Funeral Rites Reformation for Any African Ethnic Community Based on the Proposed New Funeral Practices for the Agikuyu

"In African culture, proper burial is a matter of utmost importance. However, the expenses involved can be crippling for families. In a work that should be relevant across the continent, Mbugua proposes a better way that is thoroughly African and Christian."

--Kevin G. Smith, Vice Principal, South African Theological Seminary



"Mbugua's book achieves its objectives and has merits on several levels, the most important being that it is written by one who has brought to his work not only a critical attitude to the Agikuyu Christian funeral rites, but also an observer's impression."

--Christopher Byaruhanga, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Uganda Christian University



"The author made his basic point very clear: the present death and funeral practices of the Agikuyu (and we can say it also of our own cultures, I think) have little basis in either traditional burial practices, nor the Old or New Testament traditions, nor the early Christian practices. It could--and sometimes should--be changed."

--Johan Jakob Kritzinger, Emeritus Professor of Missiology, University of Pretoria



"Not all the recommendations [Dr. Mbugua] makes will sit well with modern African Christians, but it is in debating such ideas that the inevitability of cultural change will happen. . . . I highly recommend this well-researched book to scholars and practitioners."

--Faith Nguru, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Riara University, Nairobi



"Mbugua has brought to the forefront the cultural disrespect of the dead, the Christian view to call for dialogue, the respect we should bring to the disposal of the dead, and the Christian hope for the future of the beloved ones. I append my approval to Mbugua's work and the way it opens the minds of many about the dying, the dead, and the relatives who are left behind."

--Peter Njenga Karioki, Retired Bishop of the Anglican Church