{"title":"Evangelicalism in Africa - what it is and what it does.","authors":"A. Balcomb","doi":"10.7832/44-2-142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/44-2-142","url":null,"abstract":"Evangelicalism is experiencing spectacular growth on the African continent. However definitions of Evangelicalism continue to be dominated by a western understanding of the phenomenon. An African understanding of Evangelicalism as well as African examples need to feature in discussions of the topic. Evangelicalism in Africa should be understood more by what it does for its adherents than by its doctrinal formulations. Its success on the sub-continent of Africa could be due to the fact that it transacts at the interface of a modern and pre-modern worldview. It meets the needs that an African condition creates and opens the way to what a modern condition demands. It resonates both with the spirituality of Africa and the materialism and individualism of modernity and provides its adherents the sense of agency demanded in the modern world but which is opaque and complex in an African universe. It translates in various and diverse ways, both positively and negatively, into the social, economic, and political structures of African society.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"44 1","pages":"117-128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71256495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Creative Tensions in Mission: Bosch 25 Years On","authors":"J. Corrie","doi":"10.7832/44-2-147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/44-2-147","url":null,"abstract":"The concept of 'creative tension' is central to the thesis of Transforming Mission, and remains one of Bosch's most important contributions to missiology. Bosch's use of this concept is explored in relation to his 'ermerging ecumenical paradigm', to the theology of mission, and to the mission of the Church. It is shown how the term is not merely a construct but reaches back into our understanding of God Himself, and as such is essential to theology as well as to missiology. There contemporary examples of the use of creative tensions are explored, relating to urban mission, prophetic dialogue and mission partnerships. It is concluded that the concept is essential to the theology and practice of mission.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"44 1","pages":"192-204"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71256505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Now Those Who Were Scattered Went about Preaching the Word (Acts 8:4): The Migrant Church and Its Mission According to the Book of Acts","authors":"C. Stenschke","doi":"10.7832/44-2-99","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/44-2-99","url":null,"abstract":"After a brief survey of migration in the Bible, this article examines migration be it voluntary or enforced in the Book of Acts. Acts describes in Stephen's speech in surprising detail experiences of migration in Israel's past and its theological implications. Acts also describes that many early Christian missionaries served in places that were not their places of origin, voluntarily or by force: the disciples ended up in Jerusalem and eventually at the ends of the earth rather than returning to Galilee. Others had come to Jerusalem from elsewhere even before encountering the Gospel and ministered throughout the Eastern Mediterranean world as they became involved in mission. Early Christian mission is closely related to migration and dislocation, voluntary or by force, led by the Spirit and for the sake of the Gospel. Repeatedly other missionaries had to flee in order to avoid persecution. Despite the tragedy and suffering involved, there were also great opportunities which were readily seized: the Gospel moved forward. Much of early Christian mission was accomplished by refugees. A final section reflects on the significance of this portrayal of early Christian mission for the church and its mission in the 21st century.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"44 1","pages":"129-151"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71256099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pauls Theology of Mission and Missionary Methods","authors":"D. Moe","doi":"10.7832/45-2-161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/45-2-161","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of this article not simply to relate to Paul’s mission theology and missionary methods as ‘theory and practice’ in the sense that his missionary methods flow from his theology, but rather in the sense that his theology is a missionary theology in nature. [1] Understood in this mutual ways, I will begin where Paul himself begin—with the Damascus event of his conversion and call. I will next study the contents of his missionary theology and the forms of his missionary works among the Gentiles. [1] Arland J. Hulgren, Paul’s Gospel and Mission (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress, 1983), 145.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"45 1","pages":"99-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71256116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Christian Churches, the State, and Genocide in Rwanda","authors":"A. Court","doi":"10.7832/44-1-106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/44-1-106","url":null,"abstract":"The churches in Rwanda have exercised considerable political influence during both the colonial and post-colonial periods. Although formally autonomous institutions subordinate to the state, in actuality they have cultivated political influence through their religious teachings and secular role as the loci of material and social resources. However, there is at least one key factor, which has contributed to their fluctuating political influence within Rwanda. During the colonial period, the dominant Catholic Church functioned within a colonial regime of indirect rule, predicated on sustaining the political authority of a Tutsi-dominated Central Court presiding over the territories roughly contiguous with the present-day republic. This threefold division of power and authority acted as a brake upon the hegemonic ambitions of the Church, the royal house and the colonial administrators. Following the abolition of the monarchy in 1961, the structure of political power and authority of the state was fundamentally transformed, clearing the way for the emergence of a 'state church' whose political role in the two Hutu dominated post-colonial republics would have significant historical implications. In this essay, I argue that it was this structural transformation of the Rwandan polity - marking the shift from a trilateral to a dual relationship between state and Church -, which contributes to our understanding of how the Church became embroiled in the mass violence and genocide in the twentieth century Rwandan polity.