Theology of African hospitality: An engagement with indigenous research methods

Abstract

The article is based on the premise that a theology of African hospitality emerges from the intersection of biblical themes such as eschatology, humanity, redemption, kenosis, Christology, salvation and future hope, with African indigenous concepts such as communality, migration and humanity (Ubuntu). It seeks to explore the extent to which it utilises African indigenous knowledge systems (AIKS). Does it employ indigenous research methods (IRMs) as its modus operandi without explicitly stating so? The article goes beyond the aphorism that ‘a person is a person due to others’ (homo est homo ex aliis) and holistically embraces cosmological concerns. Utilising a theo-analytical design, it draws analyses from key contributors to the theology of African hospitality, such as Olikenyi, Sakupapa, Mbiti, Nyamiti and other leading scholars in the field. Additionally, it surveys the works of Khupe, Adelaja, Chilisa and Mkabela, among others, to understand the nature of IRMs. As a Christian theology approached from an African perspective, the article will engage some indigenous resources and epistemologies from a theological framework so as to understand its authenticity.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: As part of commemorating 50 years of Research Institute for Theology and Religion (RITR) (1975–2025), this article enriches the Verbum et Ecclesia journal by engaging a theology of African hospitality with indigenous research methods (IRMs). Its scholarly engagements enriches the interdisciplinary agenda in the modern studies.