From Historical to Critical Post-Colonial Theology - by Robert S Heaney (Paperback)

About the Book

An exploration of the writings of African theologians John S. Mbiti and Jesse N.K. Mugambi, and their role in the emergence of a distinctive African voice in contemporary post-colonial and contextual theology.

Book Synopsis

An exploration of the writings of African theologians John Mbiti and Jesse Mugambi, and the emergence of a distinctive African voice in post-colonial theology.

What is post-colonial theology? How does it relate to theology that emerged in historically colonial situations? These are two questions that get to the heart of Robert S. Heaney's work as he considers the extent to which theologians predating the emergence of post-colonial theology might be considered as precursors to this theological movement. Heaney argues that the work of innovative theologians John S. Mbiti and Jesse N.K. Mugambi, important in their own right, must now also be considered in relation to the continued emergence of post-colonial theology. When this is done, fresh perspectives on both the nature of post-colonial theology and contextual theology emerge. Through a sympathetic and critical reading of Mbiti and Mugambi, Heaney offers a series of constructive moves that counter the ongoing temptation toward acontextualism that continues to haunt theology both in the North and in the South.

Review Quotes

Mbiti and Mugambi are towering figures in the study of African religious traditions. However, through a number of constructive moves, Heaney brings their voices squarely into the field of post-colonial thought, enabling their work to help us think deeply about coloniality and power. Their voices bring both judgment and hope for those seeking to subvert hegemonic power and serve a God who is seen, most often, in the margins.--Jonathan S. Barnes, Executive of Mission Education, Global Ministries/DOM

Robert Heaney provides a valuable comparative analysis of the works of two of the most influential religion scholars in Africa.---Tinyiko Maluleke, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Theology, Book Reviews, 120(3)

This is a timely and unique guide to help generate biblical, theological, and missiological attention on the richness, breadth, depth, and often underappreciated relevance of African theology for the World Church. For many years to come, this will act as a dynamic resource for theologians and church leaders across the globe who are involved in the business of contextualisation of African theology and its call for transformative and liberative application.--Rev. Canon Alfred uw'Imana Sebahene, Director of Extension Education and African Public Theologian and Christian Ethicist, St. John's University of Tanzania

This work breaks new ground in the field of African theology and will be a significant contribution to contemporary research.--Christopher Rowland, Dean Ireland's Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, Queen's College, Oxford