Abstract:
This paper is an analysis of the book of Ruth indicating the close affinity between the African and
Biblical (specifically Hebrew) cultures. The paper contains arguments that are geared towards highlighting the
striking closeness between the cultures of these two communities that lived worlds apart and without any known
means of cultural exchange. The objectives guiding this work include an examination of the theme of suffering
as portrayed through the persons of Naomi and Ruth, an analysis of the theme of vulnerability among women as
portrayed through the experience of Naomi, Ruth and Orpha, a determination of the relationship between
African and Hebrew cultures in regard to the treatment of women by society and to highlight lessons that can be
learnt from this text and which can be used to enhance the fight against gender-based injustices in Africa. This
work is based on the capability approach model as presented by Martha C. Nussbaum (2000), research was
carried out using sources and literary perusal and was interpreted using the grounded theory approach. The
paper argues that there is validity in African cultural practices, contrary to what European missionaries wanted
us to believe. It argues that Christian mission work today shold consider African cultre as a point of departure to
plant Christian values, rather than a blanket condemnation of anything African. Consistent with the strong
chsractor displayed by the Naomi-Ruth-Boaz triangle, present day governments and Christian bodies should put
in place measures to ensure gender equity and equitability im the distribution of resourses. The paper concludes
by advancing the view that the close affinity between African and Hebrew cultures may be a pointer to a
common origin for humankind.
