African Christianity Research Articles

African Religio-Cultural Heritage of ‘Charms and Amulets’

Abstract This article investigates the increase in the usage of ‘symbolic ritual wrist bands’ as symbols of power, protection, and healing in neo-Pentecostals seen as resonating with the religio-cultural practice of ritual bands in African primal religions. The study demonstrates that such practices indirectly satisfy the deep yearning of traditional communities who maintain a strong feeling of the versatility of symbolic ritual bands. The fact that most Africans remain deeply ingrained in their religio-cultural environment where it is believed that ritual bands attended to their spiritual and physical needs, the usage of symbolic wrist bands in most neo-Pentecostal churches is seen as bridging the gap created by missionary Christianity. This study employs the missio-cultural theory to explore the extent to which neo-Pentecostals are reconceptualising the idea of ritual wrist bands in the practice of African Christianity. It concludes that the neo-Pentecostal proliferation of wrist bands is relevant in the spiritual, psychological, social, cultural and theological missionising effort in Africa.

The Accra Confession and Public Theology in African Christianity: The Ghanaian Experience

The study examined the Accra Confession as a Public Theology document and how it provides theological resources for Christian responses to contemporary social challenges in Ghana. The faith document that was developed in Ghana invites the church to participate in Christian public witness. It affirmed the importance of the gospel in addressing contemporary social and economic challenges and recognizes the need for the church to maintain a prophetic voice in the face of oppression, exploitation and exclusion. The article argued that the Public Theology document provides the necessary resources that are needed for the public witness of the church in Ghana after its almost two decades in existence and therefore any form of disconnection and silence need to be identified and addressed. Ghana is currently confronted with developmental challenges like poverty, hunger and unemployment. The faith document contains the necessary theological perspectives that the church needs in the effort to pursue social change. It’s awakening and continuous conversation in the church definitely will contribute to the Christian public witness in Ghana. The study recommended that churches must integrate the theological insights in the Accra Confession into their churches’ structures and Christian education programmes. It further recommended awakening and continuous conversation of the Accra Confession in congregations. Using the qualitative research method, the author examined available materials on the Reformed church and theology to throw more highlights on the issue. Attention was further given to reports from the WARC gathering at Accra in 2004 in which the author was a participant. Keywords: Accra Confession, Public Theology, African Christianity, Christian Public Witness.

A Critical Analysis of the Ghanaian Context, Experience and Perspectives of Public Theology

The article aimed at a critical analysis of the Ghanaian experience of Public Theology. It argued that through Christian perspectives derived from sermons, communiqués, and other official public statements the church has participated in public conversations, public-policy cycles, and other public issues within the Ghanaian context. Participation involves challenging the structures of corruption, injustice, poverty, and inequality that exist in societies and advocating for policies and practices that promote the common good. With perspectives from Christian beliefs and values the study observed the framework for addressing these issues and promoting a more just and equitable society and further places emphasis on the social responsibility of Christians. The study concluded that Ghanaian public theologians must stress the importance of the Christian community’s involvement in addressing social issues and not just focusing on individual spiritual growth. This will lead to the development of a number of initiatives by Christian organizations and churches to address social issues such as poverty, health, democratic consolidation, wealth creation, education, and social justice. Keywords: Public Theology, African Christianity, Christian Council of Ghana, Presbyterian Church of Ghana

Spirit and Power

Contemporary Pentecostal/charismatic Christianity in Africa has adopted new and innovative symbols that fits its theology of prosperity, empowerment, and upward mobility. This article focuses on one of them: the eagle. The features and behavior patterns of the eagle help contemporary Pentecostals to use its symbolic features in articulating a pneumatology of upward mobility, elevation, success and prosperity. The pneumatology of the eagle is a global contemporary Pentecostal phenomenon. In this pneumatology, the eagle, with its powers of vision, longevity, strength, height and renewal, appears in contemporary Pentecostal prosperity discourses as a symbol of aspiration, which appeals very strongly to the sensibilities of upwardly mobile young people who tenaciously embrace the new charismatic fervour.

