A commemoration of the life and works of one of Africa’s greatest thinkers! In refreshing and thought-provoking ways, the essays in this volume written by the younger generation of African theologians and African Religions’ scholars, engage, critique and appraise the scholarship of the late Professor John Mbiti and in that way, open a mulango (a door) to the rich legacy on African theology, religions and philosophy bequeathed to us by one of the greatest African scholars that Africa has ever birthed. A must read for scholar, student and all those committed to the study of African Christianity, African Religions and philosophy.

Madipoane Masenya (Ngwan'a Mphahlele), University of South Africa

I highly recommend African Theology, Philosophy, and Religions because the contributors present a compelling collection of studies that build on the pathbreaking scholarship of Professor John Samuel Mbiti and offer critical postcolonial analysis on religions, culture, and theology. These essays draw from research on African religiosity, in which the contributors probe historical domination and contemporary challenges, and make the case that the emphasis on history, sacred texts, and religious institutions as indispensable resources ought to be grounded in critical African cultural analysis. The contributors offer rich, bold, critical probing of the African world. They variously argue that local values remain significant resources to counter violence and despoliation that has become so rampant in a postcolonial and neoliberal age. The contributors demonstrate an optimism that Mbiti and the early African scholars embodied in challenging faith communities and African leaders to build a healthy environment, promote peace, gender equality to encourage and sustain spiritual and social wellbeing.

Elias K. Bongmba, Rice University

The wide range of reflections included in this masterful piece substantiate the impact and influence of John Samuel Mbiti’s legacy on the evolution of African Theology, now an indispensable genre in and of Christian faith reflection and practice. As a compendium of any and everything that matters, not only for understanding Mbiti’s lifetime endeavor, but also for appreciating the shape of theology and the church in Africa, the importance of the present work for the African and universal Christian Church cannot be overemphasized.

Laurenti Magesa, Hekima University College

Kaunda’s assertion serves as an accurate résumé of Mbiti and his legacy: “As an ancestor of the study of religions, theology, culture and philosophy in Africa, Mbiti’s ideas continue to reincarnate in different forms and discussions.

Mission Studies