Identification of Problems and Possible Solutions in Communicating the Gospel to the Saramaccan Maroons of the Upper Suriname River

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Republic of Suriname is one of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent of South America, situated on the North Eastern coast of South America. It possesses culturally rich districts and is a country that is very proud country of its heritage. There are nine Maroon tribes, who are descendants of African slaves who ran away from the plantations after being taken away from Africa during the slave-trading era. The Maroons have preserved their traditional way of life,and are fully engaged in the socio-economic development of the Republic of Suriname;in particular, it’s interior. The Saramaccan Maroons are at a spiritual crossroads. This thesis looks at “The Problems and Possible Solutions in Communicating the Gospel to the Saramaccan People of the Upper Suriname River.” This thesis will discuss the problems faced by missionaries. Among other things,this thesis will research some of the practices used by missionaries, in view of the beliefs and cultural practices of the Maroons’ society. It will suggest ways in which the gospel can be communicated effectively to the Saramaccan Maroons. The thesis looks at the local Churches and their role in working amongst the Saramaccan Maroons and considers the role of Christian workers amongst Maroons. The thesis considers the place of a theology of mission in the modern approach to communicating the gospel to the Saramaccan Maroons. The thesis addresses the issues of adequate spiritual, linguistic, and cultural preparation for missionaries, and argues that, with appropriate strategies, foreign missionaries can indeed play a part, alongside local missionaries in the task of gospel proclamation.

ABSTRACT: The Republic of Suriname is one of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent of South America, situated on the North Eastern coast of South America. It possesses culturally rich districts and is a country that is very proud country of its heritage. There are nine Maroon tribes, who are descendants of African slaves who ran away from the plantations after being taken away from Africa during the slave-trading era. The Maroons have preserved their traditional way of life,and are fully engaged in the socio-economic development of the Republic of Suriname;in particular, it’s interior. The Saramaccan Maroons are at a spiritual crossroads. This thesis looks at “The Problems and Possible Solutions in Communicating the Gospel to the Saramaccan People of the Upper Suriname River.” This thesis will discuss the problems faced by missionaries. Among other things,this thesis will research some of the practices used by missionaries, in view of the beliefs and cultural practices of the Maroons’ society. It will suggest ways in which the gospel can be communicated effectively to the Saramaccan Maroons. The thesis looks at the local Churches and their role in working amongst the Saramaccan Maroons and considers the role of Christian workers amongst Maroons. The thesis considers the place of a theology of mission in the modern approach to communicating the gospel to the Saramaccan Maroons. The thesis addresses the issues of adequate spiritual, linguistic, and cultural preparation for missionaries, and argues that, with appropriate strategies, foreign missionaries can indeed play a part, alongside local missionaries in the task of gospel proclamation.