Knut Holter - Böcker

African Teachers on the Colonial Frontier is an exploration of the profound social and personal changes that accompanied the expansion of European influence in the interior of southern Africa during the nineteenth century, focusing on the role played by Tswana Christian evangelists. Drawing on a wide range of sources and locating African converts rather than European missionaries at the center of the story, this book provides new insights into the development of African-European relations and the impact of colonization. Although Christian missions played an important role in European expansion, this book reveals that during much of the nineteenth century, Europeans had little control over the various ways that Africans interpreted, assimilated, and propagated Christianity, and how Christianity acquired meanings contrary to its presumed role as a vehicle for European imperialism. Africans associated Christianity with Europeans, but the implications of that association changed as relations between Africans and Europeans changed. More influential was the association of Christianity with certain individuals or families and their employment of Christianity as an element of politico-religious authority. Africans transformed Christianity as they were themselves transformed by it, and their efforts were usually motivated by very personal or local concerns, often despite – rather than because of – Christianity’s association with foreigners.Given its broad chronological scope and accessible prose, this book will be useful to undergraduate students studying the history of Africa, religion, or colonialism. The book’s detailed references to specific people and places in southern Africa also make it of interest to students and other readers residing in that region with an interest in the history of their churches or particular communities.

Doing Ministry in the Igbo Context: Towards an Emerging Model and Method for the Church in Africa arises out of reflection on experience and practice. The volume reflects on the author’s own cultural context, religious heritage, and pastoral functioning. In addition, it considers the author’s personal experiences in relation to the common experiences of others within the author’s cultural and religious traditions and places these experiences and the voices they represent into mutually critical correlation. Thus, commonalities and dissonances in them emerge leading to insights where to go from there in providing ministry to the People of God in the «local church» context and still within the framework of one universal church. This book presents a contextual model of local theology that begins its reflection with the Igbo cultural context. The Igbo or Nigerian or African Church can have a pattern of ministry with a model and a method that are consistent with the peoples’ values. To accomplish this goal a local cultural value must be explored and brought into the scene. Since the Igbo society is the heart of Christianity and Catholicism in Africa, the author relies on Igboland as his situational context. The exploration of the indigenous Igbo value of collaboration will be an advantage in ministering to the rest of the African people who have cultural resemblances to Igbos. The African Church has to learn from the Igbo values of umunna bu ike. Umunna is the basic Igbo unit, and possibly the most powerful missionary force in Igboland, and potentially an Igbo gift to the Church in Nigeria and Africa, and even beyond.

The main question of this book, which focuses on the role of the Old Testament in the South African context, is: If reread from an African liberationist perspective in the context of land redistribution and socio-economic justice in South Africa, could the Israelite Jubilee legislation in Leviticus 25:8–55 offer liberating and empowering possibilities for the poor in South Africa? The exegesis of Leviticus 25:8–55 in which the historical-critical method is employed lays the foundation for the contextualisation of the issues arising from the exegesis. Furthermore, within the African liberationist framework, the South African context serves as a lens to interpret Leviticus 25:8–55. The striking parallels between the contexts from which the text of Leviticus 25:8–55 emerged and the context of the modern reader of the Bible in South Africa are shown. In the end, it is argued that when re-read from an African liberationist perspective and in the context of the land redistribution and socio-economic justice discourse, Leviticus 25:8–55 can contribute positively to the redress of inequality and consequently to poverty alleviation in South Africa.

Although the demographics of World Christianity demonstrate a population shift to the Global South, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, the preponderance of biblical scholarship continues to be dominated by Western scholars in pursuit of their contextual questions that are influenced by an Enlightenment-oriented worldview. Unfortunately, nascent methodologies used to bridge this chasm often continue to marginalize indigenous voices. In contradistinction, Beth E. Elness-Hanson’s research challenges biblical scholars to engage stronger methods for dialogue with global voices, as well as encourages Majority World scholars to share their perspectives with the West.Elness-Hanson’s fundamental question is: How do we more fully understand the “generational curses” in the Pentateuch? The phrase, “visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation,” appears four times in the Pentateuch: Exod 20:4–6; Exod 34:6–7; Num 14:18; and Deut 5:8–10. While generational curses remain prevalent within the Maasai worldview in East Africa, an Enlightenment-influenced worldview diminishes curses as a phenomenon. However, fuller understandings develop as we listen and learn from each other.This research develops a theoretical framework from Hans-Georg Gadamer’s “fusion of horizons” and applies it through Ellen Herda’s anthropological protocol of “participatory inquiry.” The resulting dialogue with Maasai theologians in Tanzania, builds bridges of understanding across cultures. Elness-Hanson’s intercultural analysis of American and Maasai interpretations of the Pentateuchal texts on the generational curses demonstrates that intercultural dialogues increase understandings, which otherwise are limited by one worldview.

