Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (Aikss) into Public Theology
Towards Contextualized Theological Engagement in Southern Africa
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 4313491 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Patrick Nanthambwe (0000-0003-4482-9622, North-West University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pages | 869 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-04 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Religions (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/rel16070869 |
| OpenAlex | W4412085135 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 27 |
The call to decolonize South African university curricula continues to shape academic discourse, highlighting the urgency of integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into theological education. While Western epistemologies have long dominated theology in Africa, this article argues for a paradigm shift by positioning public theology as a viable framework for engaging AIKS in meaningful and transformative ways. The article examines how AIKSs-expressed through oral traditions, communal spiritualities, and indigenous ethics-can enrich theological discourse, enhance contextual relevance, and address issues such as social justice, identity, and community cohesion. Drawing on the decoloniality discourse, this study critically explores the epistemological, institutional, and pedagogical challenges hindering integration and proposes concrete strategies including curriculum reform, faculty training, and community-based theological formation. The article contributes to the decolonization of theological education by offering a context-specific framework that repositions AIKSs as legitimate theological resources. In doing so, it advances a model of public theology that is inclusive, rooted in African realities, and responsive to the transformative needs of Southern African societies
Biology · Indigenous · Political science · Public engagement · Public relations · Sociology · Theology · Traditional knowledge · African cultural and philosophical studies · Anthropology · Christian Theology and Mission · Philosophy · Religion, Society, and Development · Ecology
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |