Who Do You Say That I Am? , livre ebook

Navigating the labyrinth of African christological narratives that present Christ inter-alia as revealer, mediator, emancipator and finally judge, the writers, with consummate hermeneutical dexterity provide a biblical African narrative of who Christ is – a narrative that is not revealed by “flesh or blood.” Consequently, this book connects the experiential narratives of Christ to his wholistic divine description as “Christ, the Son of the Living God.” The added portion relating to Mbiti’s life, times and work provides a succinct model of African scholarship for emerging African theologians and for the many who want to remain and live as authentic Christian Africans. This is a clear approach to the muddy waters of African Christology and a must-read for all who care about the Christian African faith.
John Jusu, PhD
Regional Director for Anglophone Africa,
Overseas Council International

Who Do You Say That I Am?
Christology in Africa
General Editors
Rodney L. Reed and David K. Ngaruiya

© 2021 Africa Society of Evangelical Theology (ASET)
Published 2021 by Langham Global Library
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ISBNs:
978-1-83973-532-5 Print
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Rodney L. Reed and David K. Ngaruiya 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.
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ISBN: 978-1-83973-532-5
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Contents

Cover


Africa Society of Evangelical Theology Series





Preface


Acknowledgments


Part One Christ in the Bible


1 Marital Infidelity through an African Women’s Christological Hermeneutic


Abstract


Introduction


Situating the Pericope Adulterae (PA) of John 7:53 – 8:11


A Dramatized Rereading of the Pericope Adulterae (PA) (John 7:53 – 8:11)


Context of Interpretation: Marital Infidelity and New Infidelities


Conclusion


Bibliography


2 An East African Perspective on Jesus as Revealer of the Father through His Use of the Friend at Midnight Parable as a Means for Teaching Powerful Prayer (Luke 11:1–13)


Abstract


Introduction


Hospitality in the Bible and East Africa


Luke 11:1–13: Jesus as Revealer of the Father as Lavish Host


Summing up Luke 11:1–13 in an East African Perspective


Bibliography


3 Embracing Hybridity in Imaging Christ for Egalitarian Church Leadership through a Rereading of John 4:1–42


Abstract


Introduction


The African Women’s Hermeneutical Framework


Christ in John’s Gospel


Christ’s Portrayal in John 4:1–42 through a Hybridized Optic


Toward Egalitarian Church Leadership in Africa


Conclusion


Bibliography


4 Exploring the Multidimensional Nature of Christology in Galatians through the Lens of an African Hermeneutic


Abstract


Introduction


Christological Approaches of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries


Overview of African Christologies


Approach: An African Intercultural Hermeneutic


Background


Christological Emphases in Galatians


Implications


Conclusion


Bibliography


5 The Crucified and Cursed Christ as the Ultimate Curse-Remover in Galatians 3:1–14 and Its Implications


Abstract


Introduction


Paul’s Argument in Galatians 3:1–14


The Practice of Cursing in the Ancient Near East and Greco-Roman Contexts


The Crucified and Cursed Christ as the Ultimate Remover of Curses


Implications for African Christology


Conclusion


Bibliography


6 The Benefaction of the Messiah as the Supreme King in the Context of the Greco-Roman Ethic of Reciprocity


Abstract


Introduction: A Survey of Romans 5:7 Scholarship


An Overview of the Greco-Roman Benefaction System


Paul’s Subversion of the Ethic of Reciprocity in Romans 5:7


Romans 5:7 within the Context of 5:6–8


Communities Rooted in Christ’s Indiscriminate Gift


Conclusion


Bibliography


7 Paul’s Use of Μιμηταί and Its Relationship to His Christology


Abstract


Introduction


“Imitation in Greek Understanding”


“Imitation” in Jewish Literature


1 Corinthians 11:1


Philippians 3:17


1 Thessalonians 1:6


Synthesis and Implications for the African Church


Conclusion


Bibliography


8 A Christological Reading of Ephesians 5:21–33


Abstract


Introduction


An Overview of Ephesians 5:21–33 in Its Greco-Roman Context


African Interpretations of Ephesians 5:21–33


A Christological Reading of Ephesians 5:25–30


Christ’s Transformational Model for African Men


Conclusion


Bibliography


Part Two Christ in Theology and Church History


9 Christology in Africa En Route


Abstract


Introduction


My Interest in Christology in Africa


Christological Theological Imperative


Hermeneutic Circle Imperative


Signposts toward African Christological Concepts


Concept of Christ as Messiah


Conclusion


Bibliography


10 Jewish Messianism of the Intertestamental Period and Christological Confessions of the Early Church and Their Implications for African Christology


Abstract


Introduction


Messianic Expectations in the Old Testament


The Jewish Messianism of the Intertestamental Period


The Messiahship of Jesus in the Gospels


Christological Confessions of the Early Church


The Implications for African Christology


Conclusion


Bibliography


11 The Unitive Understanding of the Person of Christ in Cyril of Alexandria’s Christology and Its Relevance for Contemporary African Christianity


Abstract


Introduction


Initial Christological Viewpoint of the Early Church Fathers


The Hobson’s Choice of Cyril of Alexandria


The Early Life of Cyril of Alexandria


Background of Cyril of Alexandria’s Christology


The Unitive Understanding of the Person of Christ in Cyril’s Christology


The Accomplishment of Cyril’s Christology


Reactions to Cyril’s Unitive Christological Understanding


Christology in Africa


The Relevance of Cyril’s Christology for Contemporary African Christianity


The Task before the African Church


Conclusion


Bibliography


12 Who Are You for Us, Yesu Kristo? Christological Confessions of the Early Church in Contemporary Africa


Abstract


Introduction


Background to Early Church Christological Confessions


Early Church Christological Controversies and Confessions


The Problem


Methodology


Conclusion


Bibliography


13 Jesus Christ as Ker


Abstract


Introduction


The Socioreligious System of the Luo People


Priesthoo d in Luo Traditional Religion and in the Bible


Toward an African Christology of Ker (High Priest)


Inculturation of the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ in the Context of the Ker


An Analysis of Ker Christology


Comparison with Other African Christological Models


The Relevance of Ker Christology to African People


Limitations of Ker Christology


Conclusion


Bibliography


14 The Forgiven and Forgiving Body of Christ


Abstract


Introduction


Forgiveness


Christian Communal Forgiveness


Contributions from African Wisdom


Biblical Foundations for Christian Communal Forgiveness


Conclusion


Bibliography


15 African Images of Christ


Abstract


Introduction


An Overview of African Images of Jesus as Healer


Images of Jesus as Healer among Respondents in Blantyre, Malawi


The Respondents’ Images of Jesus and Their Relevance for Catholicity


Conclusion


Bibliography


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