By
ADEYINKA SAMSON ADEWUMI
Biblical Studies Department, Faculty of Theological Studies, the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.Contact: samsondeji30911@gmail.com, +2348062643200
Abstract
This article is motivated by the need to crystallize and contextualize the understanding of salvation as it relates to Christianity in Africa. The study examines various perceptions of salvation on the African continent. The paper employed an analytical method with a descriptive approach to analyze salvation as it relates to practicable understanding in the African context, especially today. The study utilized a conceptual comparison of the views of John Mbiti and Kwame Bediako, representing eastern and western African thought among other scholars. Findings show that there is a variety of understanding of salvation among scholars, even in Africa, which covers the thematic, theological, cultural, and other elements. Findings also note that the perspectives hinge on the scholars’ most pressing challenge and context. The study holds that the standpoint of Africans about salvation should have both a Biblical view and an African element. Any understanding of salvation that does not address the daily engagement of the African situation appears to be inadequate. Hence African scholars should engage the meaning of salvation and situate the same within the context of the African experience, which does not necessarily oppose Biblical submission. It is recommended that Africans should have a holistic view and understanding of salvation. In conclusion, the study reveals that the African perspective of salvation needs to be real, practical, holistic, and all-encompassing of contemporary African experiences
Word count:246 words
Keywords: Salvation, African Perspectives, Critical Reflection
Introduction
There are quite a number of themes that have gained attention in unique ways in theological discourse among scholars. One such theme is a discourse about the doctrine of salvation, also known as soteriology. This discourse has been engaged with different views in mind. These views have cognizance of the reason, nature, and elements of salvation, among other issues. The attending questions in relation to this subject include: why would there be a need for salvation? Is salvation not possible unless atonement happens? Why should Christ die? What does the death of Christ signify? How does his death have a notable impact on the lives of believers? Other concerns revolve around the questions such as: which nature did Christ take on to die? If Christ is God, can God die? What are the elements of salvation? What does salvation entail? All these questions have been given attention variously to engage soteriology.
However, there appear to be various scholarly positions that raise specific issues in relation to salvation. This is necessitated by attempting to contextualize some essentials of salvation. This is more of a need in the light of presenting salvation in various contexts. This paper seeks to examine salvation as understood in the African context. The writer sets out to reflect on a few scholarly positions on the subject of salvation by focusing on Christian salvation from African perspectives. The route this paper engages is to study salvation with the eyeglasses of Africans with reference to the African context. This shall be approached by descriptive technique through a structural stream that employs the following: (i) Introduction, (ii) African Perspectives of Salvation, (iii) Salvation from J. Mbiti’s Perspective, (iv) Salvation from K. Bediako’s Perspective, (v) A critical reflection on Mbiti and Bediako’s perspectives of Salvation, and (vi) Conclusion.
