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The Bulletin for Contextual Theology began as a bibliographic project in the School of Theology at the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to gather and annotate a database of resources for contextual theology in Sub-Saharan Africa. The School of Theology played a significant part in the formulation of a contextual theology of resistance to apartheid and now, in the new South Africa, is involved in producing contextual theology relating to issues of development and African culture. The bibliographic project generated considerable interest and enthusiasm. It led to the development of the Bulletin for Contextual Theology as a journal to provide overview and review articles, cutting-edge academic articles, together with annotated bibliography, around specific themes of contextual theology. While the journal strives to maintain high academic standards and an international reputation, it is also intended to be accessible to non-academic theologians and academics in other fields. The journal has a strongly interdisciplinary thrust within the traditional theological disciplines, as well as an interest in hermeneutics and the social sciences as these relate to theology in Africa.
Editorial Process and Contributions
The Editor of the Bulletin for Contextual Theology works with an editorial panel of five, consisting of four senior academics of the School and the technical co-ordinator. The editor and editorial panel draw on the advice and assistance of the Editorial Board of twenty recognized senior international scholars with interest and expertise in Contextual Theology. The Board is strongly representative of Third World academics as well as those from the Western world. They are asked to respond to each issue by means of a questionaire, to maintain the focus and academic excellence of the journal.
Articles may be submitted to the editor for consideration, and suggestions for particular thematic focii are welcomed. However, the editor may also approach specific contributors with expertise in a particular field appropriate to the theme of a particular issue. In either case, the articles are sent to at least two readers to ensure the academic standard of the offerings. Where the readers do not agree, the article may be sent to a third reader and a final decision will be made by the editorial panel.
The Bulletin for Contextual Theology has attracted contributions from major international scholars, as well as top Southern African academics:
- Eduardo Hoornaert: Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
- Giuseppe Alberigo: Instituto per le Scienze Religiose, Bologna, Italy.
- Basil Moore: University of South Australia, Australia.
- Richard Horsley: University of Massachusetts, U.S.A.
- Kwame Bediako: Akrofi-Christaller Centre, Ghana.
- Linda Thomas: Garret Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston.
- David Jobling: St. Andrew's College, Saskatoon, Canada.
- Michael Echeruo: Syracuse University, New York, U.S.A.
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The following issues of the Bulletin have appeared to date (none of these articles may be copied or printed without permission):
Black Theology
Volume 1, Sept 1994
Three articles, bibliographical annotations.
Making of an Indigenous Clergy in Southern Africa
Volume 2 No. 1, 1995
Six articles, bibliographical annotations.
Bible in Africa I
Volume 2 No. 2, 1995
One article, extensive bibliography of the Bible in Africa.
Bible in Africa II
Volume 3 No. 1, 1996
Seven articles, bibliographical annotations.
African Theology
Volume 3 No. 2, 1996
Four articles, bibliographical annotations.
Contextualisation of Theological Education
Volume 3 No. 3, 1996
Six articles, bibliographical annotations.
Vatican II in Southern Africa
Volume 4 No. 1, 1997
Seven articles, bibliographical annotations.
En-Gendering Theology: South African Voices
Volume 4 No. 2, 1998
Seven articles, bibliographical annotations.
The Bible in African Literature
Volume 4 No. 3, 1999.
Hegemony, Ideology and Social Construction: Special Focus on the Work of John and Jean Comaroff
Volume 5 Nos. 1 & 2, 1997.
Future issues include:
- Aids in Africa;
- The Church and Land in Africa;
- Jubilee 2000 and the African Renaissance;
- Theology Work and Labour;
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
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