Forgiveness, Peacemaking, and Reconciliation , livre ebook

Over the centuries, the African continent has not only been the cradle of human history, but also of human civilization. By and large, Africa has enjoyed many sustained, productive centuries of scholarship. The twenty-first century is yet another century in which African theologians are reclaiming the intellectual legacies that the continent has been known for.
Forgiveness, Peacemaking, and Reconciliation is one of the great pearls that African theologians have produced. It is a testament to what African collaborative partnership in scholarship can give to the global community. It is not only scholarly and academic work, but it also illustrates how African theologians are once again demonstrating their ability to engage in careful theological reflection on their social setting through vigorous empirical studies. It showcases an extensive grasp of a broad spectrum of issues – social, cultural, political, religious, and economic – which are of perennial consequences. Indeed, this is the kind of book that can enormously contribute to the creation of “a new spirit of Africa” – The Africa We Want and God wants. Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian playwright, poet and essayist, and 1986 Nobel Price winner in literature, once said, “Books and all forms of writing terrorise those who do not want the truth to be exposed.” Except for this category of people, every other literate African must have this book on their “to-read” list.
Rev. Sunday Bobai Agang, PhD
Professor of Christian Ethics, Theology and Public Policy,
Provost, ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos (JETS)
Director, African Research Consultancy Center, West African Region
Drs. Ngaruiya and Reed attempt an audacious project of compiling conference papers on the wide-ranging subject of the realities of forgiveness, peacemaking, and reconciliation in Africa. These very well researched and thoroughly engaging chapters range from biblical patristic to interpersonal and societal arenas. The human-divine angle as well as interdenominational and interfaith dimensions of these key subjects are also addressed. As the center of gravity of Christianity moves to the Global South, or Majority World, and especially to Africa, the offerings in this book will be a very welcome addition to the panoramic overview of the faith of African believers. The challenge of Jesus to us all to pursue forgiveness, peacemaking, and reconciliation at all levels is not yet exhausted, but neither is the supplementary literature encouraging us to do so. This book offers various theoretical frameworks from different angles to pursue these worthy aims. Highly recommended for church leaders and their precious members as well as students and the general public. May Jesus Christ be praised.
Rev. Casely B. Essamuah, DTh
Secretary, Global Christian Forum
———————
African Society of Evangelical Theology Series
We often hear these days that the center of Christianity is moving toward the Global South and Africa is a key player in that movement. This makes the study of African Christianity and African realities important – even more so when it is being done by Africans themselves and in their own context. The Africa Society of Evangelical Theology (ASET) was created to encourage research and sustained theological reflection on key issues facing Africa by and for African Christians and those working within African contexts. The volumes in this series constitute the best papers presented at the annual conferences of ASET and together they seek to fill this important gap in the literature of Christianity.
Titles in This Series
Christianity and Suffering: African Perspectives 2017 | 9781783683604
African Contextual Realities 2018 | 9781783684731
Governance and Christian Higher Education in the African Context 2019 | 9781783685455
God and Creation 2019 | 9781783687565

Forgiveness, Peacemaking, and Reconciliation
General Editors
David K. Ngaruiya and Rodney L. Reed

© 2020 Africa Society of Evangelical Theology (ASET)
Published 2020 by Langham Global Library
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ISBNs:
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David K. Ngaruiya and Rodney L. Reed hereby assert their moral right to be identified as the Author of the General Editor’s part in the Work in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The Contributors have asserted their right to be identified as the Author of their portion of the Work under the same Act.
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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (RSV) are from Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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ISBN: 978-1-83973-053-5
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Contents

Cover


Preface


Acknowledgments


Part 1 Forgiveness


1 A Response to the Biblical Question “How Many Times Shall I Forgive My Brother?” (Matt 18:21–22)


Abstract


Introduction


Challenges to Community Cohesion in Kenya


A Detailed Analysis of Matthew 18:20–35


Some Ways to Enhance Community Cohesion


Conclusion


Bibliography


2 Interpersonal Forgiveness in the Early African Church


Abstract


Introduction


Konstan: Forgiveness in the Early Church Fathers?


Ramelli: Unconditional Forgiveness in the Early Church Fathers?


The African Church Fathers on Forgiveness: A Reexamination


Early African Fathers’ Teaching on Forgiveness


God’s Forgiveness and Humanity’s: A Key Distinction


Unconditional Interpersonal Forgiveness in the African Fathers


Unconditional Forgiveness : Africa’s Great Need


Conclusion: Our Ancient Fathers Show Us the Way


Bibliography


Chapter 2 Appendix


3 Ethical Implications in the Use of E-Therapy in PTSD Contexts


Abstract


Introduction


Understanding the Terms


Management of E-Therapy in PTSD Contexts


Setting the Context: Prospects and Challenges of E-Therapy


Ethical Values for Effective E-Therapy


Toward the Future: Why E-Therapy Is a Must!


Conclusion


Bibliography


Part 2 Peacemaking


4 Conflict and Peace


Abstract


Introduction


The Biblical Text


The Social Setting and Textual Context


The Literary Structure of Genesis 31:1–55


An Anatomy of the Laban–Jacob Conflict


Principles of Forgiveness, Peace, and Reconciliation


Conclusion


Bibliography


5 God’s Masterpiece


Abstract


Introduction


The Letter to the Ephesians and Peacemaking and Reconciliation


Letting Ephesians Loose in the Church as Its Inspiration for Peacemaking and Reconciliation with PWA


Applying Ephesians 2:11–22 to the Church with PWA


The Rest of Ephesians in Relation to Peacemaking with PWA


Conclusion


Bibliography


6 Re-Reading Spanish Medieval Convivencia


Abstract


Introduction


Spanish Medieval Convivencia


A Brief History of the Borana People


Contemporary Coexistence among the Borana People


Theology of Coexistence in the Qur’an and the Bible


Lessons from the Spanish Convivencia for Marsabit County


Conclusion


Bibliography


7 John Wesley and the “Catholic Spirit”


Abstract


Introduction


John Wesley on Peace


The Imperfect Practice of the “Catholic Spirit”


Wesley’s Peace Principles and Ubuntu


Conclusion


Bibliography


8 The Church and Ethnopolitical Conflict in Kenya, 1982–2013


Abstract


Ethnopolitical Conflict and the Church in Kenya: A Unified Voice (1982–2002)


Ethnopolitical Conflict and the Church