Chants of Christological Continuity

This book invites the reader on a profound journey through the intricate tapestry of African anthropology, Christology, and patristic dialogue. Dr. Ehinack unearths the roots of African Christology, forged through the crucible of history where Christianity met Greek philosophy, and the early church fathers ingeniously leveraged Hellenistic anthropology to articulate a normative Christology.

Drawing upon the author’s own experiences and cultural insights, and utilizing a multifaceted methodological framework, this Christological odyssey takes the reader deep into the heart of African Christian spirituality. Through the lens of popular gospel songs, this book shows how contemporary African Christological models harmonize with Scripture and tradition, and illuminates concepts such as Christology of proximity, functional Christology, and Mariology of liberation.

This book unveils and amplifies Africa’s unique voice in the global theological landscape, shedding light on the dynamic dialogue between African anthropology, Christology, and patristics theology. A testament to Africa’s enduring spiritual legacy, it also serves as a reminder that since the Gospel message is inspired, but the mode of its expression is not, contextualization of the modes of expression is not only necessary but urgent.

Benedict B. Ehinack is a Catholic priest from Cameroon, and has been engaged in study and pastoral ministry in the United States since 2006. Dr. Ehinack received a Doctorate in Patristic Theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in California, and also holds a Masters in Divinity from Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, and a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology from the Pontificia Academia Sancti Thomae Aquinatis (Angelicum), Rome. His commitment to theological scholarship and his love for pastoral presence exemplifies his dedication to serving both the Church and the wider community. His research interests are Christology and Cultures, Patristics Theology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, healing, and Pastoral care of the grieving, sick and dying.