Democracy in The Baptist Convention of Tanzania: A Study of The Understanding and Practice of Democracy in Decision-Making.
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Date
2000
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the understanding and practice of the concept of democracy in Baptist churches in Tanzania as related to decision—making and leadership selection in the local church. The areas of concern related to the understanding of democracy, the practice of democracy, and the conflicts in a democratic government in church policy were considered in this study. A survey method with self—administered questionnaires were used to collect the needed data. This data gathering instrument utilized both closed—ended questions as well as open—ended questions. The questions were designed to seek Baptists opinions concerning understanding of democracy and its practicality among local Baptist churches of Tanzania. The study revealed that Baptist churches of Tanzania understood the concept democracy. People seemed to have a good grasp of a theological meaning of this concept. However, the study revealed that what was understood was not actually practiced. This contradiction between understanding and practice of democracy in the Baptist Convention of Tanzania was primarily due to cultural conflicts. The cultural conflicts included the difference of cultural values and the new patterns of leadership as introduced by missionaries in contrast to traditional cultural patterns. This study will be of use by missionaries to strengthen the awareness for the need of that contextualized leadership patterns within the Baptist Convention of Tanzania. The study will also be useful for pastors and lay people who understand the source of conflicts related to democratic system within their churches. This study will also illuminate the causes of conflicts within the Baptist churches in Tanzania and give advice on how they may be avoided.
Description
Masters of Arts
Keywords
Democracy in Baptist churches, decision—making, leadership selection
Citation
Eseka, K. (2000). Democracy in The Baptist Convention of Tanzania: A Study of The Understanding and Practice of Democracy in Decision-Making. Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences.