Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 30:1 (Oct 2020)
Article: Black Panther’s "Tour De Force" As A Marvelous Paradigm For The Decolonization Of The Kuyperian Tradition
Author: Robert D. Falconer

Conspectus 30:1 (October 2020) p. 88

Black Panther’s Tour De Force As A Marvelous Paradigm For The Decolonization Of The Kuyperian Tradition

Robert Falconer

Abstract

The ground-breaking Afrofuturist film Black Panther from Marvel Studios celebrates African culture. I propose that if the Marvel Cinematic Universe, an American media franchise, can decolonize superhero motion pictures, one might hope the same concerning Western theology, including the Kuyperian tradition, despite the prejudiced views on race by its progenitor. The Black Panther, I argue, offers a dramatic portrait for decolonizing the Kuyperian tradition, not just for African saints, but for all believers. To begin, I explore the Black Panther’s backdrop and the film’s cultural significance. Next, the decolonization of the Kuyperian tradition is discussed. Considering the Black Panther as a paradigm, the paper explores how the Kuyperian tradition might be decolonized and woven together with rich African wisdom contributing towards a colorful and textured theology for the global church.

Keywords

Black Panther, decolonization, Kuyperian tradition, sovereignty, African culture, public theology

About The Author

Dr. Robert Falconer holds degrees in architecture and theology. After having practiced architecture in Scotland and South Africa, he and his wife were called to Kenya as missionaries. He currently works at the South African Theological Seminary as the MTh and PhD Coordinator. His primary research interests are Architectonic Theology, African Philosophical Theology, Architecture and Theology, Soteriology and Eschatology.

This article: https://www.sats.edu.za/falconer-black-panther-tour-de-force

Conspectus 30:1 (October 2020) p. 89

1. Introduction

Africa is a paradox imbued with hope and despair. For this reason, Africa is arguably the most exciting place to do theology—the theologian standing between the presence of God and the anguish of the people—not to mention how Christianity in Africa is rapidly growing across the continent (Katongole 2018). Africans share many of humanity’s concerns and struggles, and for this reason, African theological and philosophical reflection, while distinct, has universal significance offering the world innovative contributions. As Oduor, the Kenyan philosopher has said, “Ubuntu transcends beyond Africa!” and that, “the world could do with a little Ubuntu.” (Oduor 2015).

This paper will argue for a paradigm shift in public theology by transforming the Kuyperian tradition. I argue that Marvel Studio’s recent Afrofuturist film, the Black Panther, offers a portrayal, at least in part,...