The Challenges of Doing Biblical Studies in Africa

By Daniel Nii Aboagye Aryeh

Abstract

Biblical studies has taken root in Africa leading to the proposition of African biblical studies that considers the unique context of Africa in biblical interpretation processes and biblical education. Biblical studies is mainly hinged on the study of the biblical languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic to facilitate the reading of the Bible in its initial languages. However, the teaching and learning of these biblical languages have challenges that deter prospective students from pursuing biblical studies. There have been issues of appropriate mode of teaching the languages, text books for teaching the languages, the frequency of teaching, scholarship for studies, and how students are examined. This article seeks to articulate these challenges and suggest solutions. The findings are that the quest for biblical studies is gradually declining. It is recommended that more attention be dedicated to biblical studies in Africa.

Keywords: Bible, biblical studies, Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, biblical languages, teaching, and research.

Author’s Bio

Daniel Nii Aboagye Aryeh (PhD) is the Vice Rector of Perez University College, Ghana. He is a senior lecturer. Aryeh’s research interests include New Testament studies and biblical Greek, gender studies, church administration, Pentecostalism, and missions. His recent publications include: Indigenous People and the Christian Faith: A New Way Forward. In Indigenous People and the Christian Faith: A New Way Forward eds William H. U. Anderson, Charles Muskego. Massachusetts: Vernon Press, 2020. Co-editor of Essays on the Land, Ecotheology, and Traditions in Africa. Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 2020. Biblical, Traditional, and Theological Framework for Understanding Christian Prophetism in Ghana Today. Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 2019. Email: danielniiaboagyearyeh@gmail.com