Journals.aua.ke (Adventist University of Africa)
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202 research outputs found
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Social Justice and Information Management: A Biblical Perspective
No full textSocial justice may refer to how societal and organizational structures and systems promote and practice a just, healthy, safe, and equitable treatment of individuals. On the other hand, information has become one of the most powerful resources in shaping society, influencing public opinion, policies, decisions, determining access to opportunities, providing the basis for openness and accountability, protecting individual rights, and enforcing legal obligations. Nonetheless, the global explosion of information and its importance for organizational and individual openness and accountability for social transformation and social justice also provides the possibility of its manipulation and suppression. This situation warrants an ethical response, especially from a Christian worldview. Consequently, a Christian biblical worldview on information management could offer a balanced ethical stance in relation to social justice. This research utilized a documentary content analysis approach by analyzing biblical and secondary data on social justice and its interaction with information management. The authors identified some significant resources for this research, established their authenticity, credibility, and representativeness. It then divided the material into units to discuss and establish meanings for the theme studied. It was argued that the biblical principles of truth, integrity, access, equity, equality, confidentiality, privacy and stewardship, and accountability in information management are significant to social justice. Therefore, the paper concluded that from a biblical perspective, social justice has connections with information management. The paper encourages responsible use of information as a moral and spiritual duty that reflects God’s concern for justice, truth, and the flourishing of all people
Effect of African Communal Values on Christian Discipleship in Mwanza City, Tanzania
No full textThis study examined how African community values influence Christian discipleship. Conducted in Mwanza City, Tanzania, it employed a descriptive-correlational design. A total of 288 participants took part. Data analysis involved percentages, mean scores, standard deviations, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The findings showed that Seventh-day Adventist believers actively engaged in discipleship programs because their local churches provided them with clear follow-up and nurturing strategies. Although all age groups participated, those aged 46 to 65 had a notably higher participation rate than both younger and older groups. The study found that participation, fellowship, and sense of belonging significantly predicted engagement, with participation being the strongest predictor. These results led to the development of an African Communal Model for Effective Mission. The study also offers relevant mission strategies
Lament, Trauma, and Scripture: Reclaiming the Language of Sacred Protest
No full textLament is a biblical genre of profound theological significance that remains underappreciated in many contemporary contexts. It stands at the intersection of suffering, protest, and divine encounter, offering individuals and communities a sacred language through which to voice anguish and pursue meaning amid trauma. This article explores lament as both a theological and pastoral model for responding to trauma in its personal, communal, and systemic forms. Drawing insights from trauma theory and biblical theology, it argues that lament is more than an emotional release; it is a profoundly theological act that nurtures resilience, sustains faith, and restores relational wholeness. By engaging Scripture alongside lived expressions of lament, such as those found among the Mafa people of northern Cameroon and northeastern Nigeria, the study demonstrates how lament functions as sacred protest and communal healing. It concludes that Scripture provides marginalized and wounded communities with the liturgical and linguistic resources necessary to confront suffering honestly while cultivating hope for redemption
Cultivating the Earth: Biblical Insights and Conventional Techniques for Sustainable Crop Production
No full textThis paper examines how biblical principles can inform sustainable agricultural practice in response to the growing demand for food systems that are environmentally sound, socially just, and economically viable. It explores the integration of faith-based values with conventional farming techniques to develop holistic solutions for long-term crop production. Drawing on scriptural teachings such as stewardship, rest, equity, diligence, and justice, the study outlines a moral and ethical framework that supports key sustainability goals, including improving soil health, conserving water, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing livelihoods. It reviews existing faith-based agricultural models and aligns them with contemporary environmental strategies, offering a value-based perspective that complements existing frameworks. The paper argues for inclusive and responsible agricultural systems where no group is disadvantaged, and where farm workers, landowners, and communities benefit equitably. It emphasizes the role of faith institutions in fostering land restoration, fair resource distribution, and youth engagement in agriculture as a meaningful and sustainable career path. The study concluded by recommending farmer training rooted in ethical land stewardship and creating structures that uphold both ecological integrity and social justice. Overall, the paper contributes to discussions on sustainable crop production systems by linking biblical ethics with global development priorities
The Theology of Marriage in Matthew 19:1-12 as a Response to Marital Instability in African Christian Communities
No full textThis study explores the theology of marriage in Matthew 19:1–12 and its relevance to addressing marital instability within African Christian communities. While previous scholarship has explored this passage from historical, theological, and cultural perspectives, its application in non-Western contexts, particularly in Africa, remains underexplored. Using a grammatico-historical approach, the research highlights Jesus’ affirmation of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, rooted in divine intention. The study situates Jesus’ teachings within first-century Jewish marital norms, Greco-Roman influences, and Old Testament texts such as Genesis 1–2 and Deuteronomy 24:1–4. Jesus’ response to the Pharisees emphasizes the sacred, indissoluble nature of marriage, challenging permissive divorce practices and advocating for fidelity, commitment, and purpose in marital relationships. These theological principles are then connected to modern African Christian contexts, where increasing divorce rates, domestic tensions, and cultural pressures threaten marital stability. The study argues that returning to a biblically grounded understanding of marriage, as presented in Matthew 19, can address these challenges. It concludes that embracing Jesus’ teachings—interpreted within their proper historical and grammatical framework—can offer a transformative model for strengthening marriages and promoting relational stability in African Christian communities
Experiences of gender-based violence and its reproductive health impacts among adolescent girls and women residing in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textBackground: Gender-based violence (GBV) adversely affects the physical, sexual, and emotional health of women and girls, potentially directly influencing reproductive health. Systemic inequities, such as gender inequality and poverty that predispose women to GBV are often exacerbated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources are limited, especially in informal settlements. Women residing within informal settlements face barriers to resources and must navigate power dynamics that put them in truly vulnerable positions. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many inequities worldwide, including GBV. In this study, we explored the impact of GBV on reproductive health among adolescent girls and women (AGW) residing in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This study utilized data from focus groups among 64 AGW living in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda to explore experiences of GBV. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts was conducted via deductive and inductive coding in Dedoose.
