Conspectus Volume 34

Abstract

In the first article, “The Pneumatological Phenomenon in Acts 2:1–6: Implications for Christian Mission in Africa,” Isaac Boaheng explores the value and use of the mother tongue, or vernacular, in both missions and Christian life. Boaheng opines that for the Church to fulfill its mandate, it must be called back to its Pentecostal and missionary roots, and to the absolute necessity of the Spirit’s empowerment for effective participation in the mission of God.

This is followed by the article, “The Contemporary Missio Dei Paradigm and its Expression in the Global South” by Rev. Richard Otiso, who contends that the Missio Dei paradigm has undergone a significant shift in the Global South, transforming the region from being receivers to being active participants in the mission of God. Otiso end by exploring the opportunities for participation in God’s mission in post-pandemic Africa.

Next, is the article entitled, “African Theology for the African Church: The Need for an Evangelical Approach,” by Greg Kame who puts forth a case for an evangelical approach to doing theology in Africa by exploring the origin of African evangelical theology. He proposes a good starting point for African scholars to consider developing a robust African evangelical theology for the African Church. Kame proposes soteriology as a key to an African theology that avoids the pitfalls of syncretism or liberalism.

Subsequently, Yimenu Belay, in his article, “Scripture and Context in Conversation: The Ethiopian Andəmtaa Interpretative Tradition” contends that the Ethiopian Andəmta interpretive tradition is a homegrown, contextualized hermeneutic practice that demonstrates a productive dialogue between text and context. Belay engages the rich history of the Ethiopian interpretive tradition and further points to the transformative dimension of the biblical text.

Finally, the article, “In Search of Cura Vitae: A Theology of Healing and Hope for Ethiopia” by Ms. Youdit Tariku Feyessa concludes the papers. The context of this article is the current conflict-riddled nation of Ethiopia. The author challenges the Ethiopian church to respond amid turmoil involving the convergence of history, conflict, Scripture, and theology of action. She argues that a lamenting and metanoic church should be able to find healing, hope, and transformation amid hopelessness and despair.

The issue concludes with three book reviews: first, Michael Blythe reviews African Public Theology (2020, edited by Agang), published by Langham. Second, Desmond Henry reviews Gitau’s Megachurch Christianity Reconsidered: Millennials and Social Change in African Perspective (2017), published by InterVarsity Press. Finally, Anna- Marie Lockard reviews Lee’s The Ministry of Women in the New Testament: Reclaiming the Biblical Vision for Church Leadership (2021), published by Baker.

I wish to thank the authors and book reviewers for their meaningful contributions and for choosing to partner with Conspectus. My appreciation goes to the Editor, Van Deventer, Cornelia, the Editorial Team, the Review Board, the Editorial Board, and the Seminary for the successful publication of this volume.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. (Ps 90:17 NIV)