Polygamy,Economy,and Christianity in the Eastern Cameroun

Abstract

Polygamy as a desired form of marriage among the tribes represented in this study appears to be inseparably linked with economic aspects of life as these are developing in the eastern Cameroun today. Motivations for polygamy are a complex set of cultural factors which have not and will not be readily changed. Christianity in its total condemnation of polygamy has failed to discriminate between things which are totally different. The emphasis upon monogamy has often led Africans into a false picture of the monogamous union and a resultant reaction to it. While there are certain immediate and practical steps Christian churches can take concerning polygamy, the church is neither equipped nor is it operating in the real sphere of its message by following these superficial approaches to the problem. The Christian church, particularly Protestant, makes its fatal mistake in attempting to operate with neither a formulated missionary science nor an articulate missionary theology. From the side of missionary science we must learn that the case involved in this area is primarily economic and not primarily isolated polygamy. From the side of missionary theology we need to take the findings of such information and in true Christian identification with the human being involved move with our theology to his inner longings and WITH HIM communicate a gospel that speaks to the roots of his real need and show him that Christ is the ultimate answer to the POWER problem of his heart. When this has been done the transformed individual displays a transformation of symbols in his new relation to the power of the gospel and his regenerate life.