African biblical studies: Illusions, realities and challenges

David T Adamo

doi:10.4102/ids.v50i1.1972

Abstract

African Biblical Studies is a biblical interpretation for the purpose of transformation in Africa. It is the biblical interpretation that makes the ‘African social cultural context a subject of interpretation’. It is also the rereading of the Christian Scripture in a premeditatedly Africentric perspective. It means that biblical interpretation is done from the perspective of the African worldview. The purpose of this article is to discuss some illusions or misunderstandings, realities and challenges facing African biblical studies. Some of these illusions are that African Biblical Studies is fetish, syncretistic and primitive, local and not popular or universal. The basic distinctive realities and challenges facing African Biblical Studies are also critically discussed for the purpose of understanding what African Biblical Studies is and to make African Christianity more authentic in Africa.

Highlights

It is important to discuss my understanding of African in this article
What is implied by African Biblical Studies? African Biblical Studies is the interpretation of the Bible for transformation in Africa
African Biblical Studies is the biblical interpretation that makes ‘African social cultural context a subject of interpretation’ (Adamo 1999:60–90; 2001b; Ukpong 2002:17–32). It is the rereading of the Christian Scripture from a premeditatedly Africentric perspective. It means that the analysis of the biblical text is done from the perspective of African worldview and culture (Adamo 2001b:6)

Summary

Introduction

It is important to discuss my understanding of African in this article. The word African is used in a broad sense. When we discuss the hermeneutic(s) that can transform Africa we are discussing the biblical studies that are vital to the well-being of our society This can be called African cultural hermeneutics.. African Biblical Studies is the biblical interpretation that makes ‘African social cultural context a subject of interpretation’ (Adamo 1999:60–90; 2001b; Ukpong 2002:17–32). It is the rereading of the Christian Scripture from a premeditatedly Africentric perspective. The purpose of this article is to discuss critically what I consider some illusions, realities and challenges of African Biblical Studies. 5. Theology of the Old Testament in African perspective.

Objectives

Conclusion