EXAMINING LUKE 22:19-20 ON THE SYMBOLISM OF BREAD AND WINE IN AFRICAN CULTURAL OUTLOOK

Abstract

While Luke 22:19-20 (the Lord's Supper) is foundational to Christian theology, its interpretation is most times Eurocentric, which refers to viewing west, particularly Europe as the center of the events of the world. This disregards rich African cultural insights derived from symbolic food, drink and communal traditions. Consequently, there is limited research exploring the symbolism of bread and wine through African cultural hermeneutics. This study addresses this lacuna aims to examine Luke 22:19-20 through diverse African cultural viewpoints through biblical exegesis, comparative analysis with traditional interpretations, and exploring theological implications. Comparing the Lukan text with African traditions surrounding staple foods like fufu, beverages, for example palm wine and communal rituals (igongona, libation) using biblical exegesis and comparative symbolic analysis methodology constitute the scope of the study. The findings reveal that African hermeneutics significantly enrich Eucharistic understanding, highlighting communal solidarity, covenant, sacrifice, memory and hospitality. The study holds that this approach provides theological depth for inculturation, strengthens African Christian identity, and contributes a vital, communally-focused outlook to global Eucharistic scholarship. The study concludes that integrating cultural faith expression, thereby serving as a theological foundation for self-definition in post-colonial perspectives.