Naming Children after Deceased Members of the Lineage in Zambian Cultures: Pentecostal Perspectives

Abstract

The act of naming living and non-living things is as old as humankind. Biblically, it started in the time of Adam.. This study explored the logic behind naming children after deceased members of the lineage in Zambian cultures from a Pentecostal perspective. The study used a case study design that involved the use of qualitative methods. The study used 20 selected Pentecostal Churches as the target population. The eligible respondents included 20 pastors, 10 parents, 10 Church Leaders (Deacons and Elders) as well as 8 focus group participants (comprising parents, deacons and elders) bringing the total number to 48 respondents; all of them being 35 years old and above. The participants were selected using purposive and snowballing methods and the data was collected using in-depth interview and a Focus Group Discussion. The data collected were analysed thematically. The study revealed that in the Zambian cultures naming Children after deceased members of the lineage was meant to keep the tradition. The findings show that Pentecostals oppose the naming of their children after the deceased members of the lineage. It is recommended that the Pentecostal churches should find a midway of incorporating Zambian naming culture. That way, the cultural heritage of Zambian Pentecostals would be upheld and valued.