African identity and the challenge of modernity

Abstract

The achievements of African intellectuals endeavour in the decades since independence have been extraordinary. In multiple fields of enquiry and expression Africa has thrown off alien dominance and asserted its own energetic perspectives. The urgent question emerging among Africa's educated elite is whether the ideological underpinnings of Africa's post-independence era is sufficient for securing Africa's future. This intellectual transition accents one of the principal challenges facing African theology. Africa has urgently needed the aid of critical reflection in coping with a modernity already pervasive within contemporary Africa, and in negotiating its future within the increasing interdependency of the world community. The affirmation and defence of the "otherness" of Africa has been essential but will it be sufficient for addressing Africa's present crises or future expectations? This paper will discuss the phenomenon of African theology in terms of its development, sources and future prospects.