When explaining the concept of sin to people, every theologian wants to use idea of “harmartia,” which means “missing the mark,” a Graeco-Roman concept which the [Graeco-Roman] world of that time would understand…But as an Akan, when I explain “missing the mark,” there is no understanding. But, [culturally speaking], when I want people to desist from a certain thing, I need to describe it as smelly, as foul, as something you don’t want to touch. In Akan we say “e-bone.* When some of these [local] concepts are employed and amalgamated with the hamartia concept...when missing the mark of Christ [is connected with] the thing you are involved with [which] is ‘smelling’…[you question yourself about] how can you go close to God with that smell? These are some of the things that will ring well in the African, and this is what is motivating me to study [in mother tongue language and our local thought categories] …
Pastor Felix and his research interest represent the ethos and vision of ACI. Founded by the late African Theologian Kwame Bediako almost thirty years ago, ACI seeks to be a “pacesetting postgraduate university, training Christian workers and leaders for effective mission in the African context.” ACI achieves this vision by developing robust academic programs which provide tools for “serious and creative research into African Christianity,” serving the wider community in Ghana, Africa and beyond, focusing on training for Christian mission according to the African context. Amara Baptizo, a student from Sierra Leone, testifies to the effectiveness of ACI’s vision and mission when he tells me, “Here at ACI, I feel like my ‘African-ness’ is appreciated.”
Professor Gillian Mary Bediako pictured in her home with
a painting of her late husband Kwame Bediako
I learned of ACI