Liberation and Christianity in South Sudan

Prioritising Values that Seem to Matter

Abstract

Christianity in Africa is swaying between vigorous devotion to mundane flourishing and partial commitment to biblical principles that guarantee eternal life. Nevertheless, the quest for eternal life is conceivably still about liberating oneself from idol worship. Values of African Traditional Religions that many South Sudanese learned before becoming Christians seem more robust than the biblical values they now learn in their Churches. African values appear to be sturdier than biblical values. This study observes discussions in Bible study classes by Rejaf Diocese to understand what appeals more to Christians when discussing biblical passages. I examine possible gaps in biblical interpretation in this Diocese. I try to understand whether or not biblical values are articulated coherently in ways that shape the daily lives of Christians in South Sudanese churches.