MH571/671: Survey of African Christianity in History (4 units)

Jehu J Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization
Spring 2007 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an exploration of the establishment and growth of Christianity in Africa. It aims less to provide detailed historical coverage of the church in every region of the sub-continent than to negotiate major themes, currents and developments constituent to the rise of African Christianity. Regional experiences, however, form the building blocks of the study. The majority of Africans have heard the Gospel from Africans; thus, while the impact of Western missionary enterprise forms an overarching theme, central emphasis will be on African initiatives, agency and enterprise.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who participate fully in the course will

• gain some understanding of how historical contexts and the indigenous cultural heritage shape the appropriation and expressions of the Christian faith,
• recognize some aspects of African spirituality,
• be able to identify some distinctive contributions of African Christianity to global Christianity,
• be able to appraise the role of empire in the spread of the gospel, the multiple processes by which the Kingdom of God penetrates new settings, the critical shift from foreign mission to indigenous church.

COURSE FORMAT: The class meets once a week for a period of three hours. Class sessions will be structured into formal lectures, group discussion, and seminars.

REQUIRED READING: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Hanciles, Jehu J. Euthanasia of a Mission. Praeger, 2002.
Hastings, Adrian, The Church in Africa 1450-1950. Clarendon, 1994.
Kalu, Ogbu U. (ed.), African Christianity: An African Story. University of Pretoria, 2005.
Sanneh, Lamin, Whose Religion is Christianity: The Gospel beyond the West. Wm B. Eerdmans, 2003.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Gray, Richard, Black Christians and White Missionaries. Yale University Press, 1990.
Bediako, Kwame, Christianity in Africa: Renewal of a Non-Western Religion. Orbis, 1995.
Davidson, Basil, Africa in History: Themes and Outlines. Simon & Shuster, 1995.
Gifford, Paul, African Christianity: Its Public Role. Indiana University Press, 1998.
Isichei, Elizabeth, A History of Christianity in Africa: from antiquity to the present. SPCK, 1995.
Sanneh, Lamin, Abolitionists Abroad: American Blacks and the making of Modern West Africa. Harvard, 1999.
Sunkler B. & Reed, C., A History of the Church in Africa. Cambridge University Press, 2000.

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Read at least 1200 pages from required and recommended books.
• Write and submit six (1-page/250 words) reflection papers based on stipulated readings as required.
• Write and submit two (3-4 pages/750-1000 words) research papers by stipulated deadlines.
• Submit one (2-3 pages/500-750 words) final paper proposal with a focus on pertinent themes, issues, phenomena, etc.
• Write a 15-20 page/3,750-5,000 words final paper (excluding bibliography) based on research proposal.
• (Th.M. students will write a review of a book related to the course and submit a 20-25 page/5,000-6250 words final paper demonstrating greater intellectual critique and analytical depth).

** Students are advised that the details of these assignments are subject to last minute change.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: January 25, 2007