We live in an ever-changing world. In the past decades the pace of this change has quickened. Mass-media and the Internet bring the whole world into our offices and living rooms. Travelling to other countries and continents has become easier and more attainable. As the saying goes: the world becomes a global village.
In this global village there are strong tendencies towards uniformity. In every major city in the world you can step into a Kentucky Fried Chicken or a Chinese restaurant. Preachers from other countries share their message on TV and have a following among our congregations. Contrary to this unifying force, there is also a tendency toward that which is authentic and locally embedded; like home grown food and traditionally made products, or a theology that appreciates African traditions.
Globalization raises questions about our identity. Who are we, as Christians in Southern Africa? Is Christianity the same all over the world, or are there many Christianities? Should we hold fast to the fundamentals of our faith or try to find new answers for a new time? And who decides? Who is leading and who is following? Support from international organizations can help in the fight for social justice – but what if this help comes with strings attached? What do we do with these themes within our theological institutions and in the education of ministers for the 21st century?
What does the globalized world that we live in mean for our Christian identity and for our struggle for social justice? That is the central question that is addressed in this book from a wide array of angles by members of the Association of Theological Institutions of Southern and Central Africa (ATISCA) and Justo Mwale Theological University College (Lusaka, Zambia).”
“This book is about the struggle for social justice in relation to the self-understanding of Christians from Southern and East Africa in a globalizing world. Among other concerns, it brings out the connection between theology and disability where disability is reflected as an issue that calls for self-identity and self-re-definition. This book is an important resource on contextualisation of theology and it is worthy reading” Dr. Samuel Kabue, Executive Director of the World Council of Churches network EDAN.
“In a work long overdue theologians and other researchers in Christianity investigate, discuss and critique the influence of globalization on Christian identity in Southern Africa and its consequences in the struggle for justice. Despite all talk about a ‘global village’, the voices of Christians from Southern Africa are hardly ever heard. This book represents an important change in this respect. The book has been well edited by Hermen Kroesbergen and it is a must read for all theologians and ministers who want to reflect on our shifting identities.” Christian Literature Fund
