A critical engagement with theological education in Africa: A South African perspective

Volume editor

Johannes J Knoetze

Volume editor

Alfred R Brunsdon

Synopsis

The higher education landscape has arguably become one of the most arduous to traverse. More so in the African context, where a host of variables continuously challenge educators to reflect critically on their philosophies and practices as they engage an ever-changing audience. In this book, a critical engagement with theological education in Africa is offered. As the book originates from South Africa, it is presented as a South African perspective, although contributors are situated across the African continent and abroad. The common denominator is that all contributors are, in some way or another, invested in theological education in Africa. The main contribution of this collaborative work is to be sought in the insights it offers on four main areas of theological education: A historical and current orientation on theological education in Africa, some paradigm shifts in theological education in Africa, ministerial formation needs versus theological education challenges, and a critical reflection on elective models and methods.

The book presents the original and innovative research of scholars for fellow scholars involved in theological higher education as it is grounded in the respective fields of interest of each contributor. It contributes to a better understanding of the complex African theological higher education landscape that is also mindful of post-COVID-19 realities. Methodologically the work draws on a combination of methods, including literature studies, empirical work, and in some cases, sectional offerings from doctoral studies, as indicated in the various chapters.

Chapters

Chapter 1
A social history of mission and the influences on theological education in Africa

Johannes J Knoetze
Chapter 2
Current perspectives on theological education in Southern Africa: Achievements and challenges with reference to Africa

Alfred R Brunsdon
Chapter 3
The epistemic becoming of students in higher education: A decolonial lens

Mariette Fourie, Emmanuel M. Mgqwashu
Chapter 4
Excellence and renewal of theological education in Africa: The case of ACTEA

David Tarus
Chapter 5
A missional phenomenon-based learning model for integrative theological education

Kruger Du Preez
Chapter 6
The importance of African hermeneutics in African theological education

Elizabeth Mburu
Chapter 7
The importance/precondition of calling for ministerial training in private higher education theological institutions in South Africa

Godfery Harold, Ronnie Davis
Chapter 8
Consistency and relevance of the curricula of theological training institutions in French-speaking Africa

Roger Y N'dri
Chapter 9
Utilising accessible mobile technology in teaching Biblical exegesis to undergraduate students within a decolonised South African context

Philip La G du Toit
Chapter 10
E-Learning for Africa: The relevance of ODEL methods for theological education in Africa

Kevin G Smith
Chapter 11
Theological education and sustainable development in Zimbabwe: Towards a transformative praxis in doing theology

Lovejoy Chabata
Chapter 12
Theological education in Africa: Denominational engagement, theological education and training

Adelaide Catanha
Chapter 13
Church and community transformation and the implications for theological education in Africa: An NGO perspective

Sas Conradie
Chapter 14
Transformational impact of facilitation over lecturing

Abraham H Gaga
Chapter 15
#WesternTheological EducationMustFall: The impact of Western theological training on Africa

Pieter Labuschagne
Chapter 16
Influence of hermeneutics on theological education: A case study at North-West University

Marius Nel
Chapter 17
Reflective perspectives on theological education in Africa

Alfred R Brunsdon, Johannes J Knoetze