The decolonising of theology through African proverbs
The decolonisation of theology has been a subject in academia for almost 60 years. In this article, although referring to African proverbs as a way of decolonising theology all the proverbs are in the Setswana language, which the author is knowledgeable of and is conversant with; however, most of th...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | Afrikaans |
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AOSIS
2023-10-01
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| Series: | In die Skriflig |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://indieskriflig.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/view/2995 |
| _version_ | 1797641334903799808 |
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| author | Kelebogile T. Resane |
| author_facet | Kelebogile T. Resane |
| author_sort | Kelebogile T. Resane |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The decolonisation of theology has been a subject in academia for almost 60 years. In this article, although referring to African proverbs as a way of decolonising theology all the proverbs are in the Setswana language, which the author is knowledgeable of and is conversant with; however, most of these proverbs cut across tribal, ethnic, and geographical boundaries. The objectives are, among others, to demonstrate the richness of African philosophy and wisdom expressed through proverbs, idioms, and folklore. These proverbs are sapient and capable of articulating theology, therefore making theology contextual and relevant for Africans. Definitions of proverbs start the discussions. A literature review and common knowledge are used to validate the facts stated. Three areas are chosen where and how the proverbs can be used to formulate and validate theological truth. Firstly, the area of ethics where proverbs are used in ethical instructions regarding morality and values, community and cooperation, leadership, family life, as well as respect and integrity. The second area is theologising through proverbs by which dogmatisation can be achieved highlighting the view of theology, a database in theologising, an authority base, and hermeneutical principle. Thirdly, proverbs can be used to strengthen communion ecclesiology. The conclusion is drawn that theology can unshackle itself from the clutches of colonialism, if African philosophy and wisdom expressed through proverbs can be engaged in hermeneutical processes and the contextualisation of theology in the African context.
Contribution: The article engages the Setswana language, African philosophy, and theology to strengthen the theme of decolonising theology. It is both interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary as it engages anthropology, linguistics, human philosophy, theological ethics, dogmatics, and ecclesiology. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T13:44:08Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-5229fc6845f74d25b9563f1c5d599503 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1018-6441 2305-0853 |
| language | Afrikaans |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T13:44:08Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | AOSIS |
| record_format | Article |
| series | In die Skriflig |
| spelling | doaj.art-5229fc6845f74d25b9563f1c5d5995032023-11-02T10:59:01ZafrAOSISIn die Skriflig1018-64412305-08532023-10-01571e1e710.4102/ids.v57i1.29952593The decolonising of theology through African proverbsKelebogile T. Resane0Department of Historical and Constructive Theology, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of the Free State, BloemfonteinThe decolonisation of theology has been a subject in academia for almost 60 years. In this article, although referring to African proverbs as a way of decolonising theology all the proverbs are in the Setswana language, which the author is knowledgeable of and is conversant with; however, most of these proverbs cut across tribal, ethnic, and geographical boundaries. The objectives are, among others, to demonstrate the richness of African philosophy and wisdom expressed through proverbs, idioms, and folklore. These proverbs are sapient and capable of articulating theology, therefore making theology contextual and relevant for Africans. Definitions of proverbs start the discussions. A literature review and common knowledge are used to validate the facts stated. Three areas are chosen where and how the proverbs can be used to formulate and validate theological truth. Firstly, the area of ethics where proverbs are used in ethical instructions regarding morality and values, community and cooperation, leadership, family life, as well as respect and integrity. The second area is theologising through proverbs by which dogmatisation can be achieved highlighting the view of theology, a database in theologising, an authority base, and hermeneutical principle. Thirdly, proverbs can be used to strengthen communion ecclesiology. The conclusion is drawn that theology can unshackle itself from the clutches of colonialism, if African philosophy and wisdom expressed through proverbs can be engaged in hermeneutical processes and the contextualisation of theology in the African context. Contribution: The article engages the Setswana language, African philosophy, and theology to strengthen the theme of decolonising theology. It is both interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary as it engages anthropology, linguistics, human philosophy, theological ethics, dogmatics, and ecclesiology.https://indieskriflig.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/view/2995proverbsafricantheologyculturephilosophywisdomethics. |
| spellingShingle | Kelebogile T. Resane The decolonising of theology through African proverbs In die Skriflig proverbs african theology culture philosophy wisdom ethics. |
| title | The decolonising of theology through African proverbs |
| title_full | The decolonising of theology through African proverbs |
| title_fullStr | The decolonising of theology through African proverbs |
| title_full_unstemmed | The decolonising of theology through African proverbs |
| title_short | The decolonising of theology through African proverbs |
| title_sort | decolonising of theology through african proverbs |
| topic | proverbs african theology culture philosophy wisdom ethics. |
| url | https://indieskriflig.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/view/2995 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT kelebogiletresane thedecolonisingoftheologythroughafricanproverbs AT kelebogiletresane decolonisingoftheologythroughafricanproverbs |