Religion and Social Reconstruction in Africa by Bongmba, Elias Kifon;

Short description:

This book addresses religion in Africa and explores the implications of a theology of reconstruction, most notably articulated by Jesse Mugambi. This way of thinking seeks to build on liberation theology, aiming to encourage the rebuilding of African society on its own terms.

Long description:

Religion has played a major role in both the division and unification of peoples and countries within Africa. Its capacity to cause, and to heal, societal rifts has been well documented. This book addresses this powerful societal force, and explores the implications of a theology of reconstruction, most notably articulated by Jesse Mugambi. This way of thinking seeks to build on liberation theology, aiming to encourage the rebuilding of African society on its own terms.

An international panel of contributors bring an interdisciplinary perspective to the issues around reconstructing the religious elements of African society. Looking at issues of reconciliation, postcolonialism and indigenous spirituality, among others, they show that Mugambi’s cultural and theological insight has the potential to revolutionise the way people in Africa address this issue.

This is a fascinating exploration of the religious facets of African life. As such, it will be of great interest to scholars of religious studies, theology and African studies.

Table of Contents:

Introduction: Engaging Religion and Reconstruction  Part I: Biblical and Ecclesial Perspectives  1 Texts of affirmation rather than negation: Jesse N.K. Mugambi and African Biblical Studies  2 The Life of King David as a Model of Reconstruction  3 Worshipping God the Spirit "in Spirit and Truth" in Africa: One African Woman’s Reflections on John 4:19-24  4 Olódùmarè: The Hidden but Relevant God in the Yoruba Religious Imagination  5 Destiny and Eschatology in Jesse Mugambi’s Writings  6 The Church of the Future: Dialogue on the Ecclesiology of Mugambi  7 Christian Councils in Africa: Whence? Whither?: Impressions  Part II: Liberation and Reconstruction  8 Postcolonial Positions – Jesse Mugambi and the Christian Responsibility in the Socio-Political Sphere  9 Relating Peace in African Religion to Theologies of Liberation and Reconstruction  10 Re-orientation: Theology of Reconstruction and Intercultural Theology  11 Reconstruction Theology in Action: Exploring the Significance of J.N.K. Mugambi’s Theological Contribution through a Case Study of Nairobi Chapel/Mavuno Church in Nairobi, Kenya  12 Theology of Reconstruction: A Paradigm for Reflection on Revitalization in African Christianity  13 "… Then Towards the Rebuilding of Our Societies Now in Ruins"  14 Reconstructing Mission: The Church in Africa in the Service of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation  Part III: Future Trajectories on Religion and Theology in a Global Context  15 The Reality of African Religio-Cultural Identity in the Context of Globalization  16 Integrity of Mission in Light of the Gospel in Africa: A Perspective from an African in Diaspora  17 On Freedom: Risking a (Faithful) Reinterpretation  18 The Challenge Facing the Next Generation of African Theologians  19 Narratives of the Future in African History: Advancing Aspirations for Liberation and Reconstruction in Africa  20 African Theology and African Literature: Rediscovering a Daring Intellectual Project  21 Theological Education in Africa: Concerns and Contribution of Professor Jesse N.K. Mugambi  22 Missions and Money Revisited  23 Managing Religious Diversity in Tanzania: Islamic Revivalism and Modes of Governance