African Evangelical Leader Urges Theological Overhaul
Dr. Master Matlhaope, General Secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), calls for a radical shift in African theology. In a recent interview, he urged the Church to confront Africa’s complex realities with a renewed, holistic mission. He emphasized that the Church must address root causes of societal issues, not just their symptoms, through deeper engagement in political, social, and economic spheres.
Root Causes of Crisis and Church Inaction
Matlhaope cited numerous African challenges, including poverty, hunger, terrorism, civil wars, and religious persecution. He stressed that weak governance allows extremist groups to flourish, especially in regions like northern Democratic Republic of Congo. He criticized the Church for ignoring these systemic problems, stating, “We respond to symptoms, not causes.” Matlhaope lamented the Church’s failure to oppose injustice and its silence on corruption and nepotism.
Theological Dualism and Missed Opportunities
According to Matlhaope, much of African theology—especially in Pentecostal circles—has focused heavily on spiritual matters while neglecting the physical. He blamed theological dualism for this imbalance. “God created both the spiritual and the physical,” he said, insisting Christians are called to steward both. This imbalance, he warned, has caused Christians to retreat from influential spaces like economics and politics, despite being a religious majority.
Economic Marginalization and Educational Gaps
Matlhaope highlighted the practical consequences of the Church’s withdrawal from public life. He pointed to Botswana’s poultry industry, where halal certification restricts Christian participation. Similarly, in Christian-majority regions, families are often forced to send children to Muslim schools due to a lack of Christian institutions. These gaps, he argued, reflect a broader disengagement that fuels discontent and, in some cases, radicalization.
A Call to Prophetic Action and Holistic Discipleship
Matlhaope said the current discipleship model overemphasizes church leadership while neglecting citizenship and social responsibility. He linked this to an eschatological mindset that discourages planning for the future. Urging reform, he called for theology that includes economic, social, and environmental stewardship. “The Church must demonstrate God as Father to the fatherless,” he stated, framing Africa’s suffering as an opportunity for redemptive witness.
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Evangelical Leader in Africa Urges Rethinking Theology to Combat Poverty and Crisis
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