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DE 5640 African Theology and Religions

Lecturer: Tite Tiénou

Course Description

This course is an introduction to Christian theologizing in Africa against the background of African cultures and religions. Since Africa has witnessed a rapid expansion of the Christian faith, it is imperative that people interested in Christian ministry in the continent should familiarize themselves with the major issues involved in developing authentic Christian theology within the contemporary context of the continent. After a brief examination of how to study and understand Africa, the course will focus on factors which led to the debate on Christian theologizing in Africa. Descriptions and analyses of African religions will be provided. African theology will be studied in depth. Two hours.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Appreciate the continent of Africa as Christianity's most fertile soil.
Comprehend the major issues in the study of African religions.
Sketch the history and development of African Christian theology.
Examine specific African proposals for African theology.
Ascertain what lessons can be learned from Africa by the rest of the worldwide Christian Church

Course Materials

All required course materials can be purchased through the TEDS bookstore (800.456.7323 | 847.317.6800).

Required

Tiénou, Tite. African Theology and Religions, Audio Taped Lectures & Study Guide. Grand Rapids, MI: Institute of Theological Studies, a division of Outreach, Inc., 1997.
Bediako, Kwame. Christianity in Africa: The renewal of a non-western religion. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1995.
Dickson, Kwesi. Theology in Africa. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1984, 234 pp. (This book accompanies the purchase of the lecture tapes.)
Isichei, Elizabeth. A History of Christianity in Africa. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995, 420pp.
Parratt, John. Reinventing Christianity: African Theology Today. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995, 217pp.
Ray, Benjamin C. African Religions. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1976, 238pp.