A Comparative Study of the Concept of Sin in the Theologies of Bishop Festo Kivengere and Bishop Yustus Ruhindi
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Date
2025-07-31
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The comparative study on the concept of sin in theologies of Bishop Festo Kivengere
and Bishop Yustus Ruhindi, two significant Ugandan church leaders whose theological
positions have significantly influenced African Christianity. The two bishops shared a
foundation in Anglican evangelical tradition but their theologies on sin are leaning
towards and separating from one another theologically in emphasis, pastoral in
practice, and culturally in outreach. Bishop Festo Kivengere, whom was once named
―Billy Graham of Africa," he preached a theology of sin as personal estrangement from
God requiring repentance, forgiveness, and conversion in the grace of Jesus. His
ministry during political strife in Uganda under Idi Amin’s regime captured a first
priority to healing, reconciliation, and God's love dynamics for reconstructing again
what has been broken by man. His evangelistic approach focused on the experiential
nature of salvation, calling believers to a personal experience with Christ that leads
to new life. A more ecclesiastical and doctrinal mindset regarding sin was, Bishop
Yustus Ruhindi, focusing on its effect upon human beings and the Christian church. His
theology was marked by a stern regard for moral uprightness, church order, and
obedience to Scripture. Ruhindi’s emphasis on the corporate dimension of sin aligned
with his pastoral leadership, advocating for holiness within the church and society. He
argued that sin is not just a personal moral error but as a structural problem to be
addressed by church doctrine and ethical life. This comparative study highlights their
contextual and pastoral settings that informed their theological understandings of sin.
It explores how their differing focuses Kivengere on personal transformation and
Ruhindi on corporate holiness and this tuned their ministry work responses and
reactions to the social, political, and religious concerns of the time. By analyzing
their sermons, texts, and their contexts, this research joins the broader African
Christian theology conversation and the inter-active way in which theological
conceptions of sin inform Christian leadership, discipleship, and social renewal. The
research suggests the usefulness of contextual theology in engaging sin in Church of
Uganda and informs modern Christian ministry and theological education.
Description
Postgraduate research