Towards a Christian Theology of African Ancestors
Ebook
This book examines the similarities and relationship between Christian saints and African ancestors. Further, it analyzes the deep cultural roots of African peoples and the ancestral frame as a point of departure for developing an indigenous African theology. Questions dealt with include: Does the conversion of Africans to Christianity require a break with their African cultural heritage? Who is an African ancestor? Is syncretism a good thing for an African Christian? What contribution can the African church make to the universal church? The author argues that rather than being antithetical to formal Christianity, an African Christian theology of ancestors is an example of how an indigenous African tradition can best express Christianity as well as make considerable impact on world Christianity.
“Thomas Otanga has expertly organized a wealth of material and clearly expressed his findings. The work is especially significant in this era of continuing growth of Christianity in Africa. In particular, Otanga’s reflections on Mababu theology are a stimulus for other scholars studying the role of the veneration of ancestors in various traditions.”
—James A. Wiseman, OSB, The Catholic University of America, emeritus
“A product of wide research and rigorous critical analysis, this book presents the pitfalls of early Christian evangelization in the most clear, balanced, and captivating style. The author brilliantly demonstrates the religious parallels in the African ancestor veneration and Christian saint veneration cults, setting the stage for a dialogue of equals between Christianity and African religious traditions. This book is a mandatory read for whoever wishes to unassumingly interact with the two traditions of spirituality.”
—Theophilus Chando, The Technical University of Kenya
“Early missionaries often condemned African reverence for deceased forebears (‘mababu’ in Kiswahili) as primitive ‘ancestor worship.’ In this important new study, the author explores this fundamental feature of African traditional religions. He argues that the traditional African veneration of ancestors can be placed in fruitful dialogue with the Christian tradition of the ‘communion of saints.’ The resulting ‘mababu theology’ allows contemporary Africans to claim a fully African Christian identity while greatly enriching the global Church.”
—Steven Payne, OCD, The Catholic University of America
- Title: Towards a Christian Theology of African Ancestors
- Authors: James A. Wiseman, Thomas Ochieng Otanga
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666727357, 9781666727340, 1666727342, 9781666733068, 1666733067, 1666727350
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666727357
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-04-27T22:41:32Z
Fr. Thomas Otanga (PhD) is an accomplished religion and culture researcher and scholar. He has pursued these interests in Kenya and in the United States of America.