Gendering inculturation in Africa: a discussion of three African women theologians' entry into the inculturation scene

Abstract

In theological circles in Africa, there has been an interest as to how cultural contexts must and will shape theology. Therefore, since the 1960's, African theologians have engaged in so-called'inculturation'. Inculturation means an attempt to reformulate and re-interpret the gospel so that the gospel can be at home in African culture. This attempt is an ongoing process, which involves a dialogue between the gospel and culture, or cultures.'The two elements' culture'and'gospel'necessarily interact and this interaction calls for a measure of re-interpretation. 2 Previously, missionary Christianity tended to devalue traditional African culture and dismiss it as pagan and heathen. African worldview and tradition were considered unworthy and at best to be abandoned. Yet, it is unrealistic to regard inculturation as a finished task. By virtue of inculturation being ongoing, it is insufficient to strictly hold on to the earlier presentations by African male theologians. For this reason, African women theologians have understood