Decolonising or Africanisation of the theological curriculum : a critical reflection

• Published in: Scriptura Vol. 120; no. 1; pp. 1 - 15
• Main Author: Knoetze, Johannes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Stellenbosch 01-01-2021
• Subjects: Africanisation; Decolonisation; Missional hermeneutics; Open distance learning; Programme and Qualification Mix; Theological curriculum
• ISSN: 0254-1807; 2305-445X
• DOI: 10.7833/120-1-1874

This article presents a critical reflection on the theological curricula at (South) African Universities' faculties of theology (and religion) from a missional hermeneutic focusing on decolonisation or Africanisation. Realising that it is not sufficient merely to make a few alterations, this article takes a more practical and technical approach to amend the curricula to be more contextualised for Africa. The decolonisation or Africanisation challenge for a Faculty of Theology is threefold: (i) to address content (African contextualisation); (ii) mode/s of delivery Open Distance Learning (ODL) and (iii) Programmes and Qualification Mix (PQM) diversity (new programmes - diplomas and certificates). The question to which this article attends is this: what are the implications of decolonisation or Africanisation in a faculty of theology at an institution of higher education in (South) Africa?