African Inculturation Liberation Theology

Abstract

Liberation theology is renowned as one of the strongest theological trends in our contemporary society. It is arguably maintained that Latin theologians have conscietised and explicitly oriented people onto this manner of theologizing. Among the prominent exponents are scholars like G. Gutierrez, L. Boff, C. Boff, J. L. Segundo, J. Cambrine, J. M. Bonino and J. Sobrino. Nevertheless, this mode of doing theology is not a confine of Latin America. We find it also in Europe as political theology with exponents like J. Moltmann and J. B. Metz, in North America as Black power theology with exponents like J.H.Cone and G. S. Wilmore; in South Africa as Black theology with exponents like A. A. Boesak and B. Tlhagale; in independent African South of the Sahara with exponents like L. Magesa and M. A. Oduyoye. We find it in Asia too. As implied above, Africa too has liberation theology. But the question is, is the liberation theology we qualify as African really African? Is it just sheer replica of OTHERS‟ Liberation theologies or a mere abstraction? Can we actually say, this is our African Liberation theology? If we can assert this, what characteristics and elements should it have to affirm its distinctiveness and specificity, in view of a global mutual contribution? Dr. L. Magesa C., one of our African theologians committed to Liberation theology by words and deeds, is of the strong conviction that African Liberation theology is as real and peculiar as any other in the world. In this connection he says: Thus the widespread notion that sees in African liberation theology a replica of Latin American liberation theology is factually a misconception. The sooner it is abandoned the better. D. W. Ferm argues correctly that “That diverse and rich culture of Africa, in addition to its unique experience off Christianity, represents a fresh challenge to those seeking to understand African notions of liberation.” Not only that: the historical experience of Africa whose effects are still with us, and the