Unheard Voices from the Global South

Abstract

In an attempt to include voices from the Global South, many Westerners hear only reflections of their own voices, voices that easily fit within the framework of Western theology, such as Liberation theology. Not only does this give the false impression of a “global theology” but it does the very same thing a blatantly colonial practice has done in the past, this time unseen. Many western liberals and conservatives are guilty of equating African conservatism to American conservatism, which results in an unhelpful caricature of African Christians. African contextual theology does not emphasize reconsidering traditional interpretations of scripture, but making theology and scripture relevant to African problems and situations. The voices most relevant to the controversies between South and West are often the voices most overlooked. The debate about homosexuality in Africa frequently features gay Western voices but gay African voices are missing from almost all sources. Many Westerners feel that African churches are simply homophobic, viewing their claim that the issue of homosexuality is irrelevant in Africa as a dishonest motivation for their opposition. Many Africans, however, feel that it is an issue they are being forced to discuss at the expense of more pressing issues in their own context, such as confronting African Traditional Religions. My intention here is not to come down on one side of the debate between the West and the Global South, but rather to highlight the dissonance between what we hear about the Global South and the realities on the ground. If we are going to claim that we need to hear all voices, let it be all voices.