Kitur, Catherine; Murumba, Pauline(ShahidiHub International Journal of Theology & Religious Studies-, 2022)
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Abstract:
This study examines the traditional African concept of blessings and curses among the
Kipsigis people to uncover how these beliefs influence the understanding of the biblical
concept of Shalom, which depicts peace and wholeness in all spheres of life. Biblical
salvation is often wrongly construed as the ending of all forms of pain and suffering. This
is compounded by the theology of prosperity that teaches that authentic Christian faith
results in material wealth and physical well-being. Thus, many believers in Christ suffer
in silence because of the stigma and faulty understanding that a Christian should not
experience brokenness. This paper presents the true meaning of Shalom as an integral
aspect of salvation. It highlights the power of God through pain and suffering. The study
argues that many Christians fear curses because they are ignorant of the scriptures.
Christians need to understand their identity in Christ‘s work to overcome the fear of
curses and the powers of evil.