Michael Ufok Udoekpo – författare

Father Udoekpo''s work offers a thorough review of the theology of worship in the work of Amos of Tekoa, one of Israel''s foundational prophets. It critically examines Amos 5 in its socio-historical and literary context and theologically reevaluates the application of Amos''s message of ethical worship, judgment, and hope to two contemporary cultures: Nigeria and the United States of America. While intentionally down to earth and engaging in society and religion, this work discusses in a thoughtful and detailed exegetical manner the various sub-units of lamentation (vv. 1-3), the motifs of the remnant, the exhortation to the seek the Lord, justice and righteousness (vv. 4-6; 14-15, 24), judgment, and the notion of the Day of the Lord (vv. 18-20) as they relate to the theology of worship (vv. 21-27) in Amos 5. The author pastorally draws the reader''s attention to Amos'' view that worship must not be restricted to hypocritical offerings, empty rituals, and songs at sanctuaries, but needs to incorporate ethics of justice, peace, and righteousness practiced in marketplaces and plazas.

Given that Pope Francis is a popular global religious leader, and in the light of the lessons drawn from the nature, meaning, and functions of Israel''s prophets, this tripartite work historically, pastorally, and theologically examines whether, and how Francis'' teaching, visits, outreach to the poor, preaching, and recent biblically based writings (Lumen Fidei, Evangelii Gaudium, Amoris Laetitia, Laudato Si'', Gaudete et Exsultate, Letters, and Messages) have had any prophetic effects or impact on contemporary society.

A Biblical Approach to Mission in Context is an erudite collection of twenty essays with forewords and epilogue produced to honor Professor Teresa Okure's contribution to the study of biblical theology in context. It also stands in its own right as a vade mecum of current trends in biblical scholarship, gender, and contextual hermeneutics. Written by an international array of respected scholars--Okure's colleagues, former students, siblings, and fellow commentators--this volume includes detailed exegetical studies, discussion on theological methods and contextual approaches from a variety of standpoints, and an effort to relate biblical exegesis, theology, and inculturation--faith--hermeneutics to the current interest in social-contextual interpretation that reflects values beyond the African context. In sum, the breadth of interests and enthusiasm found in this volume is a testimony to the intellectual and pastoral vitalities and passion that Teresa Okure herself brought to the discipline of biblical studies. The brief narrative of personal encounter written by Bernadette Okure, SHCJ, forewords by John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Bishop Camillus Raymond Umoh, as well as an insightful epilogue by Fr. Aniedi Okure, OP, provide additional insight into the historical and socio-cultural contexts within which Okure's formation and contributions unfolded.

Michael Udoekpo's work brilliantly and pastorally discusses the issues of conflict, friction, and disunity in the worldand in Nigeria in particularfrom biblical, historical, and sociocultural perspectives. These issues, he stresses, are endemic in various fabrics of the Nigerian society, traceable to the family as the foundation of any given society. They are also found in religious, political, and media groups. Contributing factors, Udoekpo argues, are materialism, infidelity, relativism, and fundamentalism. Others are ethnocentrism, anthropocentricism, ignorance, bribery, and corruption with other forms of injustices. Drawing from the Bible, Udoekpo proposes prayer, proper education, truth-telling, restoration of family values, interreligious and cultural dialogue, ecumenism, enforcement of rule of law, faith, and absolute trust in God as antidotes to conflict, violence, friction, and disunity in our contemporary society.