ABSTRACT
From the very outset, two motifs-Liberation and Inculturation-have marked the genre of theology in Africa known as African Theology developed in the continent over the last fifty years or so. These motifs also constitute its main concerns to the extent that other theological preoccupations can easily be subsumed under them. Although initially even African theologians themselves tended to consider these motifs as two separate theological endeavors, identified respectively with biblical analysis in view of cultural identity and practical militancy in view of political, economic and racial emancipation,1 it was soon realized that such separation was false. Though distinct in emphasis, liberation and inculturation came to be seen as simply two approaches to a single united movement: the struggle to liberate the African person from oppressionwhether cultural or political, spiritual or institutional-and lead him or her to the full freedom of the children of God in Christ. In this comprehensive and holistic sense, there can be no full liberation without inculturation, and inculturation cannot be complete and meaningful without liberation.
