Kwame Bediako (1945-2008) from Ghana claims a space for Africa in academic theology. He analyses issues of Christology and identity, of mission, culture and language, of a 'Western value setting'. He sees Africa as a 'laboratory' for World Christianity. The book analyses Bediako's work from a postcolonial and intercontextual perspective.

The centre of gravity of World Christianity has moved to the South. The numerical growth of African Christians however does not manifest itself in academic theology. Kwame Bediako (19452008) is a voice from Ghana that claims a space for African contributions in theology. His quest for identity, his analysis of mission, culture and language, and his critique of a Western value setting raise issues that are relevant beyond his own context. His statement that Africa is a laboratory for World Christianity challenges theological debates. His Christological approach is the key to critical engagement with church and society. The book analyses Bediako's work from a postcolonial and intercontextual perspective. His contribution marks an unfinished agenda in African-European encounters.

Autorentext

Bernhard Dinkelaker studied Theology and Educational Science at the Universities of Tübingen, Münster/Westf., Birmingham and Heidelberg. He served in diaconal work and in parishes in Germany, in an ecumenical programme in Ghana, as General Secretary in an international mission association, and as a lecturer in Cameroon.

Inhalt

African and World Christianity - Kwame Bediako - African and intercontextual theology - Postcolonial theory - African agency in history - Christology and Hermeneutics - Witness in the Public Sphere - Theological Scholarship - Primal Religion and Spirituality - Culture and language - Enlightenment and The West