Ritual and Sacrifice Among the Dinka of Southern Sudan: Implications for Christian Evangelism and Discipleship

Abstract

The Dinka people of Southern Sudan comprise the most numerous ethnic group within the country.  During the past twenty-one years of civil war with northern Sudan, over two million Dinka have died and many more have been displaced.  At the same time, there has been a great increase in the number of Dinka converting to Christianity.  Contact with the global body of Christ has been difficult and limited, due to the danger and hardship of travel in Southern Sudan.  Thus, the Dinka church has been developing much in isolation, determining how to respond to the unique cultural, historical and spiritual challenges it is facing.  One of these challenges is confronting the worldview of African traditional religion.  This paper will examine the impact of African traditional religion on the Dinka people and their understanding of Christianity.  Specific attention will be placed on the Dinka rituals of animal sacrifice.  Implications for evangelism and discipleship will also be discussed.