After colonialism and the influence of Western mission began to decline, Africans have engaged to interpret the Word of God in the light of their own historical and cultural context. Transplanted theology and methodology during the colonial era did not scratch where Africans itch. When church liturgy, polity, preaching and teaching began to represent acceptable cultural forms the gospel began to take part in the core being of Africans. This course investigates how Christianity tackled the issue of polygamy, apartheid, social unrest, poverty, urbanization, etc.
This class sheds light on the process and principles of African contextualization. Those who are committed to make the gospel speak to their context will find the course to be academically enriching and practical in their ministry context.
The gospel and culture are dynamic and when one encounters the other change is inevitable. As Christianity addressed the gentile and Jewish customs and norms in the first century, this course explores the positive contribution of Christianity in the African culture after colonialism. For peace and stability, for global economy and mission work, the prophetic and apostolic message of the African church is crucial.
The NT Christ, who walk on the streets of Israel for most of his life except for a short donkey ride to Jerusalem. The Christ who was homeless, who was born and raised in colony, the Christ who test the bitter cup of injustice and was rejected and crucified, the Christ who calls converts his brothers, sisters, and his family, has found home in African culture and Africans’ Worldview. The course presents the power of the gospel, transforming people from inside out.
Contextualization is missional when it makes the Bible relevant to the contexts of the believers. The course analyzes the strengths and weak points of the contextualization of the gospel in relation to the issues tackled by the church in Africa after colonialism.
Presenting the revelation of God through the cultural forms of the recipients is a daunting task of the church and every missionary. This course contributes to the effort of those who labor to make the Bible speak to the contexts of their audience.
Both in its scope and in message, African Christianity beyond colonialism is intercultural. The content of this course reflects the same value and communication that can cross the boundaries of culture.
The course deals with societal, family, economic and human right issues. The course enhances the effectiveness of the students in their present or future ministry careers. Therefore, theory and practice are not divorced.
Course assignments require building a contextualized theology and missiology to practical and contextual issue of the student.