Drawing on Asante anthropology, Human Creation in the Image of God: The Asante Perspective examines the Christian understanding of imago dei. The book argues that human beings are the same and yet unique from God, reflecting the Trinitarian nature of Him. Human Creation in the Image of God will appeal to students, scholars, and practitioners interested in the meaning of creation imago dei.

The Eldest Brother and New Testament Christology explores the origin of cultural representations of Jesus as an eldest brother. Through ethnographic surveys, author Harald Aarbakke shows that the role of the eldest brother in different African societies is often accompanied by additional roles, among them mediator, protector, and leader. Aarbakke also searches for an exegetical basis for this understanding of Jesus, and argues that an eldest brother Christology can be substantiated by the cultural and literary context of certain New Testament texts (Matthew 25:31–46 and 28:10, Mark 3:31–35, John 20:17, Romans 8:28–30, Colossians 1:15–20, and Hebrews 2:10–18).

Peace in Zanzibar: Proceedings of the Joint Committee of Religious Leaders in Zanzibar, 2005–2013 brings a multiperspective analytic lens to the Joint Committee of Religious Leaders for Peace (JVD), a unique Christian-Muslim peace initiative in Zanzibar. Drawing on eight years of experience working as a missionary with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and serving as a member of the JVD itself, in addition to formal fieldwork, Arngeir Langås asks whether Christian-Muslim cooperation can contribute to peace on the East African islands and, if so, how. Situated in the academic field of missiology and taking abductive reasoning as its primary research method, Peace in Zanzibar demonstrates numerous areas of academic interest that can be addressed through studies of interreligious practice, including identity, syncretism and popular religion, the politicization of religion and the religionization of politics, and state-religion models. This book will find a broad and receptive audience among students, interreligious dialogue practitioners, missionaries, theologians, and missiologists.

Religious Peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo analyzes the contributions of three churches at both the leadership and the grassroots levels to conflict transformation in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. While states have long been considered main actors in addressing domestic conflicts, this book demonstrates that religious actors can play a significant role in peacebuilding efforts. In addition, rather than focusing exclusively on top-down approaches to conflict resolution, Religious Peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo incorporates viewpoints from both leaders of the Catholic, 3ème Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l’Afrique and Arche de l’Alliance in Goma and grassroots members of these three churches.

Oaths of Peace is an important contribution to the field of African theology, as it offers a model of contextual theology that holds together the two dimensions of inculturation and liberation, often perceived in opposition. Furthermore, this book contributes to research on theology and peacebuilding by providing a hitherto unavailable account of the grassroots theology that supported the People to People Peacemaking Process that was conducted in Southern Sudan from 1997 to 2002. By telling the story of the People to People Peacemaking Process, Oaths of Peace shows how grassroots peacebuilding initiatives contributed to the national peace process and the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and the South of Sudan in 2005. While the primary focus of the present study is the articulation of theological reflections on inculturation and liberation in relation to peacebuilding, Oaths of Peace also contributes perspectives on religious and grassroots peacebuilding. A large portion of the book is devoted to material drawn from interviews with actors in the process, allowing the reader to read the stories and hear the voices and reflections of religious actors—both women and men—engaged in peace work. This study is relevant for anyone interested in contextual theology, African theology, liberation theology, inculturation theology, theology of peacebuilding, and religious peacebuilding. Oaths of Peace is particularly suitable for students at the bachelor’s and master’s level.

The research presented in this book is a critical study of some effects of popular biblical interpretations in the context of an East African ethnic group, the Maasai. The book focuses on parallels between concepts of female inferiority in biblical texts and in Maasai traditional culture. It investigates some parallels and analyses their problems as they are conceptualized in popular Maasai biblical interpretation and how these affect the social transformation of the contemporary Maasai women. Therefore, this book aims at sensitizing readers of the Bible about popular interpretation of biblical texts that consciously, and more often unconsciously, function as a legitimizing force, which authorizes or reinforces socio-cultural structures that oppress women. However, it demonstrates the potential of reading biblical texts from emancipatory perspectives, both in popular and academic critical contexts. Also, this book demonstrates how some popular Maasai biblical interpretations contributes in the academic works for the emancipation of women. Moreover, this work develops its own contextual hermeneutics approach of woman liberation known as enkitok. The new approach borrows some aspects from social fields and it has been employed in this work on some selected biblical texts.

