The Ashanti/Akans Sabbаth in Context/Concept with the Biblical Sabbath: A Missiological Perspective

John Appiah, PhD Candidate, and Elisha Kwabena Marfo, MA

Abstract

The Ashantis/Akans through their culture and traditional beliefs give valuable conceptual understanding on major areas of doctrinal issues. Their beliefs, observance and practices on the Sabbath are not an exception. The Sabbath is an important theological concept in the Bible. This article presents and contextually analyzes the biblical Sabbath in relation with the Sabbath beliefs and practice of the Ashantis/Akans. The missiological approach of the church to have greater impact in spreading God's word among the Ashantis is also discussed. In particular, Ashantis/Akans Christians, whose traditional belief encourages such practice, find a biblical confirmation in perspective. By engaging the Ashantis/Akans in their cultural and traditional beliefs, the church may enlarge its basis for outreach and evangelism thereby increasing its membership in Ghana.