This paper discusses the impact of colonization on Christian mission encounters and activities. I... more This paper discusses the impact of colonization on Christian mission encounters and activities. It utilizes the decolonial epistemic framework to analyze the limitations of approaches that advocate “dialogue,” “revelation,” and “mutual growth.” The paper argues that focusing on these three approaches overlooks the asymmetrical power dynamics inherent in the history of Western Christian missions. Conversely, a focus on a deeper experience of the divine highlights the existing epistemic and spiritual knowledge of individuals and communities who have become “othered” within a colonial framework. The paper begins by defining the terms that describe the power dynamics of colonization. Following is a discussion of the impact of colonization on Christian missions. Next, the paper explores the limits of dialogue, revelation, and mutual growth, and finally, it argues the importance of focusing on a more profound experience of the divine.
This paper highlights several Malawian Pentecostal perspectives in light of the COVID-19 pandemic... more This paper highlights several Malawian Pentecostal perspectives in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper draws on ongoing empirical research that explores how Malawian Christians respond to Jesus as Healer when encountering chronic health conditions. The ongoing empirical research compares the responses of three faith/theological traditions, Reformed, Pentecostal, and Liberation, in the Malawian Southern City of Blantyre and its surrounding areas. This paper highlights and reflects on specifically the Pentecostal insights from the ongoing empirical research and argues that from the study's perspective, several theological themes are important in Pentecostal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses include how participants in the study related to the themes of "hope" and, in turn, to the prominence of retribution theologies that often emerge during public health crises. Thus, this paper relies on the two themes, "hope" and "justice," as offering conceptual framework for dialoguing the study participants' insights with some insights from the Pentecostal discourse that emerged in traditional and social media in Malawi, particularly in the first (2020) and second wave (2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This study is an exploration of the Hagar narrative from the perspective of African Womanist Theo... more This study is an exploration of the Hagar narrative from the perspective of African Womanist Theology. The article focuses on the spirituality of Hagar before and after her captivity (Gn 16). The research takes an Afrocentric perspective and uses a postcolonial lens to comment on the preceding text as well as consider how this story is captured in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. At the core of the article is an attempt at reclaiming the African in Hagar who is largely portrayed in the stories of Sarah and Abraham within a Hebrew perspective which itself is arguably imperial. The aim is to inspire modern African women (and in the diaspora) to reclaim their African spirituality within their stories and experiences. Summarily, the article is a critique of the colonial project, slavery and its legacies in dehumanising and disenfranchising people and African knowledge systems. The article is structured as follows: firstly, it introduces the Hagar and/or Hajar traditions from the perspectives of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Secondly, it takes a step back to consider Hagar’s identity as an Egyptian princess before she encountered Sarah and Abraham. The article also discusses how Hagar’s past in Egypt had a bearing on her spiritual encounters when she and her son Ishmael and/or Ismail were exiled. Finally, the article concludes with a recommendation for continued reflection on an African spirituality narrative of the Hagar traditions alongside the predominant narratives from Abrahamic religions.
This paper focuses on an “olive agenda” for putting economic and ecological justice at the heart ... more This paper focuses on an “olive agenda” for putting economic and ecological justice at the heart of faith. For many communities in Southern Africa, nature is defined as “that which is created” and “everything in it, is the environment”. This perspective contrasts with many of the lived realities today, where nature is seen less as being summed up in God’s creation and sustenance and is instead regarded more as something to be consumed and used for its benefits. This paper draws from Ekari Mbvundula’s Montague’s Last to argue for economic and ecological justice in dialogue with Steve De Gruchy’s notion of an olive agenda to argue for sustainable, economic and ecological justice. (Chichewa Translation) Mu nkhaniyi tiunikira za chuma, zachilengedwe, komanso chikhristu malingana ndi Ndondomeko yotchedwa “olive agenda”. M’madera ambiri a kumwera kwa Africa, mau akuti zachilengedwe amatanthauza “chilichonse chimene chinalengedwa (ndi Namalenga)”. Kutanthauzira kotereku kumatsutsana ndi zi...
In this paper, I attempt to share my experiences of dominant systems of education. I do this thro... more In this paper, I attempt to share my experiences of dominant systems of education. I do this through the concepts and methods of “rememory” (Toni Morrison) and decolonisation (Satya P. Mohanty). I am also inspired by the Malawian-born Louis Nthenda , and the Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani. Nthenda and Mamdani harness the power of their scholarship (and activism) in recounting and reflecting on their own experiences. Reflecting by way of drawing on the memories of others is useful as it provides an opportunity to “rememory” with those who have undergone similar or relevant experiences in academia, and educational institutions more broadly. It is also useful in helping us draw from past knowledge and perspectives to critically engage our ongoing experiences in the academic world. In this presentation, I will “rememory” in conversation with two fictional characters, Miisi from Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi’s Kintu and Thenga from Petina Gappa’s Out of Darkness, Shining Light, respectively.
Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) is a blackface character at the center of the Dutch celebration of Sinte... more Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) is a blackface character at the center of the Dutch celebration of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas). The character has become an increasingly polarizing figure during the last few years in the Dutch public space. Those who oppose the figure argue that it promotes racial inequality and is an offensive reminder of an unjust past that exploited Black people through slavery and colonization. Meanwhile, those who defend the image maintain that the character bears no racial connotations but is an important part of a long-held, popular holiday celebrated by Dutch citizens, the majority of whom do not view themselves as racist. The fallout from the debate has seen an increase in incidents targeting Dutch citizens of African ancestry, particularly in the weeks preceding Sinterklaas celebrations. Incidents range from children being taunted as Black Pete to activists being humiliated with Black Pete caricatures. Finding a middle ground that recognizes both tradition and ju...
This paper focuses on the influence of Black Liberation theology on the development work of the P... more This paper focuses on the influence of Black Liberation theology on the development work of the Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in colonial times. It draws from previous research as well as new developments like the growing public interest in Chilembwe such as we saw in July 2021 when it was announced that the “Antelope”, a sculptural restaging of a photograph of Chilembwe and a British missionary in which the artist “elevated Chilembwe and his story, revealing the hidden narratives of underrepresented people in the history of the British Empire in Africa and beyond.” Among the narratives that I would like to reflect on in this paper is the less spoken about link between Chilembwe’s theology and that of what we can term “early forms” of Black theology. In the context of this paper, I argue that early forms of Black theology influenced Chilembwe’s struggle against colonisation in the country now known as Malawi.
17 Information sourced from author's personal contacts. 18 Some of the conquered peoples resisted... more 17 Information sourced from author's personal contacts. 18 Some of the conquered peoples resisted using the little agency available to them, such as pilfering from the cattle herds that Zwangendaba had dispossessed them of for his own herd. Also, women who were absorbed into the clan's Ngoni patrilineal system raised their Ngoni children to speak the women's languages (many of them did not know how to speak isiNgoni). As a result, there are few native speakers of isiNgoni today. Efforts are being made to revive the language. 19 The British Broadcasting Corporation.
17 Information sourced from author's personal contacts. 18 Some of the conquered peoples resisted... more 17 Information sourced from author's personal contacts. 18 Some of the conquered peoples resisted using the little agency available to them, such as pilfering from the cattle herds that Zwangendaba had dispossessed them of for his own herd. Also, women who were absorbed into the clan's Ngoni patrilineal system raised their Ngoni children to speak the women's languages (many of them did not know how to speak isiNgoni). As a result, there are few native speakers of isiNgoni today. Efforts are being made to revive the language. 19 The British Broadcasting Corporation.
This paper explores the negative impacts of the Anthropocene on the environment. It seeks advocac... more This paper explores the negative impacts of the Anthropocene on the environment. It seeks advocacy for marginalized religions and spiritualities that hold pro-environmental knowledge. This paper argues as positive environmental Anthropocene Based on some aspects of the African Traditional Religion. The authors criticize imperialism and Christianity for suppressing and displacing African Traditional religions by failing to identify their positive qualities and leveraging on them. These colonial tendencies argued as pro-capitalist that have little regard for the environment as long as the colonial master's bottom line, guided by the ethos of "dominance for profit," is achieved. The theoretical framework draws on the perspective of decoloniality and views imperialism and its relics as a destructive Anthropocene for the environment. This paper, therefore, concludes that preserving what is left of marginalized religions, including the African Traditional Religion, would result in a more positive Anthropocene for the environment.
i DECLARATION ii DEDICATION iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv MAP OF KWAZULU-NATAL: LOCALISATION OF THE KWA... more i DECLARATION ii DEDICATION iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv MAP OF KWAZULU-NATAL: LOCALISATION OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL MIDLANDS v ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS vi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.
This paper discusses the impact of colonization on Christian mission encounters and activities. I... more This paper discusses the impact of colonization on Christian mission encounters and activities. It utilizes the decolonial epistemic framework to analyze the limitations of approaches that advocate “dialogue,” “revelation,” and “mutual growth.” The paper argues that focusing on these three approaches overlooks the asymmetrical power dynamics inherent in the history of Western Christian missions. Conversely, a focus on a deeper experience of the divine highlights the existing epistemic and spiritual knowledge of individuals and communities who have become “othered” within a colonial framework. The paper begins by defining the terms that describe the power dynamics of colonization. Following is a discussion of the impact of colonization on Christian missions. Next, the paper explores the limits of dialogue, revelation, and mutual growth, and finally, it argues the importance of focusing on a more profound experience of the divine.
This paper highlights several Malawian Pentecostal perspectives in light of the COVID-19 pandemic... more This paper highlights several Malawian Pentecostal perspectives in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper draws on ongoing empirical research that explores how Malawian Christians respond to Jesus as Healer when encountering chronic health conditions. The ongoing empirical research compares the responses of three faith/theological traditions, Reformed, Pentecostal, and Liberation, in the Malawian Southern City of Blantyre and its surrounding areas. This paper highlights and reflects on specifically the Pentecostal insights from the ongoing empirical research and argues that from the study's perspective, several theological themes are important in Pentecostal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses include how participants in the study related to the themes of "hope" and, in turn, to the prominence of retribution theologies that often emerge during public health crises. Thus, this paper relies on the two themes, "hope" and "justice," as offering conceptual framework for dialoguing the study participants' insights with some insights from the Pentecostal discourse that emerged in traditional and social media in Malawi, particularly in the first (2020) and second wave (2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This study is an exploration of the Hagar narrative from the perspective of African Womanist Theo... more This study is an exploration of the Hagar narrative from the perspective of African Womanist Theology. The article focuses on the spirituality of Hagar before and after her captivity (Gn 16). The research takes an Afrocentric perspective and uses a postcolonial lens to comment on the preceding text as well as consider how this story is captured in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. At the core of the article is an attempt at reclaiming the African in Hagar who is largely portrayed in the stories of Sarah and Abraham within a Hebrew perspective which itself is arguably imperial. The aim is to inspire modern African women (and in the diaspora) to reclaim their African spirituality within their stories and experiences. Summarily, the article is a critique of the colonial project, slavery and its legacies in dehumanising and disenfranchising people and African knowledge systems. The article is structured as follows: firstly, it introduces the Hagar and/or Hajar traditions from the perspectives of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Secondly, it takes a step back to consider Hagar’s identity as an Egyptian princess before she encountered Sarah and Abraham. The article also discusses how Hagar’s past in Egypt had a bearing on her spiritual encounters when she and her son Ishmael and/or Ismail were exiled. Finally, the article concludes with a recommendation for continued reflection on an African spirituality narrative of the Hagar traditions alongside the predominant narratives from Abrahamic religions.
This paper focuses on an “olive agenda” for putting economic and ecological justice at the heart ... more This paper focuses on an “olive agenda” for putting economic and ecological justice at the heart of faith. For many communities in Southern Africa, nature is defined as “that which is created” and “everything in it, is the environment”. This perspective contrasts with many of the lived realities today, where nature is seen less as being summed up in God’s creation and sustenance and is instead regarded more as something to be consumed and used for its benefits. This paper draws from Ekari Mbvundula’s Montague’s Last to argue for economic and ecological justice in dialogue with Steve De Gruchy’s notion of an olive agenda to argue for sustainable, economic and ecological justice. (Chichewa Translation) Mu nkhaniyi tiunikira za chuma, zachilengedwe, komanso chikhristu malingana ndi Ndondomeko yotchedwa “olive agenda”. M’madera ambiri a kumwera kwa Africa, mau akuti zachilengedwe amatanthauza “chilichonse chimene chinalengedwa (ndi Namalenga)”. Kutanthauzira kotereku kumatsutsana ndi zi...
In this paper, I attempt to share my experiences of dominant systems of education. I do this thro... more In this paper, I attempt to share my experiences of dominant systems of education. I do this through the concepts and methods of “rememory” (Toni Morrison) and decolonisation (Satya P. Mohanty). I am also inspired by the Malawian-born Louis Nthenda , and the Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani. Nthenda and Mamdani harness the power of their scholarship (and activism) in recounting and reflecting on their own experiences. Reflecting by way of drawing on the memories of others is useful as it provides an opportunity to “rememory” with those who have undergone similar or relevant experiences in academia, and educational institutions more broadly. It is also useful in helping us draw from past knowledge and perspectives to critically engage our ongoing experiences in the academic world. In this presentation, I will “rememory” in conversation with two fictional characters, Miisi from Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi’s Kintu and Thenga from Petina Gappa’s Out of Darkness, Shining Light, respectively.
Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) is a blackface character at the center of the Dutch celebration of Sinte... more Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) is a blackface character at the center of the Dutch celebration of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas). The character has become an increasingly polarizing figure during the last few years in the Dutch public space. Those who oppose the figure argue that it promotes racial inequality and is an offensive reminder of an unjust past that exploited Black people through slavery and colonization. Meanwhile, those who defend the image maintain that the character bears no racial connotations but is an important part of a long-held, popular holiday celebrated by Dutch citizens, the majority of whom do not view themselves as racist. The fallout from the debate has seen an increase in incidents targeting Dutch citizens of African ancestry, particularly in the weeks preceding Sinterklaas celebrations. Incidents range from children being taunted as Black Pete to activists being humiliated with Black Pete caricatures. Finding a middle ground that recognizes both tradition and ju...
This paper focuses on the influence of Black Liberation theology on the development work of the P... more This paper focuses on the influence of Black Liberation theology on the development work of the Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in colonial times. It draws from previous research as well as new developments like the growing public interest in Chilembwe such as we saw in July 2021 when it was announced that the “Antelope”, a sculptural restaging of a photograph of Chilembwe and a British missionary in which the artist “elevated Chilembwe and his story, revealing the hidden narratives of underrepresented people in the history of the British Empire in Africa and beyond.” Among the narratives that I would like to reflect on in this paper is the less spoken about link between Chilembwe’s theology and that of what we can term “early forms” of Black theology. In the context of this paper, I argue that early forms of Black theology influenced Chilembwe’s struggle against colonisation in the country now known as Malawi.
17 Information sourced from author's personal contacts. 18 Some of the conquered peoples resisted... more 17 Information sourced from author's personal contacts. 18 Some of the conquered peoples resisted using the little agency available to them, such as pilfering from the cattle herds that Zwangendaba had dispossessed them of for his own herd. Also, women who were absorbed into the clan's Ngoni patrilineal system raised their Ngoni children to speak the women's languages (many of them did not know how to speak isiNgoni). As a result, there are few native speakers of isiNgoni today. Efforts are being made to revive the language. 19 The British Broadcasting Corporation.
17 Information sourced from author's personal contacts. 18 Some of the conquered peoples resisted... more 17 Information sourced from author's personal contacts. 18 Some of the conquered peoples resisted using the little agency available to them, such as pilfering from the cattle herds that Zwangendaba had dispossessed them of for his own herd. Also, women who were absorbed into the clan's Ngoni patrilineal system raised their Ngoni children to speak the women's languages (many of them did not know how to speak isiNgoni). As a result, there are few native speakers of isiNgoni today. Efforts are being made to revive the language. 19 The British Broadcasting Corporation.
This paper explores the negative impacts of the Anthropocene on the environment. It seeks advocac... more This paper explores the negative impacts of the Anthropocene on the environment. It seeks advocacy for marginalized religions and spiritualities that hold pro-environmental knowledge. This paper argues as positive environmental Anthropocene Based on some aspects of the African Traditional Religion. The authors criticize imperialism and Christianity for suppressing and displacing African Traditional religions by failing to identify their positive qualities and leveraging on them. These colonial tendencies argued as pro-capitalist that have little regard for the environment as long as the colonial master's bottom line, guided by the ethos of "dominance for profit," is achieved. The theoretical framework draws on the perspective of decoloniality and views imperialism and its relics as a destructive Anthropocene for the environment. This paper, therefore, concludes that preserving what is left of marginalized religions, including the African Traditional Religion, would result in a more positive Anthropocene for the environment.
i DECLARATION ii DEDICATION iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv MAP OF KWAZULU-NATAL: LOCALISATION OF THE KWA... more i DECLARATION ii DEDICATION iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv MAP OF KWAZULU-NATAL: LOCALISATION OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL MIDLANDS v ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS vi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.
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