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"44 1","pages":"50-67"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71256405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"ABODE IN HEAVEN: PAUL AND LIFE AFTER DEATH IN 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1-10","authors":"P. Verster","doi":"10.7832/44-1-78","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/44-1-78","url":null,"abstract":"In 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Paul uses different methods to explain his view on life after death. He uses the metaphors of a tent, a building, clothing and being at home with God. It is clear that Paul accepted that the future with God is certain and that he will receive a building from God in heaven even though he may die. There is life with God even before the final resurrection. A life of bliss is assured for those who believe in God.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"44 1","pages":"19-33"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71256535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hope in the midst of Death: Charismatic Spirituality, Healing Evangelists and the Ebola Crises in Sierra Leone","authors":"J. Bangura","doi":"10.7832/44-1-113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/44-1-113","url":null,"abstract":"The Ebola crises that crippled West Africa from December 2013 onwards is a watershed moment in the history of those nations. The crises profoundly impacted the regions inadequate healthcare, obstructed the potential for socioeconomic development, and challenged long held traditional and religious beliefs. As Ebola began to take its toll by depleting human life, the world could not stand idly by and observe as poor post-war nations were overwhelmed by a colossal health catastrophe. By the time Ebola was contained, this obnoxious monster had taken an estimated 11,300 lives in the three worst affected countries in the region. But while medical practitioners were at the forefront of the battle, healing evangelists drawing inspiration from their understanding of Scripture, African culture and Charismatic spirituality, also provided responses that proved essential in the fight against Ebola. This article reviews the responses proffered by healing evangelists and discuss how the overall Charismatic spirituality inspired hope in the midst of the Ebola crises in Sierra Leone.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"44 1","pages":"2-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71256420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Christian mission in creative tension with African worldview(s): A post-colonial engagement regarding life after death and ancestry","authors":"D. Mashau, T. E. Ngcobo","doi":"10.7832/44-1-89","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/44-1-89","url":null,"abstract":"Christian mission in African context, especially in the post-colonial era, can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the fact that it co-exists with the African traditional religion(s). This article deals with the creative tension that exists between Christian mission and African worldview(s) in the area of life after death. In this article we presuppose more than a mere dialogue between ideas or individuals or denominations, but the encounter of different praxes. This article concludes that the dead in the worldviews are not dead; they continue to live in a different form and they continue to speak from the grave even though their praxes differ.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"44 1","pages":"34-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71256546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The rebirth of kairos theology and its implications for public theology and citizenship in South Africa","authors":"C. L. Bruyns","doi":"10.7832/43-3-131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/43-3-131","url":null,"abstract":"This article explores the relationship between kairos theology and public theology, placing a particular emphasis on kairos aspects such as contextuality, criticality and change. The article draws from and reflects on the dialogue between South African and Palestinian kairos theologies, the more recent Kairos South Africa movement and the shackdwellers' movement Abahlali baseMjondolo in order to describe a public theology marked by responsibility and contextuality.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"43 1","pages":"460-477"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71255917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Deliberative public sphere - the rereading of Habermas's theory in Brazil and its significance for a public theology","authors":"Eneida Jacobsen","doi":"10.7832/43-3-129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7832/43-3-129","url":null,"abstract":"With the democratization process in Brazil, legal guarantees were obtained for political mobilizations and organizations. At the societal level, the emergence of new social actors helped expand the boundaries of the political and consolidate a politically influential public sphere. Although communication between the public sphere and the political system occurs under many limitations, new experiences at the local level such as the Participatory Budget enable a clearer link between society and state. In theoretical terms, this means a complement to a discursive conception of the public sphere as developed by Jurgen Habermas, as a deliberative function is assigned to it. In this paper, after considering the social and theoretical context of reception and rereading of the concept of public sphere in sociological studies in Brazil, we engage the question about a public theology that can be developed in a dialogue with Habermas’s theory. Resorting to the criticism of South African theologians James Cochrane and Tinyiko Maluleke against public theologies that based on Habermas reject the democratic potential of liberation theologies, we affirm that criticism and resistance are constitutive elements of democratic dialogue. This affirmation is not inconsistent with the political theory of Habermas; rather, his theory allows to identify the relevance of a public theology precisely in its connection with spheres of life in which the suffering caused by the social problems to be denounced and discussed in the public sphere are more directly perceived. Besides the link between lifeworld and public sphere, as well as between public sphere and political system, other themes of Habermas’s political theory regarded in this article as relevant to be considered in discussions of public theology are the creative potential of language and the presence of religion in the public sphere.","PeriodicalId":31107,"journal":{"name":"Missionalia Southern African Journal of Missiology","volume":"43 1","pages":"493-512"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71255835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}