Lived Experiences of Bemba Catholics Living With Dual Religiosity of African Indigenous Religion and Christianity In Muchinga Province of Zambia

Abstract

The study sought to understand the lived experiences of Bemba Catholics in Zambia, Muchinga Province, as they negotiate dual religiosity by mixing African Indigenous Religions (AIR) with Catholicism. Such a blending of worldviews (dual religiosity) often concerns the acceptance of traditional beliefs and rituals that sometimes conflict with Christian doctrine, posing unique challenges to individuals trying to honour both identities. Nevertheless, such experiences have not received much attention in academia. A sample size of 20 Bemba Catholics was used. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation were engaged. The study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological approach and Van Manem’s hermeneutic thematic reflection for data analysis. The study has revealed that Bemba Catholics in Muchinga Province have a wide range of lived experiences of dual religiosity, including ethno-religious experiences such as cultural identity, personal identity, cultural heritage and community subtleties. Bemba Catholics have psychosocial and emotional experiences, which include struggles with dual allegiance, community undercurrents, a complex belief system of duality, challenges, resilience, and confusion. Nevertheless, Bemba Catholics find dual religiosity to strengthen their cultural identity and allows Bemba Catholics to preserve their cultural heritage. The study concludes that of Bemba Catholics lived reality consists of cultural adaptation, spiritual search, and social engagement, all entwined to make a meaningful synthesis of their cultural heritage and Catholic faith. The study contributes to substantiating an understanding of faith and cultural identity in Africa, as African Christians continuously negotiate between traditional practices and Christian beliefs.