Lutheran homiletics and Francophone African contexts : how to connect Lutheran orthodoxy with African culture

Abstract

Many factors come together to make Christian preaching effective and authentic. This thesis examines the current state of homiletical practice and formation in Francophone African Lutheran church bodies, with the goal of formulating a theoretical framework for practice that is both orthodox Lutheran and authentically African. The research problem is two-fold. Sermons preached in Francophone African Lutheran congregations are deemed to be inadequate. Why is this the case? What does Lutheran orthodoxy have to offer in the way of a remedy to this problem? The methodology used to examine these questions is Osmer's four questions regarding practical theology. Sermons and source materials from the current field as well as from historical sources are examined within. Consideration is given to questions of modernism and postmodernism, colonialism and decolonialism, and African identity. This thesis seeks to open conversation and hold space for these subject fields to intersect in the cross of Christ.