Theology Brewed in an African Pot

by Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator

Using a framework of excerpts from Chinua Achebe's acclaimed novel, Things Fall Apart, Orobator introduces the major themes of Christian God, Trinity, creation, grace and sin, Jesus Christ, church, Mary, the saints, inculturation, and spirituality. While explaining basic Christian beliefs, Theology Brewed in an African Pot also clarifies the differences between an African view of religion and a more Eurocentric understanding of religion offering a wider perspective on theology and culture. Each of the eleven short chapters ends with three discussion questions followed by one or two African prayers, providing an accessible and engaging introduction for students and study groups alike.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Africa, Read For School

162 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2008

Reviews

[Brad Dell]

A reflection on African proverbs, tradition, and Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” this book shares the lenses necessary to grasping the barebones of the African theological worldview. At times invigorating and other times lacking, but a mostly satisfying read. Orobator has me rethinking my own approaches to theology via the realization that I’ve lacked a care for the power of proverbs and rituals in forming worldviews. I also greatly enjoyed his discussion questions and African prayers at the end of each section.

A snippet to summarize Orobator’s noted differences between Western and African thought:

“Christianity, in the form that it has been preached in Africa, speaks in doctrines and dogmas; it speaks through experiences and events codified in sacred texts. African religion speaks mostly through what is directly perceived and concretely experienced: stories are told, myths constructed; histories are reenacted in song, rituals, and gestures; symbols and signs are created to express the truth of God's presence in nature. We have here different but complementary forms of communication.”

[Danielle]

Great book that provides insight into the African culture's relationship to theology. As a book itself (as opposed to it being a teaching tool like a textbook in class) it personally challenged me to reflect on my culture, my spiritual beliefs, and my culture's beliefs.

[B Bevans]

Absolutely brilliant, I am fascinated by the mind and spirituality of this author, having been inspired by him during the Synod on Synodality. This book gives incredible insights into the depths of African spirituality, how it can enrich our own faith and relationship with God. Also the profound ongoing relevant and exciting depths which Vatican II has to offer both the Church and the world and how we approach other cultures and faiths. Wonderful. A truly great contribution to theology and culture.

[Ian McCarty]

Phenomenal introduction to African theology from a Catholic perspective. Covers key doctrines like Christology, Trinity, Creation, and Mary from a Catholic and African perspective, integrating both together to form a distinct African Christian theology.

[Lilly Pittman]

If you're looking for an introduction to African theology, this is it.

[Brandon]

This book is an excellent primer to theology. Although the author writes from an African and Jesuit perspective, his approach and writing style makes it useful to anyone from any culture or denomination. I thought he could have pressed harder to conclusions on some areas he covered, but stylistically decided to leave things open ended (a fair decision given the fact that the book is not intended to be exhaustive). Overall would recommend to anyone interested in theology generally.

[Laura]

This book was a quick read about the contextualization of the Gospel in Africa.
The author, a Jesuit, wrote the book for layman in the church to understand the way that Africans view Christianity and make it a part of their every day life.
The book is simplistic in that the author goes through different doctrines, first defining for the reader what they are to a believer, then how this doctrine is different or is viewed and applied to Africans.
I had to read this book for my Theology in the Global Context class, and while I did not agree with all of the author's theology to begin with (he being Catholic/me being protestant) I will say that the Church in Africa is thriving and finding ways to make the gospels their own and not live "the white man's christianity."

[Jenny-Flore Boston]

This is my second reading of this and I have more appreciation for it now. The last few chapters are heavily Catholic but I think it is good to read a systematic theology like this. It also clarifies to me how Catholicism may resonate with African cultures more than Protestantism...Mary as "Queen Mother" really solidified this thought I had floating around in my head.