Rediscovering the Human

Traditional Christian theological anthropology has confined itself to inquiry into the nature and destiny of human beings. In the process, however, factors affecting and influencing human existence on a daily basis have not been adequately engaged. By assuming that the data for understanding the human being and human nature is given and therefore remains the same at all times and in all places, Christian theological anthropology has barely quenched the quests for meaning and...
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Traditional Christian theological anthropology has confined itself to inquiry into the nature and destiny of human beings. In the process, however, factors affecting and influencing human existence on a daily basis have not been adequately engaged. By assuming that the data for understanding the human being and human nature is given and therefore remains the same at all times and in all places, Christian theological anthropology has barely quenched the quests for meaning and fulfillment that have constantly emerged in every age. Modern western theologians such as Barth and Rahner have sought to tie theological anthropology with Christology, with the conviction that Jesus Christ is paradigmatic of what humanity should be. Juxtaposing the thoughts of Barth and Rahner with traditional African understanding of humanity in the attempt to construct an African theological anthropology, this book observes the need to consider the concrete life as lived and experienced by a people religio-culturally, socially, economically, and politically as additional and necessary data. It links the African context with the Christ symbol that provides the normative picture of what it means to be human.