Die kerkregtelike debat tydens die 73 Algemene Kerkvergadering van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika

The ecclesiastical debate at the 73 General Church Assembly of the Dutch Reformed Church of Africa. Reformed churches emerged from the Reformation which commenced in the 16th century because of the input of well-known reformers such as Martin Luther (1483–1546) and John Calvin (1509–1564). Reformed churches are founded on a certain system of church polity known as presbyterial-synodal. This church orderly viewpoint amounts to the fact that it is a church where Jesus Christ is the sole ruler of the church, transforming all meetings of offices of the church to operate on the same horizontal level with Jesus Christ as the only and sufficient authority in the church.This means that such a church is trying to be church of the Word and should take good care to maintain this critical principal position during meetings, as will eventually be reflected in synodal decisions taken.Contribution: This article takes a critical look at points of discussion submitted to the meeting, especially those with church orderly implications. Critically spoken, it means that decisions tabled at such meetings should be in the prolongment of the churches’ decision to be church of the Word, and therefore presbyterial-synodal. It is therefore also a contribution to church polity as such.

Christianity in Africa: The cost of loyalty to Zionism

Christianity in Africa: The cost of loyalty to Zionism

An analysis of COVID-19 and spirituality among African Christian women

There has been increasing research into the COVID-19 pandemic and the theological responses to it. However, not much research has been done on the COVID-19 and how women, particularly in Africa, utilised spiritual resources to respond to the pandemic. This article sought to bridge this gap. The article utilised both descriptive and analytical methods, and argued that many African women were more concerned about the health of the community than their male counterparts who concentrated more on arguments about the pandemic. Gleaning from our ethnographic data carried out from the Christ Apostolic Church and the Spirit and Life Family Bible Church in Nigeria, the article used Galen Watts’ theory of ‘spirituality of and for’ to analyse how African Christian women deployed their spirituality and resources to address the existential challenges the pandemic posed. It argued that the African Christian women shunned the ‘spirituality of’ argument that relates with discursive functions of being spiritual, which does not correspond to its practical application, and adopted ‘spirituality for’ which resonates with how spiritual resources are deployed to (re)solve existential challenges towards human flourishing. This, it argued, aligns much with the theology of The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians.Contribution: The article concluded that most women were accentuated towards ‘spirituality for’ because it is compassion-driven and responds to the existential quest for the health of the community.

Prophetic Message Of Amos And Its Relevance To The African Society

This paper examines Amos’s prophetic witness and its relevant for today’s church in African countries for promoting social justice. There are three basic concerns that motivate this paper: First, there is growing corruption in African societies; second, there are glaring weaknesses of the church’s prophetic witness in African societies today; and third, there is a great need for the church in Africa to speak out against social injustices. Thus, the writer seeks an appropriate biblical response that could serves as viable response for the church in curtailing social injustices in African society. To achieve this, the writer investigated scholarly opinions on the prophetic roles of the church in promoting social justice while considering the argument for and against. Furthermore, the prophetic witness of Amos was examined and its relevance to the African church. It is therefore recommended based on the prophetic message of Amos, that the church should: (a) support those believers who speak out against the evils in our time: crimes and injustices within the socio-economic and political climate of our time; (b) address issues, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, sexual misconduct and AIDS from a Biblical stance; (c) make people aware of the needs of our time; (d) motivate people to get involved in the sustainable development of their environment, and in addressing issues such as unemployment and poor education; and (e) support those people who are still oppressed, maltreated, abused and belittled.

