Ethnicity in Theological Education in Africa

Abstract

In this article I argue that by virtue of its subject matter, theological education ought to infuse life with morals and values, thus molding a just, moral and peaceful society such as is envisaged in God’s telos for His world. And in line with its aims, theological education provides knowledge and skills to people to enable them serve the church, together with the wider society where the church lives. A theological curriculum appropriate to its context ensures success in both these aspects of theological education. To their credit Africa’s theological institutions seem to have curricula which are relevant to Africa’s context. Success in sustaining the relevance of these curricula lies in continually revising the curriculum so that it does not become dated. One such urgent revision is in the offering of ethnic studies which is necessitated by the ethnic crisis in Africa. For this reason ethnic studies in the curriculum of theological education in Africa is imperative. I propose four ways in which ethnic studies could be included in the curriculum of theological education Africa.