Surveying Christianity S African Roots Paperback

"... pre-Constantinian Christian intellect apparently found a richer thought environment in Africa than elsewhere. It discovered itself in the intellectual centers of Africa before Europe had produced such centers. Eventually it offered its rich wisdom to the cultures of the northern side of the Mediterranean ..." - Dr. Thomas C. Oden. This book surveys the rational, organized, thriving, Scripturally informed and Holy Spirit-inspired roots of indigenous Christianity in Africa from 33 A.D. through 537 A.D. The intent is to supplement existing Church history resources.

This is a survey of a rational, organized, thriving, scripturally informed and Holy Spirit inspired community of indigenous Christians of Africa who existed centuries before the Roman Empire tolerated Christianity and before the Byzantine Empire existed. Their faith in Jesus Christ, perseverance and sacrifices were instrumental in launching the philosophy, teachings and religious institutions of Western Christianity for the centuries to come.

Thomas C. Oden surveys the decisive role of African Christians and theologians in shaping the doctrines and practices of the church of the first five centuries, and makes an impassioned plea for the rediscovery of that heritage. Christians throughout the world will benefit from this reclaiming of an important heritage.

A History of Christianity in East Africa, gives a general survey of the Global South Christianity phenomenon, examining its trends and implications for Christian denominations. The book also surveys the beginning and development of Christian missions in the three East African countries-Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Reading a fascinating account of how Christianity was planted in this region confirms the promise of Christ that He would be with His people always to the end of the age. This brief study relates stories of the interactions between missionaries-most of whom were foreigners, and Africans-all of whom were indigenous. It is the story of foreign missionary societies that sent missionaries to towns and villages in East Africa. The author argues that any history of East Africa that does not take into consideration the place of Christian missions in the region is not only incomplete but also blind.

"At a strategic time in South Africa's history, the Christian history which is absolutely basic to all developments, is presented in a comprehensive and objective way. Too little attention is given to the influence of religion in socio-political accounts. This is a creative and much-needed contribution to scholarship and general knowledge. . . . An outstanding work."--Dean S. Gilliland, Fuller Theological Seminary

What does it mean to be Reformed Christians in the world today ? and in Africa and South Africa? What does it mean to commemorate the legacy of John Calvin (1509-1564) after 500 years ? in a modern world characterised by democracy, by popular notions of human dignity and human rights, by worldwide struggles for individual freedoms and for social justice, by a global economy in crisis ? when social historians argue about the lasting contribution of Calvin and his followers precisely with respect to all these modern phenomena? The 28 essays by Dirkie Smit selected for this volume deal with such questions.

First Published in 1991. The following is a comprehensive scholarly bibliography of published materials on the varieties of liberation theology, mostly in book form, available in English. It is intended as an introductory survey to this vast and quickly expanding field for the teacher and student of contemporary theology, of biblical hermeneutics, and to the interrelationship of politics and religion around the world. It will also serve as a comprehensive bibliography.