The Mystery of the Church: Applying Paul’s Ecclesiology in Africa
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
The Pauline epistles are filled with beautiful and provocative metaphors for the church: it is a bride, a body, a flock, a temple. Each of these metaphors emphasizes the central unity and indivisibility of the people of God. Yet how do Christians live out this unity in the face of ethnic conflict, tribalism, and political divisions? In this powerful application of Paul’s teaching, Fabrice S. Katembo explores the mystery of the church in an African context, arguing that the greatest challenge facing God’s people is not external threat, but internal discord. Katembo draws his reader’s attention back to the unifying work of Christ, who died to abolish all walls of separation and in whom we are one, no matter the tongue, tribe, or nation. Providing an overview of Paul’s life and ministry, and engaging the work of renown theologians such as John Mbiti and Kwame Bediako, this is an excellent resource for anyone facing intercultural tensions within the church. It is also a vital reminder that far from harmless, divisions between believers threaten to cripple the body of Christ by distorting its witness, injuring its members, and separating what Christ died to unify.
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- Gives an overview of Paul’s life and ministry
- Engages the work of renown theologians such as John Mbiti and Kwame Bediako
- Provides an excellent resource for anyone facing intercultural tensions within the church
- Part 1: Paul and the Theology of the Church
- Part 2: The Church in Africa
Fabrice Katembo is determined to follow the biblical truth wherever it will lead him. In this study of the New Testament church and its relation to the church in Africa, he labors well to write in a biblically clear way. Fabrice has a refreshing burden for biblically healthy African churches, and in his analysis he accurately surveys not only the Scriptures but relevant African theologians. Here is an author worthy of your time. Tolle Lege! (Take up and read!)
—Daniel Huffstutler, ThM
This book helpfully provides readers an overview of Paul and his theology before examining the concept of the church as a “mystery.” As Katembo notes, churches in Africa often struggle with divisions. Thus, this work provides a way for Christians to think about what it means to be the church. The book is accessible while providing both scholarly support for the author’s claims and taking the church’s context into account.
—Stephanie M. Lowery, PhD