Christianity and Suffering

Description

We often hear these days that the centre of Christianity is moving toward the Global South and Africa is a key player in that movement. This makes the study of African Christianity and African realities important – even more so when it is being done by Africans themselves in their own context. The Africa Society of Evangelical Theology (ASET) was created to encourage research and sustained theological reflection on key issues facing Africa by and for African Christians and those working within African contexts. The volumes in the ASET series constitute the best papers presented at the annual conferences of ASET and together they seek to fill this important gap in the literature of Christianity.
Africa is all too familiar with suffering. Yet there is a dearth of sustained theological reflection on suffering by Africans, or for Africans. Christianity and Suffering: African Perspectives addresses this need and is the fruit of the 5th Annual Conference of the Africa Society of Evangelical Theology. The contributions address age-old issues like why God does not prevent or relieve human suffering; they wrestle with causes of suffering including witchcraft, poverty, curses, and war; and they also explore appropriate Christian responses to suffering, all from within the African context.
The Africa Society of Evangelical Theology (ASET) is a professional society, founded in 2009 for the purpose of fostering evangelical theological scholarship and to facilitate collegial relationships among scholars and practitioners of the Christian religion in Africa. Its core values are: (1) Faithfulness to the Bible, (2) Professional ethics, (3) Creative and critical thinking, (4) Christ-like humility, (5) Community of scholars encouraging, respecting, and learning from one another, and (6) Development and inspiration of young scholars. To learn more about ASET, please visit its Facebook page: facebook.com/AfricaSocietyOfEvangelicalTheology

Informations

• Publié par: Langham Creative Projects
• Date de parution: 14 décembre 2017
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781783683611
• Langue: English

Extrait

This book emanates from conference papers under the auspices of the Africa Society of Evangelical Theology. This is an attempt by eminent evangelical theologians to reflect upon suffering and pain from an African perspective. The authors have dealt with the doctrine of theodicy from an African setting, thus instilling Christian hope in the midst of pain, misery and untold suffering. They have endeavored to demonstrate that even in suffering our loving God is still in control.
Professor Zablon Nthamburi, PhD
Professor of Theology, Africa Nazarene University, Nairobi, Kenya
Former Presiding Bishop of the Kenya Methodist Church
In this publication, the Africa Society of Evangelical Theology takes a look at Christianity and suffering from an African perspective. Personal and corporate sin leads to suffering. God is not seen as author but as Redeemer from both sin and suffering. Some writers expose unique African negative contributions to suffering, and other writers challenge the church in Africa to find and implement appropriate solutions.
Daryll Gordon Stanton, EdD
Former Chair, Department of Religion, Africa Nazarene University, Nairobi, Kenya

Christianity and Suffering
ASET Series
African Perspectives
General Editor
Rodney L. Reed
ASET Series

© 2017 by by The African Society of Evangelical Theology (ASET)
Published 2017 by Langham Global Library
An imprint of Langham Publishing
www.langhampublishing.org
Langham Publishing and its imprints are a ministry of Langham Partnership
Langham Partnership
PO Box 296, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 9WZ, UK
www.langham.org
Published in partnership with the Africa Society of Evangelical Theology
ISBNs:
978-1-78368-360-4 Print
978-1-78368-361-1 ePub
978-1-78368-362-8 Mobi
978-1-78368-363-5 PDF
The Africa Society of Evangelical Theology have asserted their right under the Copyright, Designs
and Patents Act, 1988 to be identified as the Author of this complete work, and the Contributors have
asserted their right under the same act to be identified as the Author of their portion of the Work.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher or the Copyright Licensing Agency.
Bible translations used throughout this book are indicated in each chapter.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN: 978-1-78368-360-4
Cover & Book Design: projectluz.com
Langham Partnership actively supports theological dialogue and an author’s right to publish but does not necessarily endorse the views and opinions set forth here or in works referenced within this publication, nor can we guarantee technical and grammatical correctness. Langham Partnership does not accept any responsibility or liability to persons or property as a consequence of the reading, use or interpretation of its published content.

