A Theology of posessions in the African context: A critical survey

Abstract

This thesis has been researched against a backdrop of conflict that had arisen due to diferent approaches to possessions in the African church as practiced within the Association of Vineyard Churches. This conflict arose because of different parts of the African church. An examination of certain New Testament scriptures follows detailing the approach of the early church to the ownership and use of possesions. Fron there the researcher surveys the history of patriarchial and monastic literatures it impacts on an understanding of possessions. A number of socio-econonic and worldview factors are then surveyed in order to gain an understanding of the way in which they impact the African church's approach to resources and possessions. Different forms of ownership also impact upon the African church scene and these are examined in order to assess their importance. The body of this thesis is then used to survey the different approaches of African theologians who offer solutions to the economic and cultural problems of post colonial Africa as they impinge upon a theology of possessions.