African Theology Research Articles

African theology of reconstruction and queer epistemic violence: A theo-ethical discourse

The legacies of colonialism in South Africa and broadly in Africa have problematised discourses on violence and discrimination. To counter coloniality and its continued efforts to dehumanise Africa, many Africans have often uncritically embraced certain notions of African culture that exacerbates the problem of homophobic violence and discrimination. This has left certain African discourses embracing ubuntu without critically addressing the violence and discrimination where ubuntu is often promoted. Recognising the attempts of African reconstruction theologians such as Mugambi and Ka Mana who advocate the necessity for African epistemic paradigms or epistemic justice, I engage their paradigms considering epistemic violence from the context of the queer community. Ubuntu must be understood within the context of African holism, a framework which African reconstruction theology makes use of. Using Dotson’s three orders of epistemic oppression, I argue that Mugambi’s theological paradigm could become problematic for the queer community because of the epistemic shells it carries into the future from the past. Considering the queer community, I argue that the epistemic flexibility of Ka Mana’s theology of reconstruction allows for more engagement because of its commitment to an ethic of African holism. At the heart of such an ethic is a commitment to the unity and the interconnectedness between God, humans, ancestors, plants and animals. This paper makes a theological contribution by engaging queer epistemic violence from the context of two African theological reconstruction paradigms.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This paper engages discourses from African masculinities, social sciences, African theology and philosophy with reference to epistemic violence enacted against the queer community.

The Holy Spirit as “the Gift” in Charles Nyamiti's Trinitarian Theology: A Pentecostal-Lutheran Dialogical Perspective

This article starts from the theology of the Tanzanian-born Charles Nyamiti (1931–2020), as one of the most creative in his generation of African theologians. Nyamiti proposed that ancestral veneration is a foundational human relationship which reflects divine realities. Thus, he proposed an understanding of the Trinity where the Father is the Ancestor, the Son is the Descendant, and the Holy Spirit is the mutual Oblation connecting the two. Because an ancestor does not exist as an ancestor without sacred ritual communication, the Holy Spirit becomes thus absolutely necessary for the Godhead. We maintain that Nyamiti's ancestral approach describes an African logic of gift-giving. Translating his theological contribution into gift-language preserves the theological insights while solving some of the logical problems with the ancestral imaginary, such as how the Father who never died is supposed to be the Ancestor. Through gift-language, Nyamiti's theological insights, which are based on African relational ontologies, become more readily applicable in World Christianity and have potential to transform ecumenism into a vibrant and inclusive embodied pneumatic action for abundant life. In other words, Nyamiti's theological heritage invites theologians to envision Christian faith beyond the confines of Hellenistic-based philosophy.

Towards an African Theology of the Lord’s Supper that is more than a Miracle Meal

Abstract The Lord’s Supper is viewed as a miracle meal by African Pentecostals. However, it is suggested that a miracle notion only partly conveys the meaning embedded in the Lord’s Supper. The study adds that the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic ritual that involves spiritual and mystical participation in God’s economy by grace through faith in Jesus Christ in the Spirit. Admission to the Lord’s Supper should be based on faith in Jesus Christ and a preparation process that includes instruction, baptism, confirmation, and regular penitential prayer such as the ‘speaking’. The essay argues that infants can partake in the Lord’s Supper based on the faith of their parents or guardians, while children of responsible age can participate if they go through the confirmation rite. The discussion covers church governance principles and suggests that limiting the covenantal rights of offending members is just insofar as the church remains an ethical institution.

Decoloniality in Theology Today: The Quest to Liberate United Theological College’s Curriculum from Foreign God Talk

United Theological College is one of the oldest and largest ecumenical institutions in Southern Africa. The institution brings together six Protestant churches in Zimbabwe. For years, the institution produced competent theologians. Unfortunately, these theologians drunk from some foreign theological calabashes whose contents are divorced from the Zimbabwean realities. The College had been clinging to the Western, far distant, and neighbouring African theologies and theologians for its curriculum forgetting to scratch where Zimbabweans are itching. This collection of different theologies into one combination was an attempt by the College to equip students with diversified theologies from different sociopolitical, economic, and religious environments, ignoring that the context is divorced from Zimbabwe’s milieu. This paper sought to invoke the institution’s continual addressing of contextual theological issues using borrowed theological epistemologies. Using a decolonial framework and qualitative research methodology, the paper challenged the institution to decolonise its curriculum by liberating it from armchair theories of foreign God talk. Structurally, the paper discussed the theoretical framework, methodology, and identity of the College and proceeded to present the curriculum of the institution and the findings from the interviews with special reference to four modules. The paper stressed that the perpetual pontification of foreign theological themes by the institution will continue to create theologians whose heads and the body are separated. The conclusion challenged the College to decolonise its curriculum and advocate for a theology that speaks with the language and idioms of the Zimbabwean milieu regardless of the challenges associated with the move. This paper contributes significantly to scholarship as it challenges United Theological College to use relevant resources to do theology. Keywords: Decoloniality, Theology, Liberate, United Theological College, Curriculum, God Talk

