Missional perspective of Canaan’s curse as a blessing in disguise: A biblical paradox

Abstract

This article gives a missional perspective of Canaan’s curse as a blessing in disguise within the Missio Dei perspective. The pronouncement of Canaan’s curse in Genesis 9 v. 25 not only conscientised us of the fact, namely its comprehension (conception) and reception (application) but also cautioned us on how to handle it, namely, its acknowledgement and appreciation, while avoiding its misconceptions which led and still lead to diverse confusion, contestation and complication that goes with it. The pronouncement of the curse of Canaan, in Genesis 9 v. 25, presents a biblical paradox which has an apparent ‘blessing in disguise’ message. Without proper handling, this issue affected and is still affecting both the Church and the communities and their socio-political and economic aspects. The question is: what is the message uncovered for the first reader and for today? This article seeks such a message from a missional perspective by discussing three aspects, namely, the comprehension (conception), contestation (misconception) and application (reception) of the curse of Canaan.

Contribution: This article adds value to the reading of Genesis 9 v. 25 and uncovers the biblical precept and missional guideline which not only conscientised us to acknowledge and appreciate the paradox in our conception and reception of Canaan’s curse but also cautioned us on how to handle misconceptions regarding Canaan’s curse to avoid confusion, contestation and complication that goes with it, which is still affecting the socio-political and economic aspects in South Africa and beyond.