural environment, which they consider sacred and treat with utmost respect (Idowu, 1973).
The Kuteb people’s understanding of God’s authority is also evident in their social structure. The elders, who are considered the custodians of the community’s traditions and customs, are believed to be representatives of God’s authority on earth. They are revered and respected, and their decisions are considered final and binding. This belief underscores the importance of age, wisdom, and experience in the Kuteb society (Booth, 1986).
However, the Kuteb worldview is not without its challenges. The advent of Christianity and Islam in the region has led to a clash of worldviews, with some Kuteb people adopting these new religions while others cling to their traditional beliefs. This has led to a reevaluation of the concept of God’s authority among the Kuteb people, with some questioning the absolute authority of the traditional God and others seeking to reconcile their traditional beliefs with their new faith (Peel, 2000).
Despite these challenges, the Kuteb people’s understanding of God’s authority remains a central part of their worldview. It shapes their perception of the world, influences their behavior, and guides their interactions with others and the environment. This understanding of God’s authority, while unique to the Kuteb people, offers valuable insights into the diversity and complexity of African traditional religions (Olupona, 1991).
Understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb worldview requires a deep appreciation of their cultural practices, religious beliefs, and social norms. It also requires an understanding of the challenges and changes that this worldview has undergone over time. This understanding can provide valuable insights into the Kuteb people’s worldview and contribute to a broader understanding of African traditional religions.
- Statement of the Problem
The Kuteb people, an ethnic group predominantly found in Taraba State, Nigeria, have a unique worldview that is deeply rooted in their cultural and religious beliefs. One of the key aspects of their worldview is their understanding of God’s authority. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding this specific aspect of the Kuteb worldview. This lack of information presents a problem for anthropologists, theologians, and other scholars interested in understanding the Kuteb people’s religious beliefs and practices (Adeyemo, 2004).
The problem is further compounded by the fact that the Kuteb people’s religious beliefs and practices are largely oral, with very few written records. This makes it difficult for researchers to access and analyze their beliefs about God’s authority. Furthermore, the Kuteb people’s worldview is not monolithic; it varies among different communities and even among individuals within the same community. This diversity makes it challenging to develop a comprehensive understanding of their perception of God’s authority (Ojo, 2007).
Another issue is the influence of Christianity and Islam on the Kuteb people’s worldview. These two religions have been present in Nigeria for centuries and have significantly influenced the religious beliefs and practices of many ethnic groups, including the Kuteb. However, the extent and nature of this influence on the Kuteb people’s understanding of God’s authority are not well-documented (Ayegboyin, 2009).
Moreover, the Kuteb people’s understanding of God’s authority is not static; it evolves over time in response to various social, political, and economic changes. However, there is a lack of longitudinal studies that track these changes and their impact on the Kuteb people’s worldview. This lack of longitudinal data makes it difficult to understand the dynamics of their religious beliefs and practices (Ukah, 2013).
The lack of a theoretical framework that can adequately explain the Kuteb people’s understanding of God’s authority is another significant problem. Most of the existing studies on the Kuteb people’s worldview are descriptive, with little or no theoretical analysis. This lack of theoretical analysis limits the depth and breadth of our understanding of their religious beliefs and practices (Omenka, 2015).
The problem of understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb worldview is multifaceted, involving issues of access to information, diversity of beliefs, influence of other religions, changes over time, and lack of theoretical analysis. Addressing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines anthropological, theological, historical, and sociological perspectives (Adeyemo, 2004; Ojo, 2007; Ayegboyin, 2009; Ukah, 2013; Omenka, 2015).
- Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine “understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb World View”. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To explore the concept of God’s authority within the Kuteb worldview and how it influences their daily lives and decision-making processes.
- To understand the historical and cultural context that has shaped the Kuteb people’s perception of God’s authority.
- To examine the role of religious practices, rituals, and beliefs in reinforcing the concept of God’s authority among the Kuteb people.
