Christian Theology and African Traditions

A contribution to the engagement between Christianity and non-Western cultures, bringing Christian theology into dialogue with African traditions. In this compelling work the evangelical theologian Matthew Michael sets out to reveal the unique nature of African Christianity and understand Christian theology in the context of the African worldview and traditions which have given African Christianity its unique religious stamp. Michael addresses the crucial obligation of Christianity to engage with African culture as a prerequisite to transforming African theology. He points out that a major flaw of Western missionary Christianisation was its failure to engage with African traditions, as a meaningful and vigorous Christianity cannot flourish within the African context without serious engagement with these traditions. Michael re-interprets traditional Christian doctrine, with careful consideration of Scripture, to best engage modern African understanding. His exploration of African Christianity goes beyond the classical Western experience and interpretations of Christian dogmas found in the works of Augustine, Aquinas, and Western missionaries, and reclaims the rich and ancient heritage of Christianity in Africa, a heritage so venerable and pervasive that it is as much African as Western. This thought-provoking work reveals Michael's maturing theological reflections upon the crucial subject of Christian Systematic Theology in the African context, and will be of great interest to any individual interested in the dynamic field of African theology.