ABSTRACT

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.

chapter |14 pages

Introduction

Engaging religion and reconstruction

part I|81 pages

Biblical and ecclesial perspectives

chapter 1|8 pages

Texts of affirmation rather than negation

Jesse N. K. Mugambi and African biblical studies

chapter 3|9 pages

Worshipping God the spirit “in spirit and truth” in Africa

One African woman’s reflections on John 4:19–24

chapter 4|12 pages

Olódùmarè

The hidden but relevant God in the Yoruba religious imagination

chapter 6|16 pages

The church of the future

Dialogue on the ecclesiology of Mugambi

chapter 7|10 pages

Christian councils in Africa

Whence? whither?: impressions

part II|100 pages

Liberation and reconstruction

chapter 10|10 pages

Re-orientation

Theology of reconstruction and intercultural theology

chapter 11|19 pages

Reconstruction theology in action

Exploring the significance of Jesse N. K. Mugambi’s theological contribution through a case study of Nairobi Chapel/Mavuno church in Nairobi, Kenya

chapter 12|18 pages

Theology of reconstruction

A paradigm for reflection on revitalization in African Christianity

chapter 14|14 pages

Reconstructing mission

The church in Africa in the service of justice, peace, and reconciliation

part III|132 pages

Future trajectories on religion and theology in a global context

chapter 16|14 pages

Integrity of mission in light of the gospel in Africa

A perspective from an African in diaspora

chapter 17|17 pages

On freedom

Risking a (faithful) reinterpretation

chapter 19|13 pages

Narratives of the future in African history

Advancing aspirations for liberation and reconstruction in Africa 1

chapter 20|14 pages

African theology and African literature

Rediscovering a daring intellectual project

chapter 21|12 pages

Theological education in Africa

Concerns and contribution of Professor Jesse N. K. Mugambi

chapter 22|16 pages

Missions and money revisited 1

chapter 23|18 pages

Managing religious diversity in Tanzania

Islamic revivalism and modes of governance