Jesus Christ as Ancestor

"Jesus Christ as Ancestor provides an engaging analysis of different genres of ancestor Christology in African theological discourse. Readers will find fresh insights into the phenomenon of ancestral mediation in African thought and also the varying ways some Christian theologians have appropriated it for their Christian contexts. Though it is tailored for African evangelical communities, Jesus Christ as Ancestor will appeal to theologians interested in African Christian theology. Victor I. Ezigbo, PhD Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, Bethel University, St Paul, Minnesota, USA The book is well written, and clearly articulates the issues in contention with deep insight. As a valuable resource for teachers and students of theology, the book provides a useful background to ongoing christological discussion by providing the conversation on the subject in the early church and modern African theological input. Rev Musa Gaiya, PhD Professor of Church History, University of Jos, Nigeria Dr Reuben Turbi employed a theological method which enabled him to do a historical, biblical and systematic study of all the major players in the ancestor theology discourse. Engaging and critiquing major and primary scholars in a field of study is always very fundamental in serious scholarly discussion. Though a very broad and wide subject, the author subjected all the major proponents of the ancestor Christology models to a historical, biblical, theological, evangelical and well-grounded theological summation. This important section alone sets up and prepares the ground for articulating his important contribution to the field of study. The major contribution of this highly exciting book is an ""African Linguistic Affinity Christology that uses the Greek Yesus to formulate Yesu / Jesu Christology in Africa."" Yesu or Jesu as used in many African languages captures the real essence and meaning of Jesus Christ and is to be preferred to the ancestral Christology. This proposal as Dr Turbi has vigorously and persuasively done will find acceptance not only among grassroots believers, but will provide food for thought in theological and academic discussions. In my mind, Dr Turbi has contributed immensely in providing yet another addition to the search for a contextualized theology that sticks very close to the inspired Scriptures. Congratulations! Rev Samuel Waje Kunhiyop, PhD Head, Postgraduate School, South African Theological Seminary, Bryanston, South Africa Author, African Christian Ethics and African Christian Theology"