Dividing the broad field of African Theology into subject areas is in itself an undertaking that reflects theological priorities, academic traditions, and institutional models. This website wants to avoid overlaying African theology with the help of the common Western fourfold division of theology into biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, and practical theology. Many African contributions are by nature interdisciplinary. Biblical studies will often be directly related to current contextual challenges. And yet, the fourfold division mentioned above still dominates much theological education in the West and elsewhere. When looking for African contributions to themes taught in a particular curriculum, these divisions will often function as the framework that shapes the search.
The different contributions to this website (Encyclopaedia articles, bibliographies, portal items and blogs) are roughly divided into five different subject areas that are each divided into sub-sections: The Bible in Africa, African Christianity, African Christian Thought, African Mission, and Engaging Africa. Yet, because of their interdisciplinary nature certain themes can appear under more than one subject area. The search function will enable users to search through all areas at once and tags will help users to find related topics in other subject areas or website sections.
Sign up here to receive the ATW Newsletter, which provides updates about the platform and showcases valuable resources, as well as special announcements related to the field of African Christian Theology.