African Theologies: A Theogenesial and Theogogical Comparison

African Theologies: A Theogenesial and Theogogical Comparison by Prof. Dele Alaba Ilesanmi, a Professor of Theoretical Theology, Faith Theology, Biblical Research, and Biblical Education, is a ground-breaking work that examines the rich and complex field of African theology. The book compares African Traditional Theology (ATT) and African Christian Theology (ACT) through the twin frameworks of theogenesial (origin of the universe) and theogogical (methods of divine teaching) perspectives.

Prof. Ilesanmi critiques the misuse and ambiguity surrounding the term African Theology and redefines it as the collective theological reflections of Africans—including ATT, ACT, African Islamic Theology, Liberation Theology, and more. He insists that ACT is not synonymous with African theology but only one strand within it.

The book highlights the key epistemological difference:

• ACT bases its theogogical praxis on the Holy Bible.

• ATT draws on the Ifa corpus, ancestral spirits, dreams, revelations, and the natural world.

By contrasting these traditions, the author underscores both their diversities and intersections, while calling for a contextual and inculturated theology that honours African identity yet remains faithful to divine revelation.This seminal work contributes to global theology by:

• Clarifying the concepts of theology, African theology, ACT, and ATT.
• Providing a comparative framework of African theological traditions.
• Addressing distortions in the understanding of African theology.
• Offering fresh insights into how Africans perceive God, the universe, and divine teaching.

Ultimately, the book is a masterpiece resource for theologians, researchers, clergy, and students, advancing African theology as a distinct discipline while enhancing global appreciation of African theological thought.