African Theologies of Identity and Community: The Contributions of John Mbiti, Jesse Mugambi, Vincent Mulago, and Kwame Bediako

Open Theology

Tarus David Kirwa¹  Lowery Stephanie² 

[1] McMaster Divinity College, Systematic Theology Department, Ontario, Canada;Scott Christian University, Machakos, Kenya;

关键词: african theology;    identity;    community;    ethnicity;    reconstruction;    liberation;   

DOI  :  10.1515/opth-2017-0024

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This article examines four theologies of identity and community from Africa and their relevance in combating ethnocentrism in Africa. The article focuses on the works of Vincent Mulago, John S. Mbiti, Kwame Bediako, and J. N. K. Mugambi - the key proponents of the schools of thought that we examine. The themes of identity and community have practical implications. For example, a people’s perception of themselves and their communities (social identity) affects how they perceive and relate to others. Therefore, considering the challenge of ethnocentrism worldwide, the themes of identity and community must always be examined. This article has two major sections. Foremost, it explores the relationship of these concepts. Second, it examines and critiques African theologies of identity and community and their consequent theological implications for social cohesion of communities. Finally, it proposes a way forward utilizing contributions from each theologian.

【 授权许可】

Unknown