Marriage and Family In African Christianity
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Date
2004
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Publisher
Acton Publishers
Abstract
Many Christian Families in Africa are in crisis. The crisis is
about how to face change. Christian missionary activities, colonialism,
westernization, urbanization, and other contemporary
factors have destabilized African families and communities almost
to destruction. The question is, will African families succumb
to modernity or will they re-emerge with alternative
stronger family structures? Every crisis is a challenge and an
opportunity. It is a challenge because the old models are no
longer feasible in the changing social environment. The pangs
of this re-birth generate great anxiety. It is an opportunity because
something more beautiful may eventually emerge. Our
own creative reflections, discussions and assessments are vital
contributions towards the reconstruction of African families. The
Tanzanian Theological Colloquium (TTC) focused on this crisis
during the Third session in Lyamungo, Moshi, in June 2002.
TTC is an ecumenical circle of theologians. Most of them are in
academic work, and the rest are pastors.
The book deals with the theme of Christian marriage from
both the doctrinal and the pastoral perspectives. It is both deductive
and inductive in approach. Biblical exegesis is invoked
at the same time that local experiences are cited for illustration
and elaboration. The book takes both analysis and synthesis
seriously. It is Pastoral in scope, and at the same time, biblical
in emphasis. The contributors belong to a wide spectrum of Christian
denominations. However, the views they express are based
on their respective research, not necessarily echoing the official
policy of their respective churches.
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Keywords
Marriage, family, African Christianity, Reconstruction of the African Family, Inter-generational conceptual gap