Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 38:1 (Oct 2024)
Article: Book Review: "Apologetics In Africa: An Introduction"
Author: Anonymous

Conspectus 38:1 (October 2024) p. 76

Book Review: Apologetics In Africa: An Introduction

Ndereba, Kevin Muriithi, ed. 2024. Apologetics in Africa: An Introduction. Carlisle: Hippo Books. xxiv, 382 pp. ISBN: 978–1–83973–662–9. Approx. 541.22 ZAR (29.99 USD). Paperback.

1. Summary

Kevin Muriithi Ndereba, the editor, is the Head of the Practical Theology Department at St. Paul’s University, Kenya, as well as co-founder of Apologetics Kenya. This volume provides a wonderful introduction to apologetics in the African context, both its questions and methods, and lays a firm foundation for future apologetic endeavors.

The book is divided into four sections: the first addresses biblical issues. Mburu sketches an overview of biblical criticism and African hermeneutical approaches. Falconer examines resurrection in Scripture and African theology. Ndereba examines apologetics in the New Testament and church history, explaining different ways in which apologetics functioned in the church’s ministry. In the second section, philosophical concerns are addressed. Okello argues that in African thought, moral and natural evil are one. Guta parses the question of whether all religions lead to the same God from a logical perspective. Kunhiyop argues that the Christian ethical foundation is the Triune God and further that morality is universal in nature.

The third section addresses cultural issues. Mugambi maps the history of Christianity in Africa, arguing that it can be considered an African religion, not a foreign one, and explores indigenous expressions of Christianity that show African agency in appropriating Christianity. Ndereba explores Agikuyu eldership rites, concluding that while they have value in several ways, they conflict with the New Covenant in Christ and so should be rejected by Christians. Muyambo addresses dowry practices in view of hospitality, arguing that it should be reframed with women’s dignity in view and a Christian view of money, in order to rescue the practice from misuse. Amenyedzi details domestic violence in its various aspects, and how misuse of biblical passages may appear to support it, before recommending practices the church can adopt to address the problem. Byamukama explores African traditional views of the divine, before demonstrating how the God of the Bible is unique in immanence and in becoming incarnate.

The final section engages practical matters: Maritz opens with an analysis of the New Age movement in South Africa, with its overemphasis on subjective experience as opposed to objectivity in the world created and sustained by Christ. Atwebembeire provides a survey of some contemporary cults on the continent and points with which to engage them. Ndereba exposes the Western roots of atheism, the impact of New Atheism...