A Hermeneutical Approach to Theology: Teaching African understanding of Spiritual Beings and their Existence

The teaching of theology in South Africa is narrowly understood in the context of Abrahamic religions. Within those religions, there are notions like angels and demons that make sense but remain problematic in the African understanding of God and spirituality. African spirituality gets overshadowed by coloniality such that African scholars resort to silence rather than correcting those errors that are committed while teaching theology to Africans. Since theology is the study of God, it should be subject to different interpretations that allow for a multiplicity of approaches. Since demystification and decolonisation of African theology are needed, this paper denounces foreign concepts in theology that seek to demotivate the whole concept of a decolonial theology. Analytic theory is used as the lens in this study. The purpose of this study is to clearly surface the concept of decolonisation within religion and the notion of beings within theological studies. This qualitative study adopts a desktop conceptual research methodology. Major findings of this study reveal that (i) theology in South Africa is taught in a Eurocentric fashion and the concepts used are Western, (ii) there is a high level of ignoring the African concepts and religions in the plight of theologians to reinforce Christianity. Core recommendations include (i) transformation of theological teaching that accommodates African spirituality, and (ii) popularization of African notions/ concepts to refer to such beings that the Western religions have called angels and demons. This study contributes to the decolonial scholarship with regard to theological studies of spiritual beings. Keywords: Theology, Decoloniality, Africanization, Afrocentric Theology, Spirituality

Decolonising theological education in the eyes of African Theologians: Lessons for the church

Decolonising theological education in the eyes of African Theologians: Lessons for the church

A holistic ubuntu artificial intelligence ethics approach in South Africa

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most spoken-about topics in the media, academia, government and other platforms. One of the aspects that is often discussed is the ethical implications of AI and approaches to mitigate the risks. Artificial intelligence has an undeniable impact on industries as well as socio-economic structures; however, this article focusses on the impact of AI on three concerns mainly, humanity, spirituality and the environment. This article is an interdisciplinary study of African theological ethics and the philosophy of technology. It discusses the theological implications (doctrinal issues) of emerging technologies, particularly AI. It discusses technology as power which has impacted Africa since the first industrial revolution and emphasises the importance of African ethics in the context of AI in Africa. This article critically discusses ubuntu ethics and its critique. It focuses on AI and its impact on humanity, spirituality and the environment, and proposes a holistic ubuntu AI ethics approach in South Africa.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is an interdisciplinary study of African theological ethics and the philosophy of technology. Ubuntu ethics in this article derives from African Theology and African Philosophy. Ubuntu AI ethics is important for various disciplines such as theology, law, social sciences, computer sciences and information technology (especially designers and developers).

Telling the story of Anglicanism contrapuntally for the world

ABSTRACT Much of the Anglican story has been told, focusing on the history and theology of the Church of England. Edward Said used the concept of counterpoint to discuss territories as overlapped and histories intertwined. Using the insights of Said’s contrapuntal reading, this article broadens our historical horizons by interpreting the Anglican story from different locales and vantage points in three historical periods. It discussed biblical interpretation and colonialism in the works of John Robert Seeley at Cambridge and John William Colenso in Natal, South Africa, in the nineteenth century. It compares the social teachings of Archbishop William Temple and Chinese theologian TC Chao in the first half of the twentieth century. The last part focuses on the debates of human sexuality, comparing the arguments of Americans with those of African theologians.

Gustavo Gutierrez and the Economic Realities of Africa: An African Theological Reflection

The purpose of this study is to find out how Gustavo Gutierrez used theological reflection and praxis to effectively impact the economic and social life of his home country, Peru and Latin America at large and to establish the lessons African theologians can imbibe from him. The methodology used was a secondary qualitative analysis of literature. In this regard the works of Gutierrez were reviewed. Key strands of African theological reflection were reviewed. The analysis of various perspectives was done to establish their respective impact on the socio-economic life of their people. The key findings are that African theologians were preoccupied with theological phenomenon at seminar and conference levels in coming up with various strands of African theological reflections. On the other hand, Gutierrez did his theological reflection from the point of view of the suffering poor thereby reflecting on what type of theology was needed to permanently change the narratives of the poor. The concluding lessons for African Theologians include a preferential option for the poor, social ministries in the Church should demonstrate incarnation, divine spirituality should entail a commitment to the poor and oppressed, and the establishment of concrete corrective actions. The importance of the Church Community in the divine enterprise for taking ample notice of the presence of the poor and working without fail to change their story. This is a scholarly contribution to harnessing the synergy among strands of African theology towards effective and practical advocacy and activities towards the eradication of abject poverty from Africa and the development of the continent. The paper contributes to the search for practical steps to reduce or end the abject poverty and poor development trajectory in Africa. Keywords: Theology, Economic, poverty, oppressed poor, incarnational ministry

The Role of Ecumenism, Church, and Missiology in Violent Conflict from an African Postcolonial Theological Perspective

Abstract The defining sign of our time in relation to violent conflict is the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. It impacts not only European countries, but also the Global South. From an African postcolonial theological perspective, the question is how to discern the ‘neutral’ stance of South Africa and various other African countries on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? Therefore, this article aims to present a postcolonial African analysis of violent conflict and trauma in Africa. This will be done referring to the debate between Tinyiko Maluleke and Emmanuel Katongole on the future of African theology. It concludes that the churches in Africa and theology can play their role in a posture of humility, leading in performing rituals of lament in the face of trauma. The narrative of a future African theology (and African ecclesiology) may not adhere to Eurocentric (neocolonial) dictates, or to reductionist analysis of the context.

“And You, Africans, Who Do You Say Jesus Is?”: The Legacy of Laurenti Magesa for the Future of African Theology

A healthy church is a church not afraid to journey into the new horizon the Spirit invites it to explore. To embark on this journey, such a church needs bold theologians. Theology, at its best, embodies the ability to make relevant God’s enduring word of life for all in the world. This vocation of a theologian is fully embodied in the works and life of Laurenti Magesa, an African priest and theologian from Tanzania. Throughout his adult life, Magesa asked the unsettling questions that spark needed dialogue among theologians and fellow Christians around the world. This article attempts to retrieve key insights from his vast array of works. Finally, the article argues for new horizons theologians from Africa ought to set their gaze on as they attempt to address social and religious issues plaguing the African continent.

Ecumenical framework in Mbiti’s African theology

This study discusses the theological framework of John Mbiti’s African theology. It has identified Konrad Raiser’s “Ecumenical paradigm” as a framework within which to conceptualize and understand Mbiti’s theological works, approach, and perspectives. The study argues that Mbiti works with an ecumenical paradigm and framework of African religion(s) and culture. Raiser’s metaphor of “One Household of Life”, is an important theological conceptual tool to try to grasp Mbiti’s approach and methodology. Taking an ecumenical approach, Raiser argues the importance of religions and faith confessions of engaging in dialogue and communication. Behind dialogue, lies the more critical question of the authority of the local context and religions, in relations to Western Christianity. Mbiti wrestles with the question: what authority does African Tradition Religion (ATR) have in relation to Western Christianity, and other religions? Further the study, highlights that there are two principles that are at work in Mbiti’s theological framework and approach, namely, the local in relation to the universal, and the normative in relation to the relative, which can also be understood as the absolutizing in relation to the relativizing.

Beyond Marxist Framework: Understanding and Recovering the Method, the Theology of Daily Life in Jean-Marc Ela’s African (Black) Theology

Beyond Marxist Framework: Understanding and Recovering the Method, the Theology of Daily Life in Jean-Marc Ela’s African (Black) Theology

Kwame Bediako. African Theology for a World Christianity, written by Tim Hartman

Kwame Bediako. African Theology for a World Christianity, written by Tim Hartman

Haunted by Reconciliation?

Abstract Conversations about race in South Africa continue to be shaped by a religious-redemptive narrative of reconciliation that emerged in the democratic transition. However, there is a history of critical Black and liberation theological voices questioning whether the religious/ethical ideal of reconciliation adequately addresses the injustices of systemic racism. These questions gained new resonance in recent years with social movements like #feesmustfall. This article asks whether the seemingly intractable hope that a theological concept of reconciliation will be efficacious in facilitating racial justice is warranted. We begin by reviewing and interrogating how reconciliation is being used in contemporary theological discourses, arguing that given rising discontent, it is striking that reconciliation continues to be a prominent theme and topic within South African Christian theological discourses. We then propose several alternatives that may help address the problem of white racism and benefit from the sustained energy that South African theology has been putting into the language of reconciliation.

Saint Stephen in Africa: On Saints, Spinsters, and Synagogues in Late Antiquity

Abstract: This study forges a novel link between an image molded unto an oil lamp from Carthage and the text that inspired it. Wrongly considered unique and misinterpreted for over a century, the lamp features a hallowed figure holding a cross in its right arm and crushing a serpent-dragon under its feet. This triad—man, cross, beast—is planted atop an inverted seven-branch candelabra, the ubiquitous Jewish symbol of Late Antiquity. Behind the story of the pictured saint simultaneously subduing a dragon and a candelabra is a tradition of vehement anti-Judaism based on the New Testament and richly laced with African theology and martyrology. Using as interpretative keys a group of oil lamps manufactured in North Africa for Christian and Jewish customers, this study traces the evolution of new, peculiarly African discourses of sainthood, of martyrdom, and of Jewishness.

Religious Hybridity: Opportunities and Challenges for African Christian Theology

Abstract Religious hybridity points to the religiosity of individuals who are anchored in one religious system while involved at various levels through affiliation, participation, belonging, or allegiance to other religious traditions. If religious hybridity presents some Christological challenges for African theology, it also brings some opportunities since the persistence of religious hybridity reflects particular aspects of Christian teachings or practices which need further reflections and/or actions. Some areas of the Christian teaching or rituals do not seem to provide sufficient or satisfactory answers to some African Christians who therefore feel the need to retain elements of their traditional religions. African Christian theology is compelled to respond to those unmet needs which are mainly the demands for a genuine inculturation of transitional rites, a more holistic approach to healing, and a proactive engagement with the social reality. The palaver model can be a useful tool to approach those issues.

Ancestor Christology:

Abstract
 Attempts at developing a Christology from a uniquely African perspective could be considered as one of the contextual expressions of Christian theological enterprise. Of course, it is clear that within the context of world Christianity, every theology is contextual. This article, which critically explores the Christological ideas of one of the foremost African theologians, Bénézet Bujo, locates the many reflections about Christ within the African context. The article consistently argues for the necessity of African Christology and for a deepened understanding of Bujo’s argument in making the person of Christ intelligible within Africa by deploying the traditional African category of ancestorship in this regard. Ancestorship as a Christological paradigm remains contentious as it raises a lot of questions as to its appropriateness in the understanding of Christ for African Christians. Yet, the assessment of the paradigm must go beyond seeking a logical interpretation that ties it to the predominant Christological formulations of the West to seek the meaning of revelation within the African worldview. This article, therefore, appraises the insights of Bujo and highlights the deficiencies of his arguments, while calling for more attention to its ethical and catechetical import.

Building a united community: Reading the Johannine concept of unity through the eyes of an Akan

From the 1960s, African theologians sought to decolonise biblical scholarship, calling for a hermeneutical approach that pays attention to the African sociocultural context – inculturation. One of the undergirding principles of inculturation is that there are African sociocultural questions that the Bible can address through the appropriate interpretative methodology. Thus, this culminated in the application of inculturation on different levels. Similarly, an analysis of Akan aphorisms – the anthology of valuable data on Akan anthropology and communitarian egalitarianism – and the Johannine theology of unity reveals that there are sociocultural maladies that require inculturation. Consequently, the study employed Ukpong’s inculturation hermeneutics to read the Johannine unity ideation because it facilitates the cross-pollination of ideas – the Johannine unity ideation to critique the Akan culture and the conceptualisation of unity in Akan proverbial lore to enrich the understanding of the Johannine theology of unity. The findings indicated that Akan unity ideation receives its impetus from personal and communal benefits, making sustainability impossible without them. Additionally, it contravenes the tenets of Akan communalism and anthropology. Furthermore, it revealed that Christian unity is grounded on replicating the divine community; therefore, it can fill the lacunae in the Akan concept. Finally, it established that the culture enriches the text.Contribution: Given that this article is an interactive engagement between the Johannine and Akan concepts of unity, it contributes to the ongoing discussions on contextual theology – the inculturation of the New Testament in the African context. Furthermore, it contributes to the discussions on Akan communalism.

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