Browsing by Author "KUFAKUNESU KUDZANAI"

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    UBUNTU SPIRITUALITY: A RESPONSE TO APOSTASY IN THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MASVINGO, ZIMBABWE.
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2026-04-16) KUFAKUNESU KUDZANAI
    The discourse hereby delivered is oriented towards examining how Ubuntu Spirituality can respond to apostasy within the Catholic Diocese of Masvingo in Zimbabwe. The issue under discussion has been motivated by the researcher’s foundational experience wherein he encountered an instance of apostasy or denominational switching in the aforesaid case study. There is an appreciation that abandonment of one’s faith is not only particular to the case in the formative event. So many hurdles within different spheres, for instance, health, economic, social, marital, spiritual and so forth, have led some Catholics to apostatise. The Methodology of Spiritual theology which commences with a formative event will be our compass in this dissertation. We shall present the background of the previously mentioned case history. In addition, we engage in a dialogue between the auxiliary sources of Spiritual Theology and the primary sources of Spiritual Theology which are the Sacred Scriptures and the Sacred Tradition. Three auxiliary sources of Spiritual Theology will be considered, namely, philosophy, psychology and world religions. Within the spectrum of philosophy, we shall focus on how African philosophers Mogobe Bernard Ramose and Augustine Shutte have treated Ubuntu Spirituality. Further, attention will be paid to two psychologists, Frederick B. Phillips and Azibo Daudi Ajani on the same. Our reflection on world religions will lead us to examine Judaism and Islam. Having done that, we delve into the primary sources of Spiritual Theology concentrating on how Abraham, Moses, Peter and Paul did not abandon their faith despite the temptations and challenges they encountered on their spiritual pilgrimage. The examination of the Tradition of the Church will take us through the lives and insights of St. Clement of Rome, St. Jerome and Pope Francis. Research findings will establish that the concept of Ubuntu exists in all African cultures in different words. However, they all embrace the same values of peace, harmony, solidarity, love, respect, xii UBUNTU SPIRITUALITY: A RESPONSE TO APOSTASY IN THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MASVINGO, ZIMBABWE togetherness, caring, unity, sharing, justice, fairness, responsibility, and other related moral principles. The same also exists within Judaism and Islam. Within the Tradition of the Church, we shall note that prayer, fasting, self-sacrifice, self-denial, support for one another, order, obedience and avoidance of material allurements are necessary ingredients to escape apostatising. We shall recommend continuous formation on inculturated Ubuntu Spirituality, fostering of relationships, championing community spirit and focus on afterlife. Moreover, we shall recommend an appreciation of the reality of life and the Mystery of God, finding God in all things and all things in God, work as well as cultural competitions and festivals. Our integrative reflection will be contained in the general conclusion.