Finding a place for Jesus as healer in Reformed mission in Africa

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Authors

Van Wyk, I.W.C. (Ignatius William Charles)

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Publisher

OpenJournals Publishing

Abstract

Africa is a continent plagued with many sicknesses and diseases. Self-evidently health and healing would be major concerns and interests of the inhabitants. Reformed mission has formed a strategic alliance with scientifically tested medicine in the past. Africans do not find this alliance sufficient. They, however, need a medical mission that could deal with ‘African sicknesses’. The question is whether we need an alliance with traditional medical practitioners. Because traditional healing is linked to traditional religion, we are confronted with difficult missiological questions. The solution offered in this article concentrates on two dimensions, (1) an openness to and a respect for African culture and religion and (2) a radical rediscovery of Jesus as healer.

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Keywords

Jesus as healer, Reformed mission in Africa, Traditional healers, Traditional religion

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Van Wyk, I.W.C., 2011, ‘Finding a place for Jesus as healer in Reformed mission in Africa’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 67(1), Art. #864, 8 pages. DOI: 10.4102/hts.v67i1.864