Biblical Wisdom Literature and Rwandan Indigenous Wisdom: A Comparative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65336/WJMS.2026.3705Keywords:
Biblical Wisdom, Rwandan Indigenous Wisdom, Comparative Theology, Moral Formation, Cultural Heritage.Abstract
This study, entitled “Biblical Wisdom Literature and Rwandan Indigenous Wisdom: A Comparative Study,” examines the relationship between biblical wisdom traditions and Rwandan indigenous wisdom, with particular attention to their contributions to moral formation, community life, and contemporary society. The study seeks to determine how biblical and Rwandan wisdom traditions understand human existence, ethical conduct, intergenerational knowledge, and social responsibility. It is guided by the research question: How do biblical wisdom literature and Rwandan indigenous wisdom converge and differ in their understanding of human life and moral responsibility? The study hypothesizes that despite differences in their historical and cultural contexts, biblical and Rwandan indigenous wisdom share significant values that can contribute to contemporary moral and social formation. The main objective is to comparatively examine these traditions and identify their relevance to Rwandan society. A descriptive mixed-methods approach was employed. Data were collected from 70 undergraduate students of the Faculty of Theology at the Catholic University of Rwanda through structured questionnaires and open-ended questions, complemented by biblical and documentary analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative responses were examined thematically. Findings indicate that 85.7% of respondents identify important similarities between the two wisdom traditions, 82.9% recognize their contribution to moral formation, and 80.0% consider indigenous wisdom relevant to contemporary Christian education. The study concludes that a critical dialogue between biblical and Rwandan indigenous wisdom can strengthen moral education, cultural identity, and social cohesion in Rwanda.
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