African Theological Journal for Church and Society

Re-Reading Matthew 1:3–6 in the Light of the Inclusion of Four Non-Israelite Women in Jesus’ Genealogy

2025-11-17T13:59:38+02:00

This article delves into the inclusion of four non-Israelite women in Jesus’ genealogy as detailed in Matthew 1:3–6, challenging traditional interpretations that often label these women as notorious sinners. Through a historical-critical and intertextual analysis, the paper reexamines their roles, arguing that their inclusion underscores their resilience, empowerment, and significant contributions, thereby challenging patriarchal norms and offering a broader human experience. The study posits that these women, often viewed through sinfulness or gentile identity, should be recognised for their heroic deeds and profound faith. This reinterpretation reframes their inclusion as a testament to God’s divine plan, where individuals, irrespective of their past or nationality, are integral to salvation history. The paper further discusses the contemporary implications of this reinterpretation, emphasising themes of gender equality, cultural inclusivity, and a nuanced understanding of redemption. By highlighting these women’s stories, the study advocates societal and theological recognition of women’s contributions and potential, encouraging efforts to dismantle gender stereotypes and promote inclusivity. Ultimately, this exploration provides a richer understanding of the genealogy, celebrating diversity within biblical narratives and inspiring a re-evaluation of women’s roles, both historically and in modern contexts.

Caesarea Philippi and Mark 8:27–35 as a Turning Point in the Discovery and Revelation of the Identity of Jesus Christ

2025-11-17T13:59:38+02:00

The focus of the Gospel of Mark is the unveiling of the identity of Jesus Christ through reported events, space, people, and discourses which allow readers to discover his comprehensive identity. Mark 8:27–35 exemplifies this unveiling, as Mark guides his readers to the discovery of the identity of Christ. The question that guides this study is the following: why is the revelation of Jesus as Christ in the Gospel of Mark situated in his journey towards the landscape of Caesarea Philippi rather than in the landscape of his hometown of Nazareth, or along the Jordan River where he was baptised, or by the Sea of Galilee where he called his first disciples, or on the mountainside where he appointed the twelve? The hypothesis of this study is that Mark sets the revelation of the comprehensive identity of Jesus within an elastic narrative of Jesus’ journey through the Caesarea Philippi landscape where shifts in features of language, geographical landscape, and socio-spatial scope shape the narrative about the revelation of the identity of Jesus as Christ. Campbell’s historical linguistic model serves as the main method to explore the narrative about the revelation of the identity of Jesus in Mark 8:27–35 because his methodology provides three significant nuances, the manner, place, and flow (or journey) of linguistic identity, which this study draws on to discuss the unfolding identity that Mark ascribes to Jesus in the landscape of Caesarea Philippi. These three nuances of method are significant through the lens of Caesarea Philippi’s threefold identity shift: linguistic, geographical landscape, and socio-spatial. Campbell’s (2013) historical linguistic method, enhanced by theoretical perspectives in van den Heever’s (2010) social space, in Moxnes’ (2010) landscape, and in Rose’s (1996) genealogy of subjectification, underpins the analysis of Mark 8:27–35 to examine the process of discovering the comprehensive identity of Jesus Christ in Mark 8:27–35. This study argues that Caesarea Philippi serves as the turning point of an elastic narrative of three shifts – in linguistic, geographical landscape, and socio-spatial dimensions – in the revelation of the identity of Jesus as Christ. This study has two objectives. First, it hopes to contribute the theory and the methodology of historical linguistics to hermeneutics in biblical studies of Mark 8:27-35. Second, it strives to present nuance, to provide additional scope for understanding the identity that Mark ascribes to Jesus Christ in his gospel.

Samaritan Compassion (Luke 10:25–37) and African Socioeconomic Problems

2025-11-17T13:59:37+02:00

The worsening conditions of many African states have caught global attention for a very long time with no end in sight. It is concerning that oppressive leadership, which does not promote the common good of the populace, permeates the African landscape. This development has aggravated social disparity and discrimination and caused great havoc to the psyche and wellbeing of the African masses. However, the debacle results from a complex matrix; it is unacceptable to pin it solely on the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. With vast African resources, the term ‘poor Africans’ ought to be a misnomer. Thus, using a literary-critical approach, this paper presents the argument that imbibing the Samaritan’s compassion can significantly address Africa’s socioeconomic problems. Avoiding the pitfalls of the robbers, the priest, and the Levite, through a lifestyle of love and compassion in policies and programmes, will help mitigate African socioeconomic issues.

John Calvin’s Biblicalism and the Doctrine of the Trinity

2025-11-17T13:59:37+02:00

This article examines John Calvin’s approach to the concept of the Trinity—that God is three-in-one while emphasising his insistence on a biblically grounded Trinitarian theology that resists speculation. The article will then argue that retrieving John Calvin’s biblical Trinitarianism can furnish contemporary theologians with a constructive way forward for navigating the present malady of fragmentation between exegesis, doctrine, and public witness namely, that theology needs to be defined in terms of the economy of salvation found in scripture that in turn points to ethical and liturgical practice rooted in the relational justice of the Triune God. Calvin’s Trinitarianism is both exegetically rich, solidly biblical, and attentive to the creedal and theological milieu of the early church. In its historical and theological context, this study employs the Historical Retrieval and Reappropriation method to do historical study on Calvin’s Trinitarianism. By retrieving Calvin’s biblical Trinitarianism, the article shows its continuing significance for today’s theological reflection, not least as a constructive bridge between biblical studies and systematic theology, disciplines that are frequently treated in isolation from one another in more recent centuries.

An African Christian Reflection on the Metaphorisation of the Church as Body

2025-11-17T13:59:36+02:00

New Testament writers picture the relationship between Christ and his church as well as the relationship among the members of the church using such metaphors as a community of citizens, the body of Christ, a household, a building, a bride, and a temple. A proper understanding of these and other ecclesiological metaphors is required to enhance the African understanding of the nature, purpose, and operations of the church. Yet not much theological attention is given to these metaphors in contemporary African theological discourses. This research was, therefore, conducted to examine the body metaphor from an African socio-cultural and religious perspective to enhance the African understanding of the nature, purpose, and operations of the Christian church. The researcher used a literature-based research methodology to gather data from the library and internet. A contextual theological framework was used to analyse the data, focusing on understanding the subject matter within the African socio-political and cultural context. After a brief outline of the concept of the church, the paper examines each of the selected metaphors of the church in relation to the African worldview and finally offers implications (reflections) for Christian discipleship. The paper found that the African worldview better prepares African believers to appreciate the nature, purpose, and operations of the church. It, however, also noted some limitations of the African socio-political structure that need to be dealt with in order to make the metaphors as meaningful as they are intended to be. In addition to its contribution to African Christian ecclesiological discourse, the paper attempts to decolonise Christianity and make it both meaningful and relevant to the African society.

Biblical Ethics, Children, and Youth in the African Church

2025-11-17T13:59:36+02:00

Scholars of Christian theology, such as Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas, have offered diverse interpretations of biblical texts, often shaped by their moral and ethical frameworks within the fields of theology and philosophy, reflecting the interplay between scripture and prevailing cultural, philosophical, and doctrinal contexts. There is no doubt secularism has split Christianity into a two-fold polarity that stands between the world of today and the word of God. As the sociologist Peter Berger has noted, the process of secularisation has led to a decline in religious authority (Berger 1967: 107), further deepening this divide between the sacred and the secular. This paper evaluates biblical ethics and compares it with various approaches adopted from the perspective of the global south to understand Christian faith. I argue that there is a distinction between the divinely revealed message of the Bible and the perception that is conditioned by our culture and traditions which are subject to change. This perception has led to the view of Christianity in the global south as an inheritance from the global north. In the current era of postmodernism, the global north is progressively becoming secular, which has contributed to the emergency of liberal theology. There are different factions of theological schools of thought in Christianity. The question that ought to be asked is: who gets to decide what is the truth? In my quest to respond to this query, I focus on a Bible-based, Christ-centred, and Spirit-empowered approach to evaluate the ramifications of secularism in African theology. As a means of exploring this theme, my focus is further narrowed to reflect on the role played by youth and children in the church in sustaining the continuity of Christianity in the global south. Findings and recommendations suggested in this paper will contribute to the empowerment of the global south to uphold a Bible-based, Christ-centred, and Spirit-empowered approach to theological issues.

Reimagining Bible Study as a Tool for Community Transformation in Informal Settlements

2025-11-17T13:59:35+02:00

Bible study groups remain the most potent platform for equipping the saints for ministry in informal settlements. However, they need to be re-evaluated and re-imagined to fulfil this role. The 2004 Pattaya Lausanne Consultation on World Evangelisation registered a concern that still requires urgent attention. Among the critical components of their deliberations for consideration was "to articulate a potential action plan for the Church to be more effective in pursuing the mission of God in large cities." (Lausanne Movement 2004).

This article, following this concern, attempts to locate and promote Bible study groups as potential hubs for preparing the church in the slums and informal settlements to respond to the socio-political and economic challenges these settlements experience.

Using semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions, data was collected in Nairobi from ten churches in Korogocho, three missional communities run by the Centre for Transforming Mission in Huruma and Kawangware, and two urban theological training teams. A modified form of the praxis cycle, developed by Holland and Henriot (1983), is used to provide a structure and framework for the article, comprising its four moments: incarnation, social analysis, theological reflection, and missional response. Moreover, Paulo Freire’s (1970) concept of conscientisation has been employed to provide a lens for conceptualising Bible study groups in informal settlements.

Church Leadership Capacity-building for Rural Community Development

2025-11-17T13:59:35+02:00

The church has been lauded as an able vehicle for community development and inclusive transformation in and beyond Africa. In attending to the need for integral mission, most urban church leaders in Zimbabwe have demonstrated an enabling capacity to identify and address the socioeconomic, political and environmental issues that bedevil their communities. Challenges remain in rural congregations and communities that are still hard-pressed by a series of political, socioeconomic and environmental crises. Although some urban-based denominational and ecumenical leaders have contributed to development in various outlands, rural clerical leadership capacity is low and in serious need of attention. Many related publications have covered the role and contributions of the church to community development in Zimbabwe, especially in urban settings. There is a large gap regarding rural, pastoral capacity-building for inclusive sustainability. This paper applied a qualitative case study of the Assemblies of God, a literature review and participant observation in theoretical view of Hoeft, Jung and Marshall’s Practicing Care in Rural Congregations and Communities (2013). It identified rural Zimbabwe’s community needs and suggested pastoral capacity building strategies to enhance desired development.

The Responses of the Christian Church to Pandemics in Nigeria

2025-11-17T13:59:34+02:00

In the past, pandemics have influenced how religious organisations respond to emergencies and play a part in society. The Christian church in Nigeria has responded to pandemics in a variety of ways over the years, especially during the COVID-19 and 1918 influenza pandemics. By making use of secondary sources, the theological, institutional, and social aspects of Christian responses to pandemics in Nigeria are examined in this historical analysis. It draws attention to significant changes, such as the 1918 pandemic’s shift from faith-healing techniques and spiritual rebirth to COVID-19’s technological adaption, humanitarian efforts, and public health initiatives. The paper makes the case that, although both pandemics posed difficulties for Christian institutions, they also aided in the growth of churches, changes in doctrine, and the development of church-state relations. The study sheds light on how Nigerian Christianity continues to adjust to health crises and more significant societal changes by contrasting the two historical periods. The results imply that pandemics not only put religious fortitude to the test but also act as stimulants for modifications in Christian attitudes towards science, technology, and government.

Challenges and Solutions in the Administration of Human Resource Control Systems in Africa Inland Church: Nakuru Town Region

2025-11-17T13:59:33+02:00

This research intended to discover the challenges confronted in the administration of human resource control systems in the Africa Inland Church (AIC), Kenya. The objective was to identify the control systems, evaluate the challenges that are prevalent to the administration, and to propose solutions to such challenges. Mixed research methodology was used to respond to the study questions. The population of the study included the pastors and support staff from the 11 churches within AIC Nakuru Town Region church council jurisdiction giving a total number of 76 respondents. To determine the sample size, random sampling method was used to settle for a sample of 64 participants out of the population. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 24, while qualitative data was analysed using NVivo version 12. The study found that most churches have not developed effective human resource management control systems as there was a serious lack of control documentation like policy manuals, church vision and mission, organisational structure, and code of conduct. The study also found several challenges in the administration of human resource management control systems. Such include lack of proper job supervision, unclear church vision and mission, and conflict between the various departmental leaders and among the pastoral staff. The study recommended proper orientation of all appointees and church staff on their various job descriptions and on church vision and mission statements. The study also recommended training of church leaders on the importance, and effective use of human resource control systems. It further recommended that churches should develop and inscribe the human resource control systems in their structure to ensure consistency and ownership of the system by all stakeholders.

Review of Four-Legged Stool or Three-Stone Cooking Stove?

2025-11-17T13:59:33+02:00

Review of Identity Formation and the Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Narrative Reading

2025-11-17T13:59:32+02:00

Review of Reading Hebrews Missiologically: The Missionary Motive, Message, and Methods of Hebrews

2025-11-17T13:59:32+02:00

Review of Reading 1 Peter Missiologically: The Missionary Motive, Message, and Methods of 1 Peter

2025-11-17T13:59:31+02:00

Review of Ethiopian Diaspora Churches on Mission: An Intergenerational Perspective on Ethiopian Churches in the United States

2025-11-17T13:59:31+02:00

Review of Critical Issues in Contemporary Church

2025-11-17T13:59:30+02:00

Review of Obstetrics of Church Growth: Strategies, Systems & Resources for Church Growth

2025-11-17T13:59:30+02:00

African Theological Journal for Church and Society

2025-11-17T13:59:29+02:00

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