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Contents

Cover


ASET Series


Preface


Acknowledgments


Part I


Suffering in the African Context


1 Poverty and Suffering: The Role of the Holy Spirit


Abstract


Introduction


Literature Underpinning Theories of Poverty


Application


Important Clarification


Way Forward


Conclusion


Bibliography


2 Politicians, Funerals, and the Bereaved in Kenya: Biblical Perspectives on Death and the Afterlife in Light of 2 Samuel 1:2–27


Abstract


Introduction: Mourning Practices in Kenya


The Concept of Death and the Afterlife in the Old Testament


Analysis of the Song of the Bow, 2 Samuel 1:17–27


Lessons from the Song of the Bow


Conclusion


Bibliography


3 Sickness in Africa: A Holistic, Integrated, Christian Understanding and Response


Abstract


Introduction


Why a Christian Response to Sickness?


Dualistic, Fragmented, Not Fully Christian Response


Steps Toward a Holistic, Integrated, Fully Christian Understanding and Response


Conclusion Based on Ebola Outbreak


Bibliography


Websites


4 Why Nigerian Christians Accuse People of Witchcraft: A Review of Cases Among the Igbo Nigerians


Abstract


Introduction


Methods


People Involved (Accused and Accuser) in Witch Accusations in Nigeria


Results and Discussion of the Cases


How to Respond to What Is Happening


Conclusion


Bibliography


5 Loving “Witches”: A Christian Educational Intervention to Help Those Accused of Witchcraft in Northwest Tanzania


Abstract


Introduction


The Research-Based Educational Intervention Plan


Effectiveness of Seminars out in Communities


Critique


Other Educational Interventions on Witchcraft Accusations


Conclusion


Bibliography


Part II


The Christian Response to Suffering


6 Following Jesus in a World of Suffering and Disaster


Abstract


Introduction


A Realistic Look at Our World of Suffering and Disaster


Following Jesus


The Message of the Cross


Conclusion


Bibliography


7 A Missional Approach to Suffering Inflicted by Spiritual Powers: A Case Study of Northern Kenya


Abstract


Introduction


Missional Theology Applied to Spiritual Encounters


Steps in Missional Theology


Step 1: Phenomenology


Step 2: Ontology


Step 3: Missiology


Dealing with Ayyaana-Related Issues in Marsabit Town


A Comprehensive Approach to Alleviate Suffering under Spiritual Forces


Conclusion


Bibliography


8 A Christian Response to Curses in Africa


Abstract


Introduction


Awareness of the Existence and Effects of Curses in Africa and throughout the World


Selected Old Testament Cases of Causes and Effects of Curses


The Provisional Nature of Some Curses


Old Testament Curses and the New Testament


Conclusion: The Antidote for Curses in the New Testament Era and for Africa Today


Bibliography


9 Why Prosperity Gospel Preachers Are Prospering While Most of Their Members Are Suffering


Abstract


Introduction


Working Definitions


Desperation Resulting from Poverty


The Spirit World in African Religiosity


Lack of Theological Education


The Bible and Prosperity


Conclusion


Bibliography


10 Strengthening Christian Responses to Human Suffering


Abstract


Introduction


A Portfolio of Human Suffering in Kenya


Meeting Human Needs as Part of the Church’s Fulfillment of the Great Commission of Jesus


Growth of the Church


The Need for the Redemption of the World in All Its Aspects through Empowerment


The Need to Fight and Eliminate the Scandal of Human Suffering through Contextual Solutions


Activities That African Christians Can Undertake to Reduce Human Suffering in Their Communities: Lessons from Christian Aid Organization


Christians as Missionaries and Change Agents Helping to Eliminate Personal Sins That Cause Human Suffering


Historical and Contemporary Christian Role Models of Compassionate Interventions


Conclusion


Bibliography


Part III


Toward an African Christian Theodicy


11 Is God a God of Retribution? A Worldview Interpretation Using the Four-Legged-Stool Hermeneutical Model


Abstract


Introduction


The Story of Wanjiru (Rugano Rwa Wanjiru)


The Man Born Blind in John 9


Parallels between Jewish and African Perspectives of Suffering


The Corrective


Significance for Today


A Caution


Conclusion


Bibliography


12 The Book of Job: A Challenge to African Spirituality Regarding Human Suffering


Abstract