Towards An African Theology of The Cross
Date
2001-02
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
Institutionali/ed corruption is a main future of \hicnii bureaucracies. The African
Synod (1994) identified it as an oppressive structure or system that constitutes a major
bottleneck on Africa's road to social, political and economic development and progress.
As an antidote to the continental malaise, the Synod called for a "serious reawakening of
conscience linked with a firm determination of will- among Africans, especially, those
who oversee the administration of public affairs, namely. the bureaucrats.'
Six years after the Synod, bureaucratic corruption is still on the increase in Africa:
subjecting the people to untold suffering. There is. therefore, the need for a Christian
symbol, which will help in "reawakening- the conscience of African Christians and
motivate them towards the eradication of corruption and liberation from its shackles.
The Cross-the unique Christian symbol-serves this purpose. This essay, therefore,
attempts at an honest look at bureaucratic corruption in Africa, with specific reference to
Nigeria; and proposes the cross as a reawakening or liberating symbol for African
peoples oppressed by bureaucratic corruption, Hence. the title: Tarrant an African
Theology of the Cross. It is thus hoped that the popular notion of the cross as a purely
spiritual symbol with little or nothing to do with life in society, will be corrected.
For a better presentation oldie work. the pastoral cycle methodology of see. judge
and act is followed. Also, the essay is divided into !bur chapters. Chapter one exposes the
dynamics of bureaucratic corruption in Nigeria. It defines and clarifies related concepts.
Chapter two examines the development of the theology of the cross in scripture and history of Western theolog). v, Mt particular interest in contemporary theology of the
cross as resourceful for a contemporary Alrican theology of the cross. the third chapter
attempts to develop a theology of the cross that !lows From and addresses the African
experience of oppressive social ills, especially. bureaucratic corruption. In the fifth, final
chapter, some pastoral implications of an African theology of the cross are explored, with
suggestions on how the Nigerian and African church can re-educate the people on the
liberating or reawakening aspect of the cross. For social translOrmation Some concluding
remarks then follow.
Description
Keywords
African, Theology, corruption, bureaucratic, Nigeria