Towards a "liturgical missiology": perspectives on music in Lutheran mission work in South Africa

Abstract

This doctoral thesis claims the vital significance of music in mission work, particularly from the Lutheran point of view. It, therefore, calls for a liturgical missiology which would positively affect missionary efforts, especially in the African mission context. After giving a theological foundation - the doctrine of the Trinity - and the concept of the missio Dei as its missiological basis, the thesis investigates its topic from different angles: Luther and music, music in the work of the Hermannsburg Mission in the region of the ELCSA-Western Diocese, the role of music in African culture and spirituality, some qualities of music relevant to mission and a few musical steps to approach the future of music in mission. These analyses corroborate music's importance in future Lutheran mission designed for the African context. Examining Luther's stance towards music, a strong affinity to music is recognised, both theoretically and practically. While interpreting music theologically, Luther employs music in his liturgical, educational and reforming efforts. However, the example of the Lutheran Hermannsburg Mission shows a usage of music without a proper theoretical foundation, as well as only partial efforts at contextualisation. In Africa, music plays a prominent role in the interpretation and expression of life and religion indicated in the Tswana choruses; music represents the wholeness of African existence symbolising the paradigm of harmony. Further, in mission, music's qualities, such as its cultural-social, symbolic, ritualistic and community-building qualities, support the integration of the convert into a fundamental relationship between the missio Dei and the missiones ecclesiae. With the help of a musica missionis, which includes missiological music and missionary music, the practice of future mission can be approached successfully; for instance, through the Africanisation of the Lutheran mission liturgy based on a context-musicology.

Thus, a liturgically orientated theology of mission, meditating deeply on music's qualities (music being one essential element of Lutheran worship), has the potential to develop into a future liturgical missiology. This musical-liturgical approach to mission is encouraged by this thesis.