The understanding of the divinity of Isa al-Masih among the Mandara in Meme, Cameroon: towards a missiological, theological reflection

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges faced by Seventh-day Adventists in Mayo-Sava Local Government in Far North Region of Cameroon in converting Mandara Muslims to the Adventist faith. By employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research explored Mandara Muslims’ understanding of the divinity of Isa Al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah) as a foundation for developing contextualized mission strategies. Data was gathered through interviews, focus group discussions with six Adventist Mandara Background Believers (AMBBs), each representing one of the six districts in Mayo Sava. The results revealed that the AMBBs' perception of Isa Al-Masih's divinity evolved after their conversion, as their encounter with the Gospel message and the discovery of biblical teachings about Isa changed their conception of his identity. Now, they believed in Isa not only a prophet, but God. Their personal testimonies, marked by transformative experiences, proved to be powerful tools for attracting others to Isa Al-Masih. Based on the data, a nine-step mission strategy was formulated to guide future evangelistic mission efforts. The study recommends to the Adventist Mission the establishment of an Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) department at the conference, local church, and district levels. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of training leaders, pastors, and members, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration to effectively engage Mandara Muslims in the region. AMR training in churches under the jurisdiction of the conference to equip members and leaders with a thorough knowledge of the history of Islam, the Quran and its revelation, the Prophet Muhammad and Isa in this book, the Hadith and Sunnah, theological trends, the factors influencing the interpretation of the Quran, and the different Islamic schools to which the various groups of this religion belong.