Vol 46, No 1 (2025)

Decolonialism in Theology today, guest edited by Obakeng Africa (0009-0005-4053-0609) and Ntandoyenkosi N.N. Mlambo (0000-0001-6502-794X). This collection, Decolonialism in Theology Today: (South) African Voices, contributes to the journal by critically exploring decolonial and postcolonial approaches to theology in the African context. The contributions challenge Eurocentric frameworks and seek to reconstruct theological thought and practice in ways that reflect African agency, identity, and spirituality.

African Hermeneutics, guest edited by Prof. Dirk Human (0000-0003-0346-4209). This collection contributes to the journal by engaging Theology and Religion through African contextual hermeneutics in an interdisciplinary manner. The articles centre African worldviews, interpretive frameworks, and lived experiences, advancing the journal’s mission to promote contextually rooted theological scholarship.

Review Article
Contemporary worship vs. ‘sola gratia’: A theological analysis of “litadulu li a shumelwa halala” Ndidzulafhi Mudau	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3473 \| 13 June 2025

Review Article
Synodality as a form of interpersonal communication within the Roman Catholic Church Sylwia Mikołajczak	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3460 \| 27 August 2025

Original Research
Thulaganyo ya seretotumišo (sa Sepedi), pesalema (ya Bibele) le sefela sa kereke (ya Lutere) Mawatle J. Mojalefa	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3171 \| 13 January 2025

Original Research
Terminology of didactic wisdom in the ancient Israelite scribal schools as presented in Proverbs 1:1–7 Jenry E.C. Mandey, Pujiastuti E. Sindoro	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3271 \| 15 January 2025

Original Research
The crown of the Regina Scientiarum in South Africa Erna Oliver, Willem H. Oliver	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3297 \| 15 January 2025

Original Research
Emigration of South Africans to the West: Sociological and missiological implications Christopher Magezi	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3287 \| 17 January 2025

Original Research
Miroslav Volf’s public theology in national healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe Joseph C. Useni, Wim A. Dreyer	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3262 \| 04 February 2025

Original Research
Isaiah 3:16–23: Dress, pride, ostentatious items or syncretism? Paul Nyarko-Mensah, Dirk J. Human	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3330 \| 07 February 2025

Original Research
Addressing systemic racism in South Africa: A missio-public theological perspective Patrick Nanthambwe	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3385 \| 19 February 2025

Original Research
Spiritual space: Hearing and experiencing the voice of God Walter Firth	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3342 \| 28 February 2025

Original Research
In the garden: Spatial reflections on Susanna and the Barbie movie Annette Potgieter	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3326 \| 05 March 2025

Original Research
Revisiting women’s role in world Christianity: A theological analysis of John 4:1–42 Godibert K. Gharbin, Ernest van Eck	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3279 \| 06 March 2025

Original Research
Desire spiritual gifts that edify: A text-generated persuasion of 1 Corinthians 14:1–40 Tsholofelo J. Kukuni	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3339 \| 12 March 2025

Original Research
A ‘good’ wife? A theological challenge to gender constructs, culture and gender-based violence in the Kore-Kore Zimbabwean society Tsitsi Mwapfaa, Tanya van Wyk	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3338 \| 21 March 2025

Original Research
Is God partial in creation? A feminist re-examination of gender in the Yahwist’s narrative Uzoma A. Dike, Paulinus O. Agbo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3274 \| 26 March 2025

Original Research
Forgiveness and pastoral care in social justice and ‘biocultural’ relations in the Anthropocene Rudy A. Denton	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3320 \| 28 March 2025

Original Research
Meals, identity and othering in Mark 14:12–26 Mphumezi Hombana, Thembelani Maqajana	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3306 \| 31 March 2025

Original Research
Contemporary decolonial theology approach and its influence on church leadership in Indonesia Asep Afaradi	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3361 \| 31 March 2025

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Mutual care within church congregations based on the paradigm of the family of God Rika Roeland, Gert Breed, Rudy A. Denton	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3356 \| 03 April 2025

Original Research
A homiletical-liturgical perspective on memoricide alluding to variegated re-membered memories Ferdi P. Kruger	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3429 \| 15 April 2025

Original Research
Social representation of knowledge in John 13:1–17: A sociological interpretation Gabriel Faimau	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3450 \| 21 April 2025

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Homo Educandum and Homo Viator: Embracing nature as Eschatological community Frans Pantan	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3435 \| 22 April 2025

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From wonder to being: Metaphysical enchantment as an African Ratzingerian rejoinder to empirical reductivism Callum D. Scott	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3397 \| 30 April 2025