Results: Themes identified were increased participating in sex work due to financial instability, leading to increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, young pregnancy, unsafe abortion leading to infertility or death, decreased educational attainment, and being pressured into undesired relationships.
Discussion: With women disproportionately experiencing GBV, it is essential to investigate its effects on women’s health. Longterm disparities in women’s health research alongside recent discourse over reproductive health and rights indicates further investigation into contributing factors, especially among those who are disproportionately at risk for facing negative social determinants of health
Significance of Theological Sources in the Homosexuality Debate
Full text linkThis paper investigates the ongoing debate over homosexuality within contemporary Christianity, a subject that evokes significant division across various denominations and traditions. Despite the assumption that scriptural authority would lead to unified moral conclusions, the reality is far more complex. Differing interpretations and the prioritization of theological sources have resulted in a rich spectrum of ethical stances. The study employs descriptive, critical analysis, and evaluative approaches, in addition to the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, comprising Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience as a framework to examine how these sources influence theological reflection on homosexuality. Central to this inquiry are the questions of which sources are deemed primary in ethical reasoning, the core arguments supporting both the affirmation and the condemnation of homosexual relationships, and the interpretive principles that undergird these arguments. Notably, some denominations, such as the United Methodist Church and the Episcopal Church, have embraced and formalized same-sex relationships, reflecting a shift encompassing broader cultural changes and interpretations of Scripture. Conversely, other theologians and denominations maintain a traditional stance, asserting that homosexuality remains incompatible with biblical teachings. The analysis reveals that differing emphases on theological sources contribute significantly to the unresolved debates within Christian ethics. For instance, while some traditions elevate Scripture as the sole authoritative source, others incorporate cultural experience and historical context into their ethical frameworks, leading to divergent moral conclusions. This paper ultimately argues that the complexity of the homosexuality debate in Christianity stems not merely from isolated Scripture interpretations but from a deeper and profound engagement with theological methods. By shedding light on the foundational reasons behind these differences, this study aims to enrich the discourse surrounding homosexuality in Christian ethics and encourage thoughtful engagement among diverse theological perspectives
Kenya’s Participation in Health Negotiations on the Universal Health Coverage Financing Protocol
No full textBackground: Kenya’s health diplomacy has focused on bilateral and multilateral negotiations on health protocols. The 2015 adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on health, provided a framework for Kenya to strengthen its international health diplomacy and global partnerships.
Methods: This study adopted a mixed-methods design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 204 purposively selected participants: 89 government officials, 32 diplomats, and 83 health experts. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo and complemented by quantitative data analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis.
Results: Findings revealed a strong positive and significant correlation between participation in international health negotiations and UHC financing protocols (r = .839, β = 1.107, p < 0.01; R² = 0.704). Qualitative results reinforced that diplomatic engagement enhanced external support and resource mobilization for UHC financing in Kenya.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Kenya’s active participation in health protocol negotiations has strengthened its influence in global health governance, despite limited technical expertise and funding
Bioremediation Potential of Indigenous Microbial Consortia for Heavy Metal Removal in Abattoir Wastewater
No full textBackground: The discharge of untreated abattoir effluents in suburban areas of Nigeria poses serious environmental and public health risks due to the presence of high levels of pollutants, particularly heavy metals such as iron, copper, and zinc.
Methods: The effectiveness of indigenous microbial strains (Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.) in bioremediating heavy metals in abattoir wastewater from Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. Effluent samples were collected in pre-cleaned HDPE bottles. Microbial isolation, identification followed APHA standard procedures. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment included four treatments, incubated for 72 hours. Heavy metals were quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), and data analyzed with two-way ANOVA.
Results: The untreated effluent contained iron (55.92 mg/L), copper (67.77 mg/L), and zinc (39.34 mg/L), exceeding the FEPA and WHO permissible limits. After 72 hours, the bacterial consortium significantly (p < 0.001) reduced iron, copper, and zinc by 77.3 %, 77.4%, and 58.7 %, respectively. Dissolved oxygen increased from 1.50 to 5.60 mg/L, and turbidity decreased from 28 to 4.2 NTU.
Conclusion: Indigenous Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp., in consortia, offer effective approach to bioremediate heavy metals
Insight into Environmental Sustainability in Freetown Through Household Food Loss and Waste Management
No full textBackground: Food Loss and Waste (FLW) at the household level presents a growing threat to environmental sustainability across urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This qualitative study examined the causes, patterns, and forms of FLW disposal in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and its environmental implications.
Methods: Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely among lower-middle-income households in Freetown. The study combined convenience and snowball sampling to reach thematic saturation. The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: Food loss and waste in Freetown are not a consumerist behavioral problem but rather a problem of scarcity, insecurity, and infrastructure failure. While behaviors such as overbuying and cooking appear remarkably similar to those in high-income countries, the motivations differ significantly. Households used electric freezers for food preservation, but frequent blackouts led to significant food spoilage. In addition, food waste is mixed with general household waste and disposed of illegally.
Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in the localized FLW research in Sierra Leone. It emphasizes the need for integrated policy, infrastructure investment, community education, and awareness campaigns