Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into Public Theology: Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern Africa
The call to decolonize South African university curricula continues to shape academic discourse, highlighting the urgency of integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into theological education. While Western epistemologies have long dominated theology in Africa, this article argues f...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Religions |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/7/869 |
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| author | Patrick Nanthambwe |
| author_facet | Patrick Nanthambwe |
| author_sort | Patrick Nanthambwe |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The call to decolonize South African university curricula continues to shape academic discourse, highlighting the urgency of integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into theological education. While Western epistemologies have long dominated theology in Africa, this article argues for a paradigm shift by positioning public theology as a viable framework for engaging AIKS in meaningful and transformative ways. The article examines how AIKSs—expressed through oral traditions, communal spiritualities, and indigenous ethics—can enrich theological discourse, enhance contextual relevance, and address issues such as social justice, identity, and community cohesion. Drawing on the decoloniality discourse, this study critically explores the epistemological, institutional, and pedagogical challenges hindering integration and proposes concrete strategies including curriculum reform, faculty training, and community-based theological formation. The article contributes to the decolonization of theological education by offering a context-specific framework that repositions AIKSs as legitimate theological resources. In doing so, it advances a model of public theology that is inclusive, rooted in African realities, and responsive to the transformative needs of Southern African societies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8232bc98223747cda777e65092684809 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj-art-8232bc98223747cda777e650926848092025-08-20T03:32:15ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442025-07-0116786910.3390/rel16070869Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into Public Theology: Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern AfricaPatrick Nanthambwe0The Unit for Reformational Theology and the Development of the South African Society, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South AfricaThe call to decolonize South African university curricula continues to shape academic discourse, highlighting the urgency of integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into theological education. While Western epistemologies have long dominated theology in Africa, this article argues for a paradigm shift by positioning public theology as a viable framework for engaging AIKS in meaningful and transformative ways. The article examines how AIKSs—expressed through oral traditions, communal spiritualities, and indigenous ethics—can enrich theological discourse, enhance contextual relevance, and address issues such as social justice, identity, and community cohesion. Drawing on the decoloniality discourse, this study critically explores the epistemological, institutional, and pedagogical challenges hindering integration and proposes concrete strategies including curriculum reform, faculty training, and community-based theological formation. The article contributes to the decolonization of theological education by offering a context-specific framework that repositions AIKSs as legitimate theological resources. In doing so, it advances a model of public theology that is inclusive, rooted in African realities, and responsive to the transformative needs of Southern African societies.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/7/869African indigenous knowledgepublic theologypublic lifeAfrican contexttheological engagementSouthern Africa |
| spellingShingle | Patrick Nanthambwe Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into Public Theology: Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern Africa Religions African indigenous knowledge public theology public life African context theological engagement Southern Africa |
| title | Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into Public Theology: Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern Africa |
| title_full | Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into Public Theology: Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern Africa |
| title_fullStr | Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into Public Theology: Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into Public Theology: Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern Africa |
| title_short | Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into Public Theology: Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern Africa |
| title_sort | integrating african indigenous knowledge systems aikss into public theology towards contextualized theological engagement in southern africa |
| topic | African indigenous knowledge public theology public life African context theological engagement Southern Africa |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/7/869 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT patricknanthambwe integratingafricanindigenousknowledgesystemsaikssintopublictheologytowardscontextualizedtheologicalengagementinsouthernafrica |