Original Research
Bidding with our daughters: Re-reading Judges 11 through the lens of childism Zukile Ngqeza	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3383 \| 30 April 2025

Original Research
Metaphorical understanding of Jesus’ resurrection Chris Jones	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3441 \| 12 May 2025

Original Research
Resonant preaching, sounding theosis: An exploration of liturgical homiletics Dieter de Bruin	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3459 \| 16 May 2025

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Deification for all in and through reformed sacramental liturgy Dieter de Bruin	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3438 \| 16 May 2025

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From desert fathers to Ghanaian pilgrims: Sacred space and ecology at Abeisua mountain Kwaku Boamah	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3432 \| 30 May 2025

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Unhiding female characters in the parable of the sower: Reimagining fields and farms Charel D. du Toit, Ernest van Eck	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3442 \| 30 May 2025

Original Research
‘De Heer God’: Een psychologische analyse van religieuze ervaring benadering Philip S. Chia	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3457 \| 04 June 2025

Original Research
Theology and science as a Pentecostal hermeneutical approach to the Genesis creation narrative Mookgo S. Kgatle	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3497 \| 06 June 2025

Original Research
Women empowerment in evangelism and socio-economic development in South Africa: Nicholas Bhengu’s vision Daniel S.B. Lephoko	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3379 \| 06 June 2025

Original Research
The church, state accountability and the Zimbabwe Gold currency Gift Masengwe	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3331 \| 30 June 2025

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Harmonious fellowship of sexuality diverse Christians in the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ Alfred M. Rivombo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3448 \| 07 July 2025

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Challenges and prospects of Christian missions in a multicultural context Akinyemi O. Alawode	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3491 \| 08 July 2025

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Tshokologo ka tirišo ya maina a baanegwa: Tebelelogare ya Mahlatse a Madimabe ka O.K. Matsepe James Seanego	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3413 \| 11 July 2025

Original Research
Tirišo ya Johane 3 le Samuele wa 1 kgaolo ya 17 kanegelong ya O.K. Matsepe, Kgorong ya Mošate James Seanego, Sekgaila Chokoe, Moffat Sebola	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3368 \| 16 July 2025

Original Research
Reviewing Sabbath Rest as biblical and missional incentive to God’s rest: A reformation study Takalani A. Muswubi	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3424 \| 18 July 2025

Original Research
The end of the oppressive empire is at hand: The thrust of the oracles in Jeremiah 50–51 Masoretic text Marius D. Terblanche	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3489 \| 18 July 2025

Original Research
Pope Francis’ dialogue with Eastern Christians and Protestants Przemysław Sawa	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3388 \| 23 July 2025

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John Mbiti: An African theologian fifty years and beyond Kelebogile T. Resane	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3494 \| 31 July 2025

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The problematic Hebrew word ‘ועבר’ Nahum 1:12: The study of ancient translations Philip S. Chia	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3505 \| 01 August 2025

Original Research
A contemporary interpretation of the Jerusalem collection in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9: A South African consideration Alef M. Meulenberg, Shaun Joynt	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3501 \| 06 August 2025

Original Research
Religious syncretism in Africa: Effects on cultural heritage and values Elizabeth A. Odey, Ekpenyong Obo, Justus O. Okafor, Francis Felix Edit	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3251 \| 08 August 2025

Original Research
Divine gender as a challenge to classical Pentecostals Marius Nel	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3571 \| 29 August 2025

Original Research
An examination of Jesus’ situational leadership approach Frederich O.L. Lontoh, Daniel A. Wibowo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3540 \| 29 August 2025

Original Research
Woman’s body: Rereading Hosea 2 from a feminist perspective and its contribution to sexual violation in Maluku Juliana A. Tuasela, Margaretha M. A Apituley, Monike Hukubun	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3560 \| 11 September 2025

Original Research
Exploring the role of religion in participatory governance: An evaluation of religion’s public engagement in Africa Patrick Nanthambwe	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3416 \| 12 September 2025

Original Research
Live long and prosper: Comparative wisdom in Proverbs 3:1–2 and Minahasan Pakatu’an wo Pakalawizen Jenry E.C. Mandey	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3543 \| 18 September 2025

Original Research
The doctrine of providence in South African theologies: Historical formation Manitza Kotzé	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3610 \| 19 September 2025

Original Research
People-conscious leadership: Strategic and tactical strengths of Pharisees in early Christianity Azwihangwisi E. Bvumbi	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3334 \| 29 September 2025

