A Pastoral, Ethical, and Medical reflection on the use of Sobolo in contemporary Ghanaian Christianity

Isaac Boaheng ORCID iD, Fidelis Adinkrah ORCID iD & Joseph Owusu Atuahene ORCID iD

Issue: Vol. 12 No.5 2026 Issue Article 3 pp. 182 – 195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20261253 Published online 24th June 2026.
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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This study examines the growing use of Sobolo (hibiscus tea), commonly known as Yesu Mogya (the blood of Jesus), for religious purposes within Ghanaian Christian communities. Rooted in Ghanaian traditional religious beliefs that regard blood as spiritually efficacious for healing, deliverance, protection, and atonement, the symbolic use of Jesus’ blood has found contemporary expression in the consumption and application of Sobolo. This emerging practice has gained significant popularity, yet it has also raised concerns about ethics, medicine, and theology. The purpose of this study is to examine these developments from pastoral, ethical, and medical perspectives. A qualitative research approach was employed, relying solely on secondary literature, theological reflection, and cultural analysis, rather than interviews or empirical observation. The findings highlight both the cultural resonance and the potential risks associated with the religious appropriation of Sobolo. The paper concludes with recommendations for the modern church on how to engage in such practices theologically and pastorally while safeguarding the well-being of believers. It contributes to knowledge by offering a contextual theological critique of a contemporary religious phenomenon, bridging practical theology, cultural studies, and public health.

Keywords: Christianity, Commercialization, Jesus Christ, Sobolo, Yesu Mogya

 

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Isaac Boaheng (PhD) holds doctorates from the University of the Free State and the University of Pretoria, both in South Africa. He is a Research Fellow at the Biblical and Religious Department of the University of the Free State. He lectures at Christian Service University and has over a hundred peer-reviewed publications. His research interests are in theology, Biblical studies, and Translation studies.

Fidelis Adinkrah (MA) holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Management from Christian Service University, Ghana, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, United States. He serves as Pastor of Chosen Generation Church in Maryland and is committed to Christian leadership, pastoral ministry, and community service. His interests include theological education, discipleship, leadership development, and social welfare.

Joseph Owusu Atuahene (PhD) holds a doctorate from the South African Theological Seminary of Johannesburg, South Africa. A researcher and has five peer-reviewed publications. He has published six books. His research interests are theology, African philosophy, and Church Communication.

Boaheng, Isaac, Fidelis Adinkrah, and Joseph Owusu Atuahene. “A Pastoral, Ethical, and Medical Reflection on the use of Sobolo in Contemporary Ghanaian Christianity.” E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 12, no.5 (2026): 182 – 195. https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20261253

© 2026 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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