In Safari-based Theology Dr. Enos Lwamba has developed an approach to theology and mission based on his proposed safari motif for the development of theology and mission. Based on his Ph.D. dissertation: The Safari Motif in the Development of Theology in Africa, Dr. Lwamba argues that God has used a series of divine redemptive safaris in the Bible to reveal Himself progressively to people. The author develops his proposed motif around a tri-dimensional conception of reality and time and explores a threefold aspect of the safari: mwanzo, sasa, and mwisho, which provide keys to the African mindset. He explores the various meanings and uses of the safari idea from both a biblical and theological perspective. In addition to the literal safaris, journey is an analogy of the church and believers are on a divine safari, individually and collectively. The safari model highlights the absolute necessity of the biblical message and the contextual situation to help Christians live effective and fruitful lives in society now and in future. Inspired by both John Mbitis The African Concept of Time and Paul Hieberts The Flaw of the Excluded Middle, the author utilizes biblical, theological, historical, and contextual sources to make his point. In the philosophical aspect of the safari, the author develops his notion of an African conception of time modeled on the cultural safari idea which he relates to development of theology and mission. He refutes the western influenced or commercially based notion that safari refers to a game hunting or tourist expedition to Africa. Dr. Lwamba promotes the argument that the philosophical framework and methodology drawn from the safari approach provides a more effective way of doing theology and mission in Africa and other contextual situations. He also draws parallels to the safari concept from such sources as Augustines City of God, John Bunyans The Pilgrims Progress and others in a refreshing and original style that the reader will find engaging. The motif provides interpretational and practical application tools as it harmonizes the unity of the biblical message. Its practical appeal makes Safari-Based Theology a must read for Christians and others interested in their daily journey of faith. The author contends that just as the idea of logos described the mindset, conception of divine truth, and aspirations of the Greek mind, the concept of safari does the same for the African. This book is highly recommended for pastors, missionaries, and teachers, as well as students of Bible and theology, culture and missions, and other related disciplines.

Fachbuch aus dem Jahr 2012 im Fachbereich Theologie - Sonstiges, , Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Since the 1960s African theology has been a locus of debate on the relevance of the Christian God in African societies. Pioneer African theologians felt the need to protest against what was considered as the disregard or even denial of African religions cultures by Western missionaries. They called for a theology that would take seriously African religious values. The Christological inquiry, that is, the question about how to present Christ meaningfully to Africans has dominated this debate for more than 30 years. This enquiry is based on the assumption that missionary Christianity did not bring God to Africa, rather it brought Christ. Hence presenting Christ through African symbols will help Africans to become Christians without losing their identity. However, there seem to be a shift in the recent times. Young African theologians see the need to move away from a cultural nostalgic anti-missionary theology to a free expression of the Christian faith in such a way that it responds to the Africans‘ present search for meaning as well as the necessary healthy tension between the Gospel and Cultures. This theology is more critical and kerygmatic. While prlonging the intuition of pioneer African theologians, it seeks to offer broader scriptural and dogmatic bases to faith interpretation in Africa. The book, Jesus in Post-Missionary Africa-Questions and Issues in African Contextual Christology, proposed here by the Claretian theologian, Nicholas Mbogu takes its place in this refreshing shift of emphasis. The author states clearly that our proclamation of God in Africa will be seriously deficient without an adequate Christology. The book is presented in ten chapters. Chapters 1-3 present the origin and development of theology in Africa. It is shown clearly that since the seminal gestures of Black priests who wrote the famous book, Des pretres noirs s’interrogant, 1956, asking whether and how catholicity can integrate the Negritude, African theology has affirmed and consolidated itself as a contextual theology that is mindful of orthodoxy. With dexterity, the author shows the interpretation of theology and historical events, as well as historical science and literature. Political and economic developments, especially the searach for independence and distorted systems of post-colonial government also affected theology in Africa. [...]

In a world of increasing globalization, we live amidst a clash of cultures, religions, and worldviews – each battling for the human heart and mind. In this in-depth study, Yusufu Turaki offers a theological framework for engaging this clash of perspectives in Africa, where traditional African religions, colonialism, and exposure to Christianity have each had a lasting impact on contemporary African worldviews. Professor Turaki undertakes a systematic analysis of the nature of African Traditional Religion, its complex history with Christianity, and the need for African Christian theology to address its cultural and historical roots effectively. He provides both a conceptual framework and practical guide for engaging African cultures and religions with compassion, understanding, and a firm foundation rooted in scriptural truth. This book is an excellent resource for students of religion and theology, as well as those interested in Africa’s traditional heritage or drawn to the important work of cross-cultural and inter-religious dialogue.

This stimulating and provocative work provides a comprehensive introduction to African theology by focussing on the role of animals in African teaching. The work surveys African approaches to religion, beginning with sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing Judaic, Christian and Islamic beliefs, and concluding with African theology today. It highlights the influence of African theology on all the major religions, including the preservation of Jewish texts and the establishment of Christian traditions such as hermeticism and monasticism. The author demonstrates, through numerous examples, the centrality of the natural world to African faiths. This, she argues, is an aspect sorely lacking in dominant religious traditions, which have tended to treat the natural world as less valuable than humanity and thus more expendable, leading to our current disastrous state in which the existence of animals is put at serious risk. She concludes that for the good of the world, mainstream theology must be Africanised before it is too late.

Robin Horton's critical and creative writings on African religious thought have influenced anthropologists, philosophers, and all those interested in the comparative study of religion and thought. This selection of some of his classic papers, with a new introduction and postscript by the author, traces Horton's theoretical ideas over thirty years. In attempting to understand African religious thought, he also tackles broader issues in the history and sociology of thought, such as secularisation and modernisation. Part I is a critical assessment of two established interpretive approaches, the Symbolist and the Theological. Part II proposes an alternative 'Intellectualist' approach that emphasises the structural and processual similarities between religious and scientific thinking. The postscript appraises the Intellectualist approach in the light of theorising about religion and world views.

Alumni directory issue, 1859-1951: v. 44, no. 4/v. 45, no. 1.