SAFARI based THEOLOGY: Context, Methodology, & Application of a Motif for Theology and Mission in Africa

In Safari-based Theology Dr. Enos Lwamba has developed an approach to theology and mission based on his proposed safari motif for the development of theology and mission. Based on his Ph.D. dissertation: The Safari Motif in the Development of Theology in Africa, Dr. Lwamba argues that God has used a series of divine redemptive safaris in the Bible to reveal Himself progressively to people. The author develops his proposed motif around a tri-dimensional conception of reality and time and explores a threefold aspect of the safari: mwanzo, sasa, and mwisho, which provide keys to the African mindset. He explores the various meanings and uses of the safari idea from both a biblical and theological perspective. In addition to the literal safaris, “journey” is an analogy of the church and believers are on a divine safari, individually and collectively. The safari model highlights the absolute necessity of the biblical message and the contextual situation to help Christians live effective and fruitful lives in society now and in future. Inspired by both John Mbiti’s The African Concept of Time and Paul Hiebert’s The Flaw of the Excluded Middle, the author utilizes biblical, theological, historical, and contextual sources to make his point. In the philosophical aspect of the safari, the author develops his notion of an African conception of time modeled on the cultural safari idea which he relates to development of theology and mission. He refutes the western influenced or commercially based notion that “safari” refers to a game hunting or tourist expedition to Africa. Dr. Lwamba promotes the argument that the philosophical framework and methodology drawn from the safari approach provides a more effective way of doing theology and mission in Africa and other contextual situations. He also draws parallels to the safari concept from such sources as Augustine’s City of God, John Bunyan’s The Pilgrims Progress and others in a refreshing and original style that the reader will find engaging. The motif provides interpretational and practical application tools as it harmonizes the unity of the biblical message. Its practical appeal makes Safari-Based Theology a must read for Christians and others interested in their daily journey of faith. The author contends that just as the idea of logos described the mindset, conception of divine truth, and aspirations of the Greek mind, the concept of safari does the same for the African. This book is highly recommended for pastors, missionaries, and teachers, as well as students of Bible and theology, culture and missions, and other related disciplines.

Dr. Enos Lwamba, a native of Kenya, completed his B.A degree at the Pan Africa Christian University, (PACU, 1982) in Nairobi, Kenya. He completed his Master of Divinity at the Nairobi International School of Theology (NIST, 1988) and became a lecture at PACU for over fifteen years 1983. He also served as Dean of Students for ten years (1990-99) before enrolling at the Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (MABTS) in Memphis, Tennessee in 2002, where he completed a Ph.D. degree in Theology and Historical Studies (2003-2009). The author was adjunct faculty at Daystar University (Evangelism, Ethics, and History and Mission of the church (1995, 2002), African Nazarene University (New Testament Greek Grammar (1996-97), and at Bethany School of Theology in Nairobi. The author has worked as youth and Christian Education director and was a committee member of PAMOJA ‘87, an evangelistic effort during the ALL Africa Games held in Nairobi in 1987; he was also member and chairman of the Sports committee of the Nairobi Fellowship of Theological Colleges (NFTC), and was one of the associate pastors at the Pan Africa Community Church (1995-2002). Dr. Lwamba’s community involvement included serving as chairman of the Board of Governors of Banja High School in Aldai, Rift Valley Province (2002-03). The author has recently attended Broadway Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi, and served as associate pastor of the newly planted International Community Christian Church (ICCC) in Memphis, Tennessee and is involved in the inaugural Safari-based Ministries geared to those in Diaspora.