CHRISTIANITY IN THE AFRICAN CONTEXT: THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23

Abstract

Christianity was introduced to Africa from the West. The available options for studying and learning Christian religion are all conveyed from the Western perspective, utilizing references, cultural norms and experiences that have no relevance to Christians in Africa. The cultures and traditional values of African people are important and have valid influences in their Christian life. To avail African Christians same opportunities to strengthen their faith like the Westerners, biblical resources must be contextualized. Contextualization does not mean changing the meaning of sacred Scripture. Paul himself explains in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 that he worked to be relevant to each culture to which he brought the gospel. Notwithstanding that the truth contained in God’s Word are universal and will not change, the illustrations, applications, and additional contexts provided prompt deeper understanding and should change according to the audience. This will create greater opportunities to know, understand, and apply God’s word in daily life experiences. In this study, we are going to identify and study some reasons why context matters. The way the bible is understood comes with context. The Bible itself must be understood within its settings and cultures. The researchers made extensive use of exegetical and hermeneutical methods of interpretation to study 1Cor 9:19-23. From the backdrop of the result from the interpretation, the paper then posits contextualization of scriptural messages as a necessity if the bible will remain valuable to all cultures especially Africa.