Public Theology and Democratic Consolidation in Ghana: Challenges and Responses

This study is a review of the challenges of democratic consolidation in Ghana and how Public Theology provides theological insights for the church in its responses to the democratic consolidation challenges. Democratic consolidation in Ghana has been considered relatively successful. However, it has been noted that democratic consolidation in Ghana is being undermined by challenges like dictatorship of the majority, the culture of silence, disregard of democratic institutions, and neglect of bread and butter issues among others. The church has played a significant role in democratic consolidation in Ghana through advocacy, civic education, election observation, social services, and interfaith dialogue. By promoting democratic values and good governance, the church has contributed to the growth and stability of Ghana’s democracy. According to this study, the challenges that threatened democratic consolidation in Ghana persist. It is important for the church therefore to continue to build on its successes and address these challenges in order to further contribute to the strengthening of the nation’s democratic culture. The study used a qualitative approach to gather data. The study concluded with the recommendation that theological insights from Public Theology like human value, dignity, the sovereignty of God, fallibility of human nature, and democracy as a way of life must be concentrated on in the church’s search for responses to the challenges of democratic consolidation and culture in Ghana. Keywords: African Christianity, Public Theology, Democratic Consolidation, Ghana

The Participation of the Church in Wealth Creation in Ghana: A Reflection on the Role of Public Theology

The study is an examination of the place of Public Theology in the church’s participation in wealth creation. The article argues that wealth creation that serves the common good must be motivated by perspectives informed by Public Theology. The study admitted that wealth creation is a major strategy for reducing poverty and it is a central concern for many churches, governments, organizations, and individuals. It discovered that selfishness, pride, abuse of others, and irresponsible consumption are easily associated with wealth if its sole purpose of creation is for consumption and self-glorification. In the instance where people accumulate wealth at the expense of the poor and innocent in society, the creation of such wealth becomes unacceptable according to biblical perspectives and does not serve the common good. The study concluded that the motivation for the church’s participation in wealth creation must be adequately informed by Public Theology. It recommended that Public Theology must shape the values, attitudes, and practices of churches, individuals, institutions, and society as a whole in wealth creation. It placed emphasis on social responsibility, human dignity, justice, and the common good in the efforts towards wealth creation. Public theologians must facilitate the promotion of a more holistic and sustainable approach to wealth creation that takes into account the well-being of all members of society and not just the wealthy few. The approach involves advocating for policies and practices that promote economic growth, while also addressing issues of inequality, poverty, and corruption. Keywords: Public Theology, African Christianity, Wealth Creation

Theology and identity

In this book, Kwame Bediako explores the theme of identity and Christianity from a broad perspective, addressing many issues modern scholars have battled with. Although Bediako’s focus is postmissionary Christianity in Africa, dating from the 1960s to the present, he gives a foundational background to issues related to culture and identity since the birth of Christianity in the first century AD.

Quest for Africentric Biblical Reading among African Christians

Quest for Africentric Biblical Reading among African Christians

The Bible and Public Theology in African Christianity

The study examined the place of the Bible in the search for theological insights and perspectives for Public Theology in African Christianity. The paper argued that the acceptance of the application of the Bible to human experiences in African societies offer Africa Public theologians the opportunity to apply biblical and theological perspectives to cultural, social, economic, political, and public-policy issues. The study observed that the Bible has been used to promote social justice, advocate for human rights and confront corruption and other forms of oppression. African theologians have developed perspectives on these issues that draw on the biblical teachings of justice, compassion, and stewardship of the earth. The Bible has been a relevant tool for African Christians to engage with public issues, promote social justice, and advocate for the common good. The study concluded with the recommendation that African Christians must engage the social, political, and economic issues that affect their communities, and work for the liberation of all people from the forces that oppress them with Christian teachings and insights. Public Theology in African Christianity must be grounded in a deep commitment to the presence of God in the world, the transformation of society, the liberation of the oppressed, and the contextualization of the Christian faith to the African context. The gospel message has relevance for all aspects of life, including social, political, and economic issues. Theological insights and perspectives that must inform Public Theology in African Christianity include the incarnation, righteousness, social justice, human dignity, Christianity identity, contextualization, and the common good. Keywords: African Christianity, Public Theology, Public Witness, Christian

The Place of Public Theology in the Relationship between the Church and Traditional Leaders Toward the Social Development of Ghana

The article affirms that there is a need for collaboration between the church and traditional leaders for the relevant strength for the promotion of social development. This collaboration the study argues, must be guided by Public Theology. Public Theology promotes moral values and a holistic approach to social development that takes into account not only economic growth but also social and moral considerations. By working collaboratively and drawing on their respective strengths, public theologians and traditional leaders can help to build a more just and inclusive community and contribute to a more prosperous future for all Ghanaians. The examination which was done with library research and interviews affirms existing relationships between the church and traditional leaders. To attain the relevant strength from the collaboration for social development the study recommends that Public Theology must provide the values and moral compass for the process towards the contribution of the two significant institutions to social development in Ghana. Keywords: Public Theology, African Christianity, Traditional Leadership, Social Development

An Examination of the Role of Public Theology in the Church’s Efforts Toward National Transformation in Ghana

The central argument of this article is that Christianity which is relevant to Ghanaians must be responsive to the realities of the people and committed to promoting social justice and national transformation. Contemporary socio-economic challenges demand the constant participation of the church in the process of social change. The church’s participation in the transformation process however must be guided by its Christian beliefs and values. Public Theology that is concerned with how Christian beliefs and values intersect with issues of public life and social transformation must therefore be the catalyst for the church’s public witness toward national transformation. The study conducted interviews with significant academics and practitioners in its effort to appreciate the place of the church in the contemporary socio-economic challenges facing the nation as well as reviewing available relevant library materials. It concluded with the identification and recommendation of the church’s prospects and capacity for national transformation in challenges like ethnocentrism, religious conflicts, moral decadence and political instability through the church’s moral authority, structures for mobilization, legacy and ecumenical relationships. Keywords: Public Theology, African Christianity, National Transformation, Ghana

The Church and the Quest for Peaceful and Credible Elections in Ghana

The article is a critical reflection on the role of the church in the search for credible and peaceful elections in Ghana. Ghana has had eight general elections under the 4th Republic since 1992. The elections have been characterised by violence, cheating, and loss of property and in some instances lives. The church, civil society organizations, advocacy groups, donor agencies, etc. have played various roles to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. The general elections in Ghana however are not devoid of electoral challenges. The article argues that despite the challenges associated with general elections in Ghana, the church’s contribution over the years is still relevant and inevitable and therefore must be deepened for future general elections. The article pays attention to reports on general elections in Ghana by key organizations like the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the European Union, the African Union, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), and the Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa on elections in Ghana. The article concludes with a recommendation that the church must deepen its programmes, resources, and capacity of its personnel for future elections as the nation keeps searching for lasting solutions to its electoral challenges. The quest for credible and peaceful elections should be done on the principles of dialogue, consensus building, and the very Constitution which governs the nation. The church must deepen its public education, mediation, reconciliation, and spiritual support dimensions to the electoral process. Keywords: Public Theology, African Christianity, Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, General Elections in Ghana

Die diakonale reis van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk

Diaconal journey of the Dutch Reformed ChurchThe aim of this article is to look at the development of the deacon’s position in the Dutch Reformed Church of Africa by investigating the founding, development, and management of the deacon’s position in the church. It is not the purpose to investigate the deacon’s position from a Biblical exegetical point of view but rather to look at the historical development of structures such as the Algemene Diakensvergadering, Ondersteuningsraad whose name was later changed to RATA, the children’s homes which were later converted into the DPS homes and the old age homes which were restructured in the Ons Tuis Monument-tehuise. We shall attempt to look at the development of the deacon’s position, and also consider the developments that lead to the founding and phasing out of the deacons’ meetings, and Circuit deacons’ meeting, as well as the effect that had on the service delivery of deacons. A journey, therefore, examining the past along with the future. We shall take the lessons we have learned in the past and apply them to improve our endeavours in the future which have already commenced.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article is intradisciplinary, since it combines different fields within Practical Theology, like, diaconate, ecclesiological studies, and family and youth ministry. It also attends to church history. It is intradisciplinary in its attention to social sciences, more specifically social work.

