FROM HISTORICAL TO CRITICAL POST-COLONIAL THEOLOGY

What is post-colonial theology? How does it relate to theology that emerged in historically colonial situations? These are two questions that get to the heart of Robert S. Heaneys work as he considers the extent to which theologians predating the emergence of post-colonial theology might be considered as precursory to this theological movement. Heaney argues that the work of innovative theologians John S. Mbiti and Jesse N. K. Mugambi, important in their own right, must now also be considered in relation to the continued emergence of post-colonial theology. When this is done, fresh perspectives on both the nature of post-colonial theology and contextual theology emerge. Through a sympathetic and critical reading of Mbiti and Mugambi, Heaney offers a series of constructive moves that counter the ongoing temptation toward acontextualism that continues to haunt theology both in the North and in the South. This work breaks new ground in the field of African theology and will be a significant contribution to contemporary research. --Christopher Rowland, Dean Irelands Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, Queens College, Oxford This is a timely and unique guide to help generate biblical, theological, and missiological attention on the richness, breadth, depth, and often underappreciated relevance of African theology for the World Church. For many years to come, this will act as a dynamic resource for theologians and church leaders across the globe who are involved in the contextualization of African theology and its call for transformative and liberative application. --Rev. Canon Alfred uwImana Sebahene, Director of Extension Education and African Public Theologian and Christian Ethicist, St. Johns University of Tanzania Robert Heaney provides necessary clarification of the content of post-colonial theology by considering two of its formative figures. Through the visions of Mbiti and Mugambi, whom he has known as well as studied, Heaney describes how African e