- To analyze the impact of God’s authority on the social, moral, and ethical norms within the Kuteb community.
- Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- How does the concept of God’s authority within the Kuteb worldview influence their daily lives and decision-making processes?
- What is the historical and cultural context that has shaped the Kuteb people’s perception of God’s authority?
- What role do religious practices, rituals, and beliefs play in reinforcing the concept of God’s authority among the Kuteb people?
- What is the impact of God’s authority on the social, moral, and ethical norms within the Kuteb community?
Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: God’s authority has no significant impact in the daily lives of the Kuteb World View.
H1: God’s authority has significant impact in the daily lives of the Kuteb World View.
- Significance of the Study
Hello! The Kuteb people, an ethnic group primarily residing in the Taraba State of Nigeria, have a unique worldview that is deeply rooted in their cultural and religious beliefs. Understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb worldview is significant as it provides a unique perspective on how this community perceives divine power and its influence on their daily lives. The Kuteb people’s understanding of God’s authority is not only a reflection of their spiritual beliefs but also a guiding principle that shapes their social, moral, and cultural norms.
The Kuteb people believe in a supreme being, whom they refer to as ‘Akwai’. They perceive Akwai as an omnipotent and omniscient entity, the ultimate authority that governs the universe. This belief in a supreme being’s authority is deeply ingrained in their societal structure, influencing their decision-making processes, conflict resolution mechanisms, and even their agricultural practices. Understanding this aspect of the Kuteb worldview can provide valuable insights into how religious beliefs can shape a community’s social and cultural fabric.
Moreover, the Kuteb people’s understanding of God’s authority also influences their perception of natural phenomena. They believe that Akwai has control over the forces of nature and can use them to reward or punish humans based on their actions. This belief system, therefore, plays a crucial role in shaping their attitudes towards environmental conservation and sustainability. Understanding this can help in designing culturally sensitive and effective environmental policies for such communities.
The Kuteb people also believe in the existence of spirits and ancestors who act as intermediaries between Akwai and humans. These spirits and ancestors are believed to have been granted authority by Akwai to oversee certain aspects of human life. This belief in spiritual intermediaries further underscores the significance of understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb worldview as it provides a nuanced understanding of their religious practices and rituals.
Furthermore, the Kuteb people’s understanding of God’s authority has implications for their moral and ethical norms. They believe that Akwai, as the ultimate authority, has set down certain moral and ethical guidelines that they must adhere to. Violating these guidelines is believed to invite divine wrath. Therefore, understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb worldview can provide insights into their moral and ethical norms, which can be crucial in fostering intercultural understanding and respect.
Understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb worldview is significant as it provides a comprehensive understanding of their religious beliefs, societal norms, attitudes towards the environment, and moral and ethical guidelines. This understanding can contribute to fostering intercultural dialogue, designing culturally sensitive policies, and promoting mutual respect and understanding among different cultural groups.
- Scope of the Study
The study examines the understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb World View. The focus of the study is on Kuteb World View, Kuteb, Ussa Local Government Area, Taraba.
- Operational Definition of Terms
Understanding: This term refers to the ability to comprehend or grasp the nature, significance, or explanation of something. It involves the process of learning, interpreting, and conceptualizing information or situations. In the context of your question, understanding would refer to the comprehension of God’s authority within the Kuteb World View.
God’s Authority: In Christian theology, God’s authority refers to His supreme power and right to command, judge, and make decisions. It is the divine power by which He governs all things in the universe, including the laws of nature, events in human history, and the moral laws that guide human behavior. God’s authority is absolute, meaning it is not subject to any higher power or law.
Christian: A Christian is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe in the Holy Trinity, which includes God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They believe that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, and that he died for the sins of humanity and was resurrected. The teachings and values of Christianity are often guided by the Holy Bible, which is considered the word of God.
Project – Understanding God’s authority in the Kuteb World View