Postcolonial homiletics? A practical theological engagement with postcolonial thought

Abstract

This thesis engages postcolonial theory for homiletics in South Africa. The theoretical presumption lies therein that South African homiletic theologians have yet to consider postcolonial theory for preaching explicitly. That does not, however, mean that such attempts have not been made in practical theology. The first movement of this thesis is a genealogical tracing of Black Theology of Liberation (BTL), which is deemed in practical theological circles as postcolonial insights. Through the genealogical tracing, BTL can indeed be called a postcolonial theology. However, BTL’s epistemological framework seems to be thoroughly colonial, and it is thus far unable to move beyond a fixed epistemological centre. Hereafter, postcolonial insights are engaged as a theoretical framework for engagement with homiletics. This thesis proposes three main focal images as postcolonial: 1) Decolonising the mind; 2) Moving the centre; and 3) The postcolonial subject. The first is a lingual and mental naming and transcending of the status quo. The second is an epistemological movement of perspective which takes cognisance that a plurality of centres is possible. The third is a contemplation on identity and the shift to an understanding of the subject as decentred and fragmented. With these three focal images in mind, this thesis contemplates homiletics, liturgy, and hermeneutics as pillars of the homiletic endeavour. Returning in conclusion to the conversation with South African homiletic theologians, this thesis finds that postcolonial insights have been implicitly prominent in the aesthetic movement of South African homiletics. Finally, this thesis proposes future homiletic endeavours built upon the ideas of postcolonial thought.