The Name of God in Africa' and Related Contemporary Theological, Development and Linguistic Concerns
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11287287 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jim Harries (0000-0001-7274-4680, 1Kima International School of Theology, PO Box 75, Maseno, Kenya, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2009 |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 271-291 |
| Publication date | 2009-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Exchange (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0166-2740 • E-ISSN: 1572-543X |
| Publisher | Walter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1163/157254309x449737 |
| OpenAlex | W1968326355 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
Recent discoveries in linguistics here summarised reveal problems in the choice of an African name for God, especially when theological debate is in English, as it results in the ignoring of important differences in how God is understood. Translating the Luo term 'Nyasaye' as 'God' ignores his Luo character as 'bestowing force'. Similarly translating 'God' by 'Nyasaye' falsely assumes a carrying over of native-English theological presuppositions. These differences are shown to be consequential and, if disregarded, serious. The use of African languages rooted in African culture in debate is found to be essential for the future health of Christianity, and socio-economic development in Africa
African culture · Character (mathematics · Christianity · Epistemology · Languages of Africa · Linguistics · Presupposition · Sociology · Theology · African cultural and philosophical studies · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Christian Theology and Mission · Gender Studies · Philosophy
| Unique citing works | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,29 |
| Citation span | 2012 - 2024 (13) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 4 |