THE CONCEPT OF CHRISTUS VICTOR THEORY AMONG THE ACHOLI ANGLICAN CHRISTIANS

Abstract

The Christus Victor theory has played a significant role in shaping the spirituality, faith and Judeo-Christian practices of the Acholi Anglican Christians in Northern Uganda, significantly explaining and providing a framework for their deliverance, salvation and redemption from their evil pre-Christian suffering and pain. This research investigated the significance of the Christus Victor theory detailing its resonance with key cultural and spiritual practices of the Acholi people which predated but ultimately reinforced the adoption and spread of the principles of the Judeo Christian faith as expounded by the Church Missionary Society in the 20th century AD; focusing on the doctrines of the victorious atonement and reconciliation, fulfilled in Jesus Christ as the ultimate solution for the Acholi suffering and pain. From the evaluation of the theologies of the Acholi pre-Christian spirituality as signified in Joggi (gods and deities), Ajwaggi (Spiritual mediums), Abila (Clan and ancestral deities) and Cen (malevolent spirits) and the related rituals of Matu Oput (reconciliation) and Tumu Kir (atonement, appeasement and redemption); the Acholi blood rituals and religious ceremonies ineffectually conveyed reconciliation, appeasement, atonement and redemption of the people from their suffering and pain. This investigative study focusing on four key objectives of literary scrutiny sufficiently demonstrates the significance of the victorious Christ as espoused in the Christus Victor theory in the salvation and redemption of the Acholi from their pain and suffering thus providing a significant foundation of their current practice of faith