Traditions of the Origin and Growth of Indigenous Prophetic Church Movements in Nigeria

Abstract Indigenous prophetic church movements constitute a significant portion of Christianity in Africa and a unique spirit in African Christianity. Garrick Braide was the first to lead such a group in Nigeria in 1915. The Christ Apostolic Church is an ancient indigenous church in Nigeria; however, it appears that the church faces problems generated by the apparent confusion about the origin of the church. This confusion is evident in the 2018 centenary anniversary of the church, contrary to the Golden Jubilee organized in 1980. Similarly, the leaders often claim that CAC is the first indigenous Pentecostal church in Nigeria, whereas it is on record that Christ Army Church was established in 1916 by Braide and his followers. As a result, urgent need was required to interrogate the traditions of origin of these two indigenous church movements and their prophets.The findings revealed that Braide’s Christ Army Church preceded the Christ Apostolic Church of Babalola.

Traversing Local-Global Religious Terrain: a Case of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star

The term “transnational” is appropriate to describe the globalized Brotherhood of the Cross and Star movement, and as such the term transnational will be used interchangeably for BCS tendencies towards traversing local-global terrain in this research paper. In the past, it has been falsely claimed that African Christianity was founded by and for Africans. African Christianity experts today refute this idea because the faith has spread successfully over the globe. This opinion also applies to BCS, an organization that has gained widespread acceptance globally. It achieves this by developing itself as a global organization, employing cutting-edge information technology, transferring missions and miracles, evangelizing abroad, and visiting foreign communities with the leader of the BCS. Thus, the paper takes into account BCS tendencies toward globalization and further presents BCS as a worldwide movement. This paper critically used of qualitative method, involving historical, and theoretical, methods. Data was sourced mostly from library materials, oral interviews, participant and personal observations, as well as the internet and views of renowned scholars in religion, African Independent Church Movement, African Christianity in the Diaspora, and sociology of religion. This research concludes that a religion, as it moves to aa foreign territory, becomes an umbrella for cultural identity, a means of connecting to the home country for immigrant members and it additionally serves as a medium of survival for indigenous members.

Missions, Theology and Christian leadership: A case of three Titi / Oukasie - Mohlakeng (Randfontein) male African Christian leaders

In his work Bantu Prophets, Bengt Sundkler, a missionary, bishop, and academic, who pioneered the study of independent churches in Africa, mentions that one African Independent Church existed in Randfontein, a town that now forms part of the current Rand West City Local Municipality in the West Rand District Municipality of Gauteng, South Africa. This article contributes to Sundkler’s work by tracing the work of three Christian leaders from the same area. It also leans on John Mbiti’s work (the Kenyan-born Christian philosopher and writer who was an ordained Anglican priest) that popularised an African proverb, through his work titled African Religions and Philosophy, that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Additionally, Shutte’s emphasis that the community is the centre of Ubuntu resonates with the above Africa proverb Shutte argues that it complements the core European ethical notion of individual freedom which according to Nicolaides has Aristotelian overtones and shows how the two notions can be amalgamated to form an ethic based on a better understanding of our humanity. Mbiti’s proverb underscores the sentiments of this article by celebrating the association of Alson Nene, Buti Tlhagale, and Moss Ntlha with Titi/Oukasie–Mohlakeng (part of Randfontein). From an Ubuntu perspective (ka Setho/ngeSintu) these leaders upheld seriti/isithunzi sa (the moral force of) Titi/Oukasie–Mohlakeng (Randfontein) in the same way as other community leaders and members associated with this area. The article uses literature analysis and some personal communications with some informants associated with Titi/Oukasie–Mohlakeng (Randfontein) to demonstrate how Alson Nene, Buti Tlhagale, and Moss Ntlha, three male Christian leaders associated with the same area, contributed, and continued to missions, theological development and Christian leadership.