This graduate-level course explores African Christology through an evangelical lens, emphasizing the biblical portrayal of Jesus Christ while critically engaging African cultural contexts. Drawing on Scripture as the ultimate authority, students examine how Christological doctrines intersect with African worldviews, distinguishing faithful contextualization from syncretistic distortions that compromise evangelical orthodoxy. Key concepts include Christ as the supreme Ancestor who fulfills and surpasses indigenous ancestral mediation (e.g., Hebrews 1:1-3); as Healer addressing holistic needs amid spiritual warfare (e.g., Mark 5); as Liberator from oppression, poverty, and sin (e.g., Luke 4:18-19); and as King embodying divine sovereignty over earthly rulers (e.g., Revelation 19:16). These themes are analyzed using African hermeneutics—proverbs, oral traditions, and indigenous lenses—to illuminate biblical texts without elevating cultural elements above God's Word.
Central to the course is the Missio Dei, God's redemptive mission to reconcile all creation through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Students trace how African Christologies propel this mission by portraying Jesus as the agent of personal salvation—through faith in His atoning death and resurrection (Romans 10:9)—which serves as the foundation for personal renewal and societal transformation. This evangelical framework critiques holistic soteriology that blurs spiritual redemption with material prosperity, instead grounding social justice, healing, and liberation in regenerated lives empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Readings feature theologians like John Mbiti, Bénézet Bujo, Victor Ezigbo, Kwame Bediako, Charles Nyamiti, and Mercy Amba Oduyoye, alongside evangelical critiques, to foster dialogue with indigenous religions while upholding scriptural fidelity. Assessments include: a 15-page critical research paper analyzing a Christological motif in an African context; weekly seminar discussions with peer responses; a midterm exegetical presentation linking African themes to Missio Dei; and a final portfolio integrating personal reflection on how Christ-centered transformation advances global mission.
By taking this graduate-level course in African Christology, students gain a robust understanding of how to articulate and apply Christological doctrines within African cultural contexts while maintaining evangelical fidelity to Scripture. They develop critical skills in biblical hermeneutics, learning to use African proverbs, oral traditions, and indigenous lenses to interpret texts without compromising orthodoxy. Through engagement with theologians like Mbiti, Bediako, and Oduyoye, students acquire a nuanced perspective on contextual theology, equipping them to navigate the tension between inculturation and syncretism.
This course is essential for students seeking to engage in global mission or ministry within African or diaspora contexts, as it equips them to proclaim Christ in culturally resonant ways without diluting biblical truth. By exploring Christ as Ancestor, Healer, Liberator, and King, students grasp how African Christologies advance the Missio Dei, addressing pressing issues like oppression, spiritual warfare, and social injustice through the lens of personal salvation. The course’s evangelical perspective ensures a Scripture-grounded approach, critical in a world where syncretism threatens theological integrity. Through dialogue with African worldviews and theologians, students are challenged to think critically about contextualization, making this course vital for those called to lead in cross-cultural ministry, foster holistic transformation, or contribute to global theological discourse.
This course anchors African Christology in the authority of Scripture, using texts like Hebrews 1:1-3 and Romans 10:9 to frame Christ as Ancestor, Healer, Liberator, and King. Students develop skills in evangelical hermeneutics, critically engaging African cultural lenses while upholding biblical orthodoxy. By distinguishing faithful contextualization from syncretism, the course ensures that Christological interpretations remain rooted in God’s Word, equipping students to articulate a robust, Scripture-grounded theology that resists cultural distortions and fosters a deep commitment to evangelical fidelity in diverse ministry contexts.
The course centers on the Missio Dei, God’s redemptive mission to reconcile creation through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Students explore how African Christologies propel this mission by presenting Jesus as the agent of personal salvation and societal transformation. Through assignments like exegetical presentations, they learn to connect Christ’s roles to global mission, addressing African realities such as oppression and spiritual warfare. This focus equips students to engage in mission work, proclaiming Christ’s atoning work as the foundation for holistic renewal in African and diaspora communities, advancing God’s kingdom.
Students engage African cultural contexts—proverbs, oral traditions, and indigenous worldviews—to shape Christological understanding, ensuring relevance in diverse settings. By studying theologians like Mbiti and Nyamiti, they learn to integrate African perspectives without elevating them above Scripture. The course’s research paper and discussions challenge students to critically assess cultural elements, distinguishing faithful contextualization from syncretism. This prepares them to craft theologies that resonate with African realities, such as communal harmony and holistic healing, while maintaining evangelical integrity, equipping them for effective ministry in culturally dynamic environments.
The course fosters cross-cultural competence by immersing students in African Christological frameworks through theologians like Bediako and Oduyoye. It equips them to navigate diverse African and diaspora contexts, addressing themes like liberation and ancestral mediation. Seminar discussions and presentations encourage dialogue with indigenous religions, preparing students to proclaim Christ in culturally resonant ways without compromising biblical truth. This intercultural focus empowers students to lead in global mission, fostering mutual understanding and effective ministry in multicultural settings, advancing the gospel across diverse cultural landscapes.
Through practical assessments like a 15-page research paper, exegetical presentations, and seminar discussions, students develop skills to apply African Christology in real-world ministry. The course addresses pressing issues like oppression, poverty, and spiritual warfare, equipping students to contextualize Christ’s roles as Healer and Liberator. By engaging African hermeneutics, students learn to communicate theological truths effectively in African contexts. This practical orientation ensures graduates are prepared to lead in ministry, academia, or mission, addressing holistic needs while grounding their work in the transformative power of personal salvation.
The course’s final portfolio encourages deep personal reflection on Christ-centered transformation, connecting African Christology to students’ own spiritual growth. By exploring Christ’s roles through African lenses, students internalize the gospel’s impact on personal and societal renewal. This experiential focus, coupled with engagement with theologians like Bediako, empowers students to embody the Missio Dei in their lives and ministries. The course fosters a transformative encounter with Christ, equipping students to share the gospel’s redemptive power in global mission contexts, impacting both themselves and their communities.
