Naming Children after Deceased Members of the Lineage in Zambian Cultures: Pentecostal Perspectives

  • Alfred Kapepe Blessings University of Excellence
  • Austin M Cheyeka The University of Zambia, Department of Religious & Cultural Studies
Keywords: Pentecostal churches, beliefs, names, naming, children, deceased members, lineage

Abstract

The act of naming living and non-living things is as old as humankind. Biblically, it started in the time of Adam.. This study explored the logic behind naming children after deceased members of the lineage in Zambian cultures from a Pentecostal perspective. The study used a case study design that involved the use of qualitative methods. The study used 20 selected Pentecostal Churches as the target population. The eligible respondents included 20 pastors, 10 parents, 10 Church Leaders (Deacons and Elders) as well as 8 focus group participants (comprising parents, deacons and elders) bringing the total number to 48 respondents; all of them being 35 years old and above. The participants were selected using purposive and snowballing methods and the data was collected using in-depth interview and a Focus Group Discussion. The data collected were analysed thematically. The study revealed that in the Zambian cultures naming Children after deceased members of the lineage was meant to keep the tradition. The findings show that Pentecostals oppose the naming of their children after the deceased members of the lineage. It is recommended that the Pentecostal churches should find a midway of incorporating Zambian naming culture. That way, the cultural heritage of Zambian Pentecostals would be upheld and valued.

Author Biographies

Alfred Kapepe, Blessings University of Excellence
Senior Lecturer and Dean of Theology at Blessings University of Excellence in Lusaka, Zambia. He holds a Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Logos University and a Masters of Education in Religious Studies from the University of Zambia (UNZA) where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Religious Studies. His research interest is current issues in Pentecostalism and Culture and Pentecostalism and Christian education as well as Biblical Studies. Also, he is interested in African Religious Cosmologies. His publications are accessible online.
Austin M Cheyeka, The University of Zambia, Department of Religious & Cultural Studies
Associate Professor in the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies at the University of Zambia in the School of Education. He has published a book, journal articles and book chapters on Pentecostalism as well as religion and politics in Zambia. His specific research interests are religion and politics, religion and education, and Pentecostalism while his topical interests of research are religion (especially Indigenous Bantu religions) and religious conversion and missionaries
Published
2024-05-27