Påskfirandet i två lokala kristna församlingar Immauelskyrkan SMK,Stockholm Ndjilikyrkan,CEC,Quartier5 Kinshasa
Contextual theologyContextual modelEarly churchEaster celebrationCultural transformationEaster theologySocial change
The main aim of my research essay is to examine two congregations, one in Sweden and one in Democratic Republic of Congo, how theology and the life in the church shape the cultural context. The analysis uses semi-structured interviews of two pastors responsible for organizing the Easter celebration in their churches. The interviews serve the purpose to reveal how they apply theology in their context, how they interpret the Easter celebration liturgically in relation to the early church and how they perceive the cultural development in the congregations Easter celebration 2010-11. To give complementary insights to the interviews I use computer-aided interviews with members of the congregations. The methodological approach is based on a study of contextual theological theories, Easter traditions in the early church, Easter theologies and then applying these theories in the interviews. The analysis shows that the Immanuel church uses the anthropological model but they also apply the synthetic model in their church life. The Ndjili Church refuses to recognize any model but regard the praxis model as the most important. Both churches relate to the early church Easter celebration in different ways. The Immanuel church has introduced baptism confirmation in the Easter day service. The Ndjili Church starts the Easter celebration on Palm Sunday with the use of palm branches. They also follow a theme of Easter for each weekday throughout the Easter week, though this practise has declined 2010-11. Both churches follow the early church by celebrating the Eucharist Easter Thursday and Easter day. The Immanuel church has a strong music life with a music school and professional musicians. The church organizes services in three languages, Swedish. Korean and English that gives a clear multicultural dimension to the life of the congregation. There is in the Immanuel church an openness to incorporate an intellectual reflection over the urban life situation in Stockholm by means of inviting leading commentators from the social and cultural life in Sweden. The Ndjili Church in Kinshasa has a dominating youth culture which influences church life towards more French, new music trends etc. The women play a vital role in shaping and upholding Easter traditions. The Ndjili Church reflects two different liturgical cultures. One time structured French service and one traditional form of service in African languages with spontaneity.