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. Heaney's 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 Ireland's Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, Queen's 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 uw'Imana Sebahene, Director of Extension Education and African Public Theologian and Christian Ethicist, St. John's 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 experience can shed fresh light on Christian life generally. This is a ground-breaking work that enhances consideration of how belief and practice can cohere with authenticity, contextually and beyond, for Anglicans and for people of all confessions."" --William L. Sachs, Executive Director of the Center for Interfaith Reconciliation at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia ""Mbiti and Mugambi are towering figures in the study of African religious traditions. However, through a number of constructive moves, Heaney brings their voices squarely into the field of post-colonial thought, enabling their work to help us think deeply about coloniality and power. Their voices bring both judgment and hope for those seeking to subvert hegemonic power and serve a God who is seen, most often, in the margins."" --Jonathan S. Barnes, MDiv, PhD, Executive of Mission Education, Global Ministries/DOM ""Robert Heaney has written a book of outstanding quality and depth. By employing critical cultural theories and comparative theological methods, he shows the strengths and promise of post-colonial African theologies represented in the writings of Mbiti and Mugambi. Heaney's book is a tour de force on the changing landscape of African theologies."" --Stan Chu Ilo, Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies, DePaul University, Chicago Robert S. Heaney is Assistant Professor of Christian Mission and Director of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies at Virginia Theological Seminary.