Original Research
John the Baptist, social identity and imperial space in Luke 3:1–22 David R. van Groeningen	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3574 \| 30 September 2025

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‘Only’ or ‘also’ or ‘never mind’ Jesus? Erna Oliver, Willem H. Oliver	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3512 \| 06 October 2025

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Ministry as participation in the continuous ministry of the living Christ: In conversation with Andrew Purves – to be in awe of your calling Adriaan Haasbroek, Amanda L. Du Plessis	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3613 \| 09 October 2025

Original Research
Theology of African hospitality: An engagement with indigenous research methods Julius Gathogo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3576 \| 10 October 2025

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Misrepresentations of African religion: Exploring the poverty of Western religious experience Julius Gathogo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3472 \| 17 October 2025

Original Research
What does it mean to be human? In conversation with Daniel P. Veldsman Wessel Bentley	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3607 \| 20 October 2025

Original Research
Imago Dei as the foundation of Christian ethics in addressing the ecological crisis in Indonesia Roedy Silitonga, Yosia Belo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3604 \| 21 October 2025

Original Research
Empire and decapitation: A postcolonial re-reading of the story of John the Baptist Zorodzai Dube	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3578 \| 21 October 2025

Original Research
(Dis)regarding the contemporary Church as the peacemaker in Zimbabwe Kimion Tagwirei	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3602 \| 23 October 2025

Original Research
Transforming historical to personal nostalgia: A God’s way in empowering Joshua’s leadership Pelita H. Surbakti, Esther W. Andangsari	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3579 \| 29 October 2025

Original Research
‘I Am That I Am’ and divine titles: A Reformed theological critique Ndidzulafhi Mudau	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3542 \| 31 October 2025

Original Research
The images of God in religious discourses on race, gender and sexuality in contemporary Africa: A theology of Ubuntu Themba Shingange	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3515 \| 31 October 2025

Original Research
A socio-scientific reading of John 4: Lessons for the Zimbabwean Adventist church Tendai Takawira, Mphumezi Hombana	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3589 \| 31 October 2025

Original Research
Revelation as an apocalypse: Critical considerations on the literary genre apocalypse Robert J. van Niekerk, Ernest van Eck	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3553 \| 31 October 2025

Original Research
Home, homelessness and the art of dwelling in wounded places as a wounded creation Johann-Albrecht Meylahn	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3637 \| 04 November 2025

Original Research
Reading Psalm 22 in Mark 15 through a postcolonial lens: A pedagogical approach for South African theological education Mphumezi Hombana	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3592 \| 13 November 2025

Original Research
The Kairos Document and Baptist Political Theology: Prophetic witness and social justice Thembelani E. Jentile	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3575 \| 14 November 2025

Original Research
Hope in the context of suffering and injustice: A contextual pastoral response based on 1 Peter 1:13–25 Amanda L. du Plessis	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3642 \| 17 November 2025

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Job 9:17–18 read through the lens of resilience for the Christian community in Benue State, Nigeria Damian O. Odo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3526 \| 04 September 2025

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Failure to listen to the whispering: Proverbs 12:24–28 in times of femicide epidemic Favour C. Uroko	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3453 \| 31 October 2025

Original Research - Special Collection: Decolonialism in Theology today
Bhengu’s decolonisation vision of the gospel in South Africa: An analysis of the National Church Dan S. Lephoko	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3344 \| 28 February 2025

Original Research - Special Collection: Decolonialism in Theology today
Decolonising theology: Reforming Christian faith towards freedom based on Ephesians 2:14–16 Moses Wibowo, Matheus Mangentang, Aprianus L. Moimau	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3314 \| 26 March 2025

Original Research - Special Collection: Decolonialism in Theology today
The unfinished business: A decolonial reflection on the State of Emergency song by Simphiwe Dana Itumeleng D. Mothoagae, Thembinkosi Ngwenya	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3464 \| 10 September 2025

Original Research - Special Collection: Decolonialism in Theology today
Azania between history and eschatology: Bonganjalo Goba’s Africanist theology Obakeng G. Africa	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3458 \| 14 November 2025

Reviewer Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement to reviewers Editorial Office	\| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 46, No 1 \| a3676 \| 28 October 2025

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Verbum et Ecclesia | ISSN: 1609-9982 (PRINT) | ISSN: 2074-7705 (ONLINE)

Vol 46, No 1 (2025)

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Original Research - Special Collection: Decolonialism in Theology today

Original Research - Special Collection: Decolonialism in Theology today

Reviewer Acknowledgement

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