Postcolonial Theology

Dr. Kenzo Mabiala from the Republic of Congo opened up our first session with a presentation called The Future of Postcolonial Theology: the Imperative to Differ. Dr. Kenzo did his doctoral work at Trinity and served there as an Associate Professor of Theology. Interestingly, D.A. Carson was his dissertation advisor. Kenzo stated that postcolonialism and postmodernity are largely the same thing. Postcolonialism isn’t a time period (following colonialism) it is a condition. He shared how the African church has been infected with colonialism and will not move forward well until the church deals with the influence of colonialism. Kenzo said that the first generation of African Theologians dealing with colonialisms influence on the African church suggested that Africans should reclaim Africa’s past. Kenzo believes this to be impossible. “We must contextualize the Good News and move forward. Christianity must be connected to culture. If I am only a ‘Christian’ and not also an ‘African,’ I have betrayed the Incarnation.” He showed how Western Evangelical Theology came of age during the height of Imperialism. It is Western arrogance that describes “Pure Theology” as coming from Calvin, Luther and perhaps Wesley and theology you do in Africa and other places as “Contextualized Theology.” All theology is contextualized theology. Kenzo declared that he believes the truth but he does not “possess” the truth. A critique of modernity and enlightenment rationalism is as relevant in Africa as it is in America. Conservative Christianity in the West sees itself as protectors and defenders of The Faith! This faith was set forth for the saints, not just saints from the West. Kenzo said that Francis Schaeffer saw the slippage of modernity. His response to this reality was defensive but he did ask the right question, “How shall we then live?” Dietrich Bonhoeffer asked, “Who is Jesus Christ for us today?” D.A. Carson, whom Kenzo loves and respects, asked Kenzo why he was sympathetic and intrigued with the emerging church conversation. His response, “Because they are asking the right questions.”

Comments

[andrew jones]

very interesting. the "postcolonial" conversation has a lot of milage in it. thanks for this post.

[aaron]

Wonderful thoughts. You are a Christian and an African (or whoever you are) otherwise you betray the incarnation. Wonderful. Very interesting about D.A. Carson.

[Brian]

It's exciting to track with your trip here! This post in particular is an interesting one in light of my blog posts on post-colonialism and the whole emerging conversation (and who is involved). Excited to hear your reports and stories when you return!

[Mike]

Hey Brian,

Very interesting trip. I'm sure we will get to dialogue about it in class on Tuesday. See you there.

Mike