This book is a critical analysis of how Maasai informants read some selected Old Testament texts that are thought to have an appeal to people with semi/nomadic ways of life. The Maasai is a Nilotic ethnic group of semi/nomadic pastoralists living in the northern Tanzania, and southern Kenya, East Africa. The book focuses on the parallels between the Maasai and biblical concepts of nomadic lifestyle. On the one hand, the semi/nomadic heritage of the Maasai faces severe cultural and political difficulties when encountering East African modern ways of life. On the other, the ancient Israel actually experienced the opposite, seeing a strengthening of semi/nomadic ways of life. Therefore, the book demonstrates the potentials of the supposed parallels between the two by allowing the experiences of the ancient Israel to contribute to strengthen the semi/nomadic ways of life, a key aspect of traditional Maasai values into the contemporary East African context.

This book discusses the Lord’s Resistance Army’s (LRA) use of Old Testament texts and motifs in their rhetoric to mobilise and sustain the rebellion in Northern Uganda, specifically in Gulu district, the area that has been particularly affected by the LRA’s actions throughout more than two decades. This book also delves into the much-ignored religious dimension of studies on the LRA, which forms the core of the LRA's ideology. The LRA uses biblical motifs to legitimize its ideology and practice and this is the first study which goes into a detailed empirical and hermeneutical analysis of the same. More importantly, this book proposes an ethical gender-sensitive model for reading and interpreting the Bible. The book can be used by students of political science, anthropology, religious studies, contemporary religions and new religious movements as well as by biblicists, theologians and general readers whose interests lie in understanding how issues have evolved.

This book invites the reader on a profound journey through the intricate tapestry of African anthropology, Christology, and patristic dialogue. Dr. Ehinack unearths the roots of African Christology, forged through the crucible of history where Christianity met Greek philosophy, and the early church fathers ingeniously leveraged Hellenistic anthropology to articulate a normative Christology.Drawing upon the author’s own experiences and cultural insights, and utilizing a multifaceted methodological framework, this Christological odyssey takes the reader deep into the heart of African Christian spirituality. Through the lens of popular gospel songs, this book shows how contemporary African Christological models harmonize with Scripture and tradition, and illuminates concepts such as Christology of proximity, functional Christology, and Mariology of liberation.This book unveils and amplifies Africa’s unique voice in the global theological landscape, shedding light on the dynamic dialogue between African anthropology, Christology, and patristics theology. A testament to Africa’s enduring spiritual legacy, it also serves as a reminder that since the Gospel message is inspired, but the mode of its expression is not, contextualization of the modes of expression is not only necessary but urgent.

This book is a meticulously researched and thought-provoking study that delves into the analysis and comparison of rituals in two distinct settings: the ancient Book of Leviticus and traditional Malagasy culture on the island of Madagascar. Author Olivier Randrianjaka invesigates why Malagasy Christians connect with Leviticus despite the apathy of the Western church. As this book demonstrates, the key unifying themes are sin, purification, and sacrifice. Profound parallels emerge between Levitical rituals (such as postpartum purification and the Day of Atonement) and Malagasy rituals (such as taboo violation, postpartum purification, and the New Year royal bath). The study highlights the universal relevance of sin, purification and sacrifice rituals, inviting reflection on their significance in diverse cultural and religious contexts."This is a remarkable book that represents a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate connections between Leviticus and Malagasy traditional rituals. The author’s meticulous analysis and profound insights into the themes of sin, sacrifice and atonement offer invaluable knowledge for Christian readers. I highly recommend this work to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Madagascar’s religion, particularly its rich tapestry of traditional rituals."—Dr. Razivelo Mariette, Lutheran Faculty of Theology (SALT), Madagascar"Rituals for purification play a significant role in most cultures, and this book contributes to the understanding of these phenomena in general. It provides insight into these rituals in Malagasy society and their description in the Book of Leviticus in the Bible. The book focuses on religious praxis, as described in texts and demonstrated in life. Every person will encounter these phenomena, and here is a tool to grasp their meaning."—Magnar Kartveit, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway

This book highlights the key features of Pentecostal theology in a South African context. In analyzing each feature, it seeks to demonstrate the peculiarity of Pentecostal theology among New Prophetic Churches in South Africa. The book will be useful for both scholars and students as they explore new trends in Global Pentecostalism.

The book is a significant new analysis of African Pentecostal theology of humanity. In particular, it offers a new, more comprehensive interpretation of African Pentecostal theology of humanity ‘in Christ’, which author Chammah J. Kaunda views in terms of becoming, transcending and flourishing. The book takes an interdisciplinary approach, fostering dialogue with African studies and Pentecostal studies, but also with a broad spectrum of disciplines and approaches: post-colonial studies, theology, religious studies, cultural anthropology, and philosophy. The aim is to construct a new conceptual metaphor, the poetics of mysticality, materiality and plasticity. In the Bemba (Zambian) notion of Muntu, the author identifies not only a metaphor but also a local African resource for excavating and understanding the deeper roots of African Pentecostal theology of humanism. Anyone interested in African Pentecostalism, World Christianity, Christian spirituality, African theology, and the sociology of religion will find in this book a wide range of interesting and fresh perspectives.

This book investigates the question of human flourishing in African New Pentecostalism in South Africa. In a context marked by deep economic inequality and high unemployment, many poor South Africans rely on African New Pentecostal prophets to bring spiritual meaning to their lives. Collectively, and using various theoretical frameworks and methods, the authors of this volume analyze and critique the concept of this pursuit, and ask what can be done to challenge African New Pentecostal prophets to respond effectively.The book will be of interest to academics, pastors, researchers and university students in Pentecostalism in Africa, Missiology and Science of Religion, Sociology and Psychology of Religion and the public role of religion in South Africa and beyond."This volume provides a uniquely fresh perspective on African Pentecostalism by linking three important discursive fields: human flourishing, charismatic Pentecostalism, and decoloniality. The volume provides important insights into the normative notions brought forward by prophetic Pentecostalism on what constitutes a good life. It thereby substantially advances the debate on Pentecostalism and prosperity. Even though the book zooms in on South Africa, its chapters bear relevance far beyond. The volume is therefore a must-read for anyone wanting to engage with current trends in African Christianity."—Philipp Öhlmann, Associated Senior Researcher, Center for Rural Development, Humboldt University; Research Fellow, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Botswana"This is an intellectually stimulating, original, and thought-provoking contribution to the field of African Pentecostal Studies. It has not failed to deliver and must be read to understand new creative interpretations of the movements by African Christian scholars."—Chammah Kaunda, Assistant Professor, Yonsei University, South Korea; Extraordinary Professor, University of the Western Cape, South Africa"This important book creatively explores human flourishing in the context of New Prophetic Pentecostalism in Africa. It should be read by all who are interested in the most recent developments of Southern African Pentecostalism and those concerned about genuine human flourishing in the church and wider society."—Dr. Simo Frestadius, Dean of Research, Regents Theological College; Executive Director, Institute for Pentecostal Theology; Chair, European Pentecostal Theological Association

This book explores the rich interplay between the traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and biblical exegesis, focusing on 1 Corinthians 11:17-29. It explores the church’s unique approach to the Eucharist, examining how its practices and interpretations are influenced by Jewish sacrificial laws and the writings of the early church Fathers. Author Tibebu Teklu Senbetu employs a comprehensive methodology, analyzing North American and European scholarly perspectives alongside Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church interpretations to reveal the distinctive features and challenges of its Eucharistic practice. Through a detailed study of the Andemta Commentary and Amharic Bible translations, this book offers fresh insights into the historical and theological context of worthy participation in the Eucharist within an Ethiopian context.Fostering a respectful dialog, Dr. Senbetu explores 1 Corinthians 11 in the Ethiopian liturgy, examining the church’s Jewish roots and its sacrificial character.Joel Elowsky, Professor, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, USAThis study of worthy admission to the Eucharist exposes centuries-old but very much alive interpretations of 1 Corinthians 11 in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.Knut Holter, Professor, NLA University College, Bergen, Norway

Vad sysslar de med, de gammaltestamentliga exegeterna i Sverige? Undervisar förstås, men vad mer? Vad forskar de om? i den här boken får du en del svar på den frågan. Den började som en konferensdag till LarsOlov Erikssons ära, när han efter en lång tjänstgöring slutade som lektor i gamla testamentets exegetik vid Johannelunds teologiska högskola. Därför finns också några internationella forskarbidrag med, men de flesta är svenska. De som har huvudansvar för gamla testamentet vid universitet och högskolor i Sverige fick en fråga om de vill bidra och de flesta svarade ja. Därför presenteras här svensk bibelforskning i dag, begränsat till gamla testamentet. Flera bidrag känner vi igen som traditionella forskningsämnen inom gamla testamentet, analyser av enskilda texter och fördjupningar i enskilda ämnen. Men det finns också mycket nytt. Nya metodiska grepp, hermeneutiska diskussioner, berättelseanalyser, receptionshis­ toriska framställningar, kulturrelaterade undersökningar m.m. till och med en presentation av kung David i filmens värld och läsningar av Tomas Tranströmers dikter. Resultaten visar på en mycket stor mångfald. Den som vill veta mera om gammaltestamentlig forskning i dag har här en guldgruva. Nya insikter, nya metoder, nya former av exegetik i dag i Sverige.