History Of Christianity In Southern Africa Development Training

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and significance of the course.
• Identify key periods in the history of Christianity in Southern Africa.
• Recognise the diversity of Christian traditions in the region.
• Appreciate the socio-political context of Christian development.

Topics:
• Overview of the course structure and outcomes.
• Pre-colonial African spirituality and early Christian encounters.
• The arrival of European missionaries (15th-18th centuries).
• Major Christian denominations in Southern Africa.
• The role of oral tradition and indigenous beliefs.
• Historical sources and methods for studying church history.

Objectives:
• Analyse the relationship between missionary work and colonialism.
• Describe the contributions of key missionary societies.
• Evaluate the impact of missions on indigenous cultures.
• Identify tensions between evangelism and colonial agendas.

Topics:
• London Missionary Society, Moravians, and other groups.
• Mission stations as centres of change.
• Education, healthcare, and literacy through missions.
• Resistance and adaptation by local communities.
• Case study: Robert Moffat and David Livingstone.
• The Berlin Conference and the scramble for Southern Africa.

Objectives:
• Define African Initiated Churches and their origins.
• Explain the reasons for the emergence of AICs.
• Compare different types of AICs (Ethiopian, Zionist, etc.).
• Assess the role of AICs in anti-colonial resistance.

Topics:
• The Ethiopian movement and independent churches.
• Zionist and Apostolic churches.
• Prophetic figures: Isaiah Shembe, Engenas Lekganyane.
• AICs and cultural identity.
• Healing, prophecy, and worship practices.
• AICs in the struggle against apartheid.

Objectives:
• Explore how Christianity shaped ethnic and national identities.
• Discuss the role of churches in the creation of racial categories.
• Analyse the concept of ‘Christian nationalism’ among Afrikaners.
• Understand the impact on language and education.

Topics:
• The Dutch Reformed Church and Afrikaner identity.
• English-speaking churches and British imperialism.
• Mission education and the emergence of an African elite.
• The role of the Bible in language development.
• Christianity and the construction of ‘tribal’ identities.
• The 1913 Land Act and church responses.

Objectives:
• Trace the evolution of church stances on apartheid.
• Identify key figures and organisations in the anti-apartheid movement.
• Compare conservative, liberal, and radical Christian responses.
• Evaluate the theological justifications for and against apartheid.

Topics:
• The Dutch Reformed Church’s support for apartheid.
• The Christian Institute and Beyers Naudé.
• The South African Council of Churches (SACC).
• The Kairos Document (1985) and liberation theology.
• Desmond Tutu and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
• International church sanctions and solidarity.

Objectives:
• Describe the growth of Pentecostalism in Southern Africa.
• Analyse the appeal of charismatic worship and prosperity gospel.
• Examine the relationship between Pentecostalism and politics.
• Assess the impact on gender roles and youth.

Topics:
• Early Pentecostal missions (Apostolic Faith Mission, etc.).
• The rise of charismatic mega-churches.
• Prosperity theology and economic contexts.
• Pentecostalism and political engagement.
• Gender dynamics in Pentecostal churches.
• Youth culture and contemporary worship.

Objectives:
• Understand the role of churches in social movements post-1994.
• Analyse Christian involvement in HIV/AIDS, poverty, and inequality.
• Evaluate the concept of ‘public theology’ in Southern Africa.
• Discuss the church’s role in reconciliation and nation-building.

Topics:
• The church and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
• Faith-based organisations and social services.
• The Land Reform debate and church land ownership.
• Gender-based violence and church responses.
• Xenophobia and refugee support.
• The church in the #FeesMustFall movement.

Objectives:
• Identify major theological currents in Southern Africa today.
• Discuss the relevance of African theology and inculturation.
• Analyse debates on sexuality, marriage, and ordination.
• Understand the impact of globalisation on local Christianity.

Topics:
• African theology and Ubuntu.
• Black theology in South Africa.
• Feminist and womanist theologies.
• LGBTQ+ inclusion and church divisions.
• Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.
• The influence of North American and European theology.

Objectives:
• Examine models of church leadership in Southern Africa.
• Understand the governance structures of major denominations.
• Analyse challenges such as corruption, succession, and schism.
• Discuss the role of women in church leadership.

Topics:
• Episcopal, Presbyterian, and congregational models.
• Leadership in AICs: prophets, bishops, and elders.
• Women in ministry: historical and contemporary perspectives.
• Financial stewardship and accountability.
• Conflict resolution and church discipline.
• Case studies: leadership crises in specific churches.

Objectives:
• Explore the interaction between Christianity and indigenous cultures.
• Analyse Christian influences on music, art, and literature.
• Discuss the inculturation of worship practices.
• Understand the role of Christianity in shaping moral values.

Topics:
• Gospel music and hymns: local expressions.
• Christian art and architecture.
• Literature: from mission presses to contemporary writers.
• Marriage, initiation, and funeral rites.
• Ancestor veneration and Christian theology.
• The ‘born free’ generation and cultural hybridity.

Objectives:
• Synthesise key themes from the course.
• Assess the future of Christianity in Southern Africa.
• Develop strategies for applying historical insights to current contexts.
• Prepare a personal action plan for continued learning or practice.

Topics:
• Trends: secularisation, revival, and migration.
• The role of digital media and online church.
• Climate change and Christian environmental ethics.
• Youth and the future of the church.
• Practical workshop: designing a community project.
• Course review and evaluation.