This course explores the question: Did civilizations exist in Africa prior to direct contacts with Europeans in the late 15th century? It affirms the existence of sophisticated pre-colonial African civilizations, defined by complex political organizations, cultural formations, and dynamic systems of thought comparable to other world civilizations. The course examines the local origins of African political, social, and cultural systems while analyzing how these civilizations integrated external ideas through trade, religious exchange, and cultural interactions. It highlights Africa’s contributions to global civilizations, emphasizing its role in the worldwide web of commercial, intellectual, and spiritual exchange, countering perceptions of isolation prior to European exploration. Central to the course is an emphasis on participating in the missio Dei—God’s mission to redeem and unify humanity—by fostering a Christ-centered understanding of Africa’s historical and cultural legacy as a foundation for missional engagement.
Students gain a Christ-centered perspective on global history and culture through the lens of Africa’s rich heritage. The course equips students with historical-cultural enrichment skills, tools, and systems of thought—such as critical analysis, intercultural dialogue, and missional reflection—that empower them to discern and fulfill their specific calling within God’s mission. By engaging with Africa’s past and present, students develop a deeper understanding of how the Holy Spirit works through historical and cultural contexts to advance the missio Dei, fostering unity and reconciliation across cultures.
The study of Africa is essential for understanding world history, European history, and contemporary global dynamics, including America’s historical ties to Africa. The trans-Atlantic slave trade, fueled by African labor and resources, shaped the economic foundations of the New World and early Western industrialized nations. Africa’s experiences under colonial rule provide critical insights into events leading to the world wars, religious evangelism, pan-Africanism, anti-colonialism, the Cold War, and the emergence of modern African nation-states. By studying these dynamics, students learn to engage with the missio Dei—participating in God’s redemptive work through informed, culturally sensitive, and missionally driven action that uplifts humanity and promotes justice, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal.
Rooted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and the early church’s intercultural ministry (Acts 10, Galatians 3:28), this course equips students to participate in the missio Dei by making disciples of all nations. It fosters evangelistic intercultural understanding, drawing on biblical principles of unity, justice, and love to guide students in missional outreach. Students explore Africa’s historical engagement with Christianity, such as the Ethiopian church and early African Christian communities, as models for faithful participation in God’s mission.
The course is designed to align with the missio Dei, emphasizing Christian education as an evangelistic and transformative endeavor that uplifts, informs, and unifies humanity under God’s redemptive plan. Students learn to apply historical and cultural insights to missional contexts, focusing on actions that advance God’s kingdom through reconciliation, justice, and intercultural unity. The course challenges students to embody Christ’s love in diverse settings, drawing on Africa’s historical role in global cultural and spiritual exchange.
Students examine global history and culture through Africa’s unique contributions, rejecting the notion that “one experience fits all.” The course employs tools such as historical-critical analysis, comparative cultural studies, and contextual theology to understand Africa’s diverse civilizations. These tools help students discern how God’s mission unfolds within specific historical and cultural contexts, equipping them to engage thoughtfully with diverse communities.
The course fosters cultural awareness and intercultural competence, encouraging students to build cross-cultural church fellowship and engage in the missio Dei with humility and respect. Students develop methods like intercultural dialogue, ethnographic reflection, and missional storytelling to bridge cultural divides, drawing on Africa’s history of integrating diverse ideas through trade and religious exchange.
Students are equipped with practical tools, methods, and systems of thought to engage in missional work. These include:
Historical-Critical Analysis: Evaluating primary sources to understand Africa’s political and cultural systems.
Missional Reflection: Applying biblical principles to historical and contemporary contexts to discern God’s redemptive purposes.
Intercultural Communication: Developing skills to foster dialogue and unity across cultural boundaries.
Systems Thinking: Understanding the interconnectedness of global historical and cultural dynamics to inform missional strategies. These tools enable students to critically reflect on history and culture, applying their insights to practical ministry and community engagement.
Through experiential learning, students develop and adapt tools, methods, and systems of thought for their specific missional contexts. By engaging with Africa’s history and culture, students are transformed into reflective practitioners who can implement culturally sensitive, missionally driven strategies in their service to God’s kingdom. The course encourages students to embody the missio Dei by living out Christ’s call to love, serve, and unify humanity in their unique callings.
