Despite the perceived declining of Christianity in the West, Christianity in Africa is growing rapidly. With an increase of 4,000% in the last century, and an annual growth of 2.5%, Africa is one of the fastest growing Christian continents in the world today. Despite the social unrest, poverty, external and internal exploitation and injustice Africans go through; it is undeniable that a strong sense of the Divine pervades the ordinary lives of the peoples of Africa. African converts primarily became Christians instead of church members. Africans have recognized the radical quality of God’s self-disclosure in Jesus Christ and they understand the God of the Bible within their own idioms and cultural accoutrements. This course explores the insinuation of the current Christian growth in Africa on the various challenges the continent face and the implication of growth on global Christianity.
The unidirectional of mission, which has been from the West to the rest, has now become from everywhere to everywhere. Students of this course will learn the current and future contribution of the African church to global Christianity.
The dramatic shift in the demographics of African Christianity in the last century necessitates new analysis of its present shape, multivalent relationship to its colonial past, relationship to the African Indigenous Churches, and likely major contribution to the shape and leadership of Christianity in the future. The course African Christianity in global context has never been more important than now.
Scripture clearly explains that there is no one particular race or ethnic group who is the custodian of the mission of God. The word of God reminds recipients of the gospel to give freely what they have graciously and freely received from God. This includes the African church.
The primary reason for the existence of the church is to engage with the mission of God. There is no barrier, political or economic, that can totally paralyze the church of Jesus Christ not to do mission. Despite the challenges the African Christians go through we will see how effectively and efficiently African Christians are spreading the gospel at home and in diaspora.
Through reading of the bible in vernacular language, arts, hymns and songs, literature, etc. we will see the degree of contextualized gospel in Africa. On the negative side, the pitfall of synchronism and its consequence on the integrity, authority, and power of the gospel and the lives of African Christians is a precautious lesson to learn for the churches on the other parts of the world.
Christianity cannot be confined within a particular culture. The gospel is dynamic and pervasive. African missionaries, Christian scholars, believers of all professional background in global arena and at home are doing mission work in their own right. The conviction and unwavering stands of African churches on social issues such as the gay marriage have caused division and purification.
African Christians apply their faith in every aspect of their lives. Parents, teachers, soldiers, merchants, judges, etc., take their primary guidance for their thought and action from the Bible. African Christians take the words of Jesus Christ about the wise and foolish builders (Matt. 7:24-27) seriously and they apply it vehemently.
Consideration will be given to visit or attend an African church or befriend an African Christian to capture the influence and impact of Christianity on African soul and worldview.
