Oral Theology: An alternative Theological Model for African Theology

Abstract

Purpose: The crux of this paper is to explore the rationale and basis of doing oral theology in the African context and situation. It debunks the myth that written theology is the only viable modus operandi of doing African theology.

Methodology: The study using the desktop research methodology or library research establishes the vitality and significance of oral theology in the quest for authentic African theology which adheres to Biblical fidelity and cultural relevance.

Results: The challenges of Oral Theology can be mitigated by importing written form of theology to capture the Oral Theology without minimizing or obfuscating its distinctiveness of Oral Theology. It can also be stored in for posterity so that it is not lost. We can also integrate Oral Theology with narrative theology to formulate, promulgate, define, defend and document an oral Theology that has the narrative at its trust. Oral Theology cannot be a standalone Theology. It needs to be buttressed with written Theology to preserve it for posterity. It also needs to be integrated to systematic Theology to make it intelligible relevant and appropriate to the African context and situation. Oral Theology needs to be formulated in a sense that it should supplement rates than supplant Bible hermeneutics story telling should not viewed as a surrogate to Biblical exposition of the text.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends an integrated theological method that synergizes oral theology with written theology for African theology to have both biblical fidelity and cultural relevance. Oral theology ought to be included in the church teaching curriculum especially in its theological education by extension which is an informal theological education targeting church ministers. This will go a long way in enhancing the quality of church ministers and will lead eventually to exponential church growth