Slideshow

1. Source: http://jammer5spolyrant.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/
WHO ARE WE? WHO AM I?
Theology and the Construction of Identity
David T. Ngong, Ph.D.

2. 1. The Argument
There is a complex relation between
theology and the formation of identity
 Theology __________ Identity
 Identity ____________ Theology

3. 2. What Is Theology?
 First Order Discourse: Faith and
Practice (worship, prayer, devotions,
activism)
 Second Order Discourse:
Reflection on faith and practice
 Engaging First and Second

4. 3. Identity
 Who are we?
 Who am I?

5. 4. Theology and Identity
Theology is not neutral; it has consequences
A. Latin American Liberation Theology:
 Critiques eschatology of political theology
 Proposes preferential option for the poor

6. B. Feminist and Womanist theologies
 Feminists challenge patriarchy, e.g.,
language
 Womanist theology critiques racism
and sexism from the perspective of
the African America woman

7. Womanist:
From womanish. (Opp. of “girlish,” i.e., frivolous,
irresponsible, not serious.) . . . From the black folk
expression of mothers to female children, “You acting
womanish,” i.e., like a woman. Usually referring to
outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful
behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater depth
than is considered “good” for one. Interested in grown
up doings. Acting grown up. Being grown up. . . .
Responsible. In charge. Serious.
Alice Walker, In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens, (1983, xi)

8. C. African Theology
 Rejects missionary and colonial
denigrations of African identity
 Proposes inculturation; emphasizes
African religiousity against Western
rationalism
 The Pentecostalization of African
Christianity

9. 5. Conclusion
 What kind of identity is our
theology constructing?
 Discerning identities