"What is post-colonial theology? How does it relate to theology that emerged in historically colonial situations? These are two questions that get to the heart of Robert S. Heaney's work as he considers the extent to which theologians predating the emergence of post-colonial theology might be considered as precursory to this theological movement. Heaney argues that the work of innovative theologians John S. Mbiti and Jesse N. K. Mugambi, important in their own right, must now also be considered in relation to the continued emergence of post-colonial theology. When this is done, fresh perspectives on both the nature of post-colonial theology and contextual theology emerge. Through a sympathetic and critical reading of Mbiti and Mugambi, Heaney offers a series of constructive moves that counter the ongoing temptation toward acontextualism that continues to haunt theology both in the North and in the South"--Publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 219-258) and index (p. 259-262).

Post-colonialism -- The critique of mission Christianity in the theological writings of Mbiti and Mugambi -- Eschatological issues and context : Mbiti and the Akamba -- The theological significance of African traditional religions : engaging the religio-cultural experience of Africa -- Christ and symbol in African community -- Coloniality and Mugambi's theology of reconstruction -- Comparing the writings of Mbiti and Mugambi with Post-colonial theology.