DLGP

Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives: Crafting Ministry in an Interconnected World

The epic story that must be told

Written by: on June 1, 2017

Thomas C. Oden author of How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind challenges the Western Christian narrative of Christianity and its origins in Africa.  Oden states his purpose for his book in the beginning when he writes ” The thesis of this book can be stated simply: Africa played a decisive role in the formation of Christian culture. Decisive intellectual achievements of Christianity were explored and understood first in Africa before they were recognized in Europe, and a millennium before they found their way to North America.”[1] The narrative that has be retold presents a story that depicts a historical view that Africans were influenced by the North. It tells a story that Christianity was presented to Africans by the Europeans.  He argues that the history of Christianity extends further back than the distorted expression of Western and European accounts. The unfortunate reality is that the oral traditions of the African culture have not been passed on with the same value and appreciation as the European written history. The true history, he argues, is an epic story. One that must be told not by “outsiders” but by young africans who can continue on with sharing and embracing the story through oral tradition and other scholarly mediums. His intended audience is not just for Christians. He writes “hence this is not a story for a Christian audience only. It is not intended to be heard only by those already convinced. Nor is it a story whose audience primarily resides in academic settings. It is for seekers, skeptics, and for those convicted, but especially for the children of African villages.”[2] His intentions is to invite his intended audience to adopt and explore the truths of this narrative. From the beginning Christianity has always been told through story therefore the history of its orgins must continue to be told in the same vain. The core elements of this epic story of how African Christianity has shaped and influenced Western Christianity can be explained in seven distinct ways:[3]

  1. The Western notion of univeristy
  2. The Christian exegesis of Scripture
  3. Early Christian Dogma
  4. Conciliar patterns that informed ecumenical decision-making
  5. The birth of monasticism
  6. Christian Neoplatonism
  7. Rhetorical and Dialetical finesse

Much of what he discusses in his book deals with the hard truths that negate  the altered history we, in the west, have so heavily asserted as foundational truths of the origins of our Christian faith. What is so interetsting to me is how much of what has originated in Africa ,and still is evident today,  also is reflective in our western practice of Christianity. This book while very informative ends with a challenge for further exploration and advancement of scholarship. His research and arguments are compelling. I am glad the story is being told and brought to the forefront. Although, I have not been to Africa [yet], I have always felt a strong connection to the African heritage of my ancestors. Oral traditions are embedded in the African American culture . There is something to be said about when “our story is told by us to us”. I believe that is what Oden is advocating for to the young scholars. I saw his assertion as remorseful and redemptive. In order for this epic story to be ingrained in the spiritual fabric of not only the world, the continent, the countries and people groups it must be told with conviction and truth. To do that, it must be understood and affirmed by those outside but it has to be fully embraced and told from within.

 

 

[1] Thomas C. Oden, How africa shaped the christian mind: rediscovering the african seedbed of western christianity (Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2010), Location 42.

[2] Ibid, Location 75.

[3] Ibid, Location 312.

About the Author

Christal Jenkins Tanks

5 responses to “The epic story that must be told”

  1. Mary Walker says:

    “To do that, it must be understood and affirmed by those outside but it has to be fully embraced and told from within.”
    This is so important. I am glad that an American has done so much work and can nudge those of European descent to learn about the true history of our doctrines and to be willing to carry on the work without bias.
    But how thrilling when African Americans can embrace the exciting truth and also tell the stories to others especially their children. It’s time for the change. It will be interesting to see how much influence from Oden there might be in South Africa.
    Very insightful post.

  2. Stu Cocanougher says:

    “It is for seekers, skeptics, and for those convicted, but especially for the children of African villages.”

    This is significant. I heard a TED talk of an Nigerian women share about her childhood. She never read a children’s book that featured dark skinned person. Not one.

    The strong but silent message was “only white people are smart, have adventures, do exciting things, etc.” She now writes African children’s books.

    Much the same way, for the future of Africa to become more progressive, African children need to learn of the academic accomplishments of Africa’s past.

  3. Katy Drage Lines says:

    “it has to be fully embraced and told from within.”

    Yes! This is what Oden was burdened with. As a non-African, he felt like it wasn’t his place to tell their story to Africans. Yet as a patristics scholar, he was an expert on the early church mothers & fathers, and recognized the prejudicial theology underlying the absence of their African identity. I love that he spoke humbly– yet emphatically– as an outsider, tasking African scholars to find their own story… and tell it.

    BTW– I can’t wait to visit Africa with you!

  4. Lynda Gittens says:

    Thank you Christal for your insight.

    I am glad Oden followed the call of God to bring forth historical truths. If it had come from an African scholar, it would have been shunned.
    I will share this with you, South Africa’s makeup is different due to a large number of non-black Africans. Yet to be in the country and see it’s history is an experience only you can tell.
    I have always related to the African culture – I knew I was different. I realized the connection when I attended a black college with a large population of Africans. I was like Steve Martin in the Jerk when he heard the music on the radio.
    The sad part is that some Africans do not consider us a part of them. That’s another whole story.

  5. Kristin Hamilton says:

    “There is something to be said about when ‘our story is told by us to us.'” I love this, Christal. I see this when I listen to and learn from Native Americans in our community. I hear the investment and the pride taken in sharing traditions and stories from one generation to the next. I agree with Oden that getting this story (especially the African parts) into the hearts and minds of the children and young scholars can bring the pride and joy to the African church along with their incredible trust in the Spirit.

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