Identity and integration : an enquiry into the nature and problems of theological indigenization in selected early Hellenistic and modern African Christian writers
This thesis links theological developments in two eras and contexts of Christian history by exploring how the question of Christian identity is dealt with by a number of Christian writers who are chosen for their representative significance in the two contexts. By this approach, the two eras concerned, early Hellenistic Christianity and modern African Christianity, are treated as belonging together within the one entity of Christian history. In a brief Introduction I attempt to establish the case for the methodological principle stated, and also to indicate its importance for understanding modern African theology in particular. Chapter One examines the intellectual and ideological background against which early Hellenistic Christian self-definition was to develop. The attempt is made to show that it was in response to the intellectual and spiritual forces that operated in the Graeco-Roman world, particularly as these affected the ~Pagan~ perception of Christianity, that the emergent Christian thought developed. The rest of Part One (Chapters Two to Five) examines the viewpoints and achievements of Tatian, Tartullian, Justin and Clement of Alexandria. The emphasis throughout is on how the career and thought
Bediako, Kwame
African fiction ; Christian literature, Early ; Church history ; Christianity and culture ; Theology, Doctrinal ; Identification (Religion) ; Social integration
Identity and integration : an enquiry into the nature and problems of theological indigenization in selected early Hellenistic and modern African Christian writers. This thesis links theological developments in two eras and contexts of Christian history by exploring how the question of Christian identity is dealt with by a number of Christian writers who are chosen for their representative significance in the two contexts. By this approach, the two eras concerned, early Hellenistic Christianity and modern African Christianity, are treated as belonging together within the one entity of Christian history. In a brief Introduction I attempt to establish the case for the methodological principle stated, and also to indicate its importance for understanding modern African theology in particular. Chapter One examines the intellectual and ideological background against which early Hellenistic Christian self-definition was to develop. The attempt is made to show that it was in response to the intellectual and spiritual forces that operated in the Graeco-Roman world, particularly as these affected the ~Pagan~ perception of Christianity, that the emergent Christian thought developed. The rest of Part One (Chapters Two to Five) examines the viewpoints and achievements of Tatian, Tartullian, Justin and Clement of Alexandria. The emphasis throughout is on how the career and thought
identity integration enquiry nature problem theological select early_hellenistic modern african christian writer link theological development era contexts christian history explore question christian identity deal number christian writer choose representative significance context era concern early_hellenistic christianity modern african christianity treat belong together within entity christian history brief_introduction attempt_establish case methodological principle state also_indicate importance modern african theology particular examine intellectual ideological background early_hellenistic christian self_definition develop attempt_make show response intellectual spiritual force operate graeco_roman world particularly affect pagan perception christianity emergent christian_thought develop rest part_one examine viewpoint achievement justin clement alexandria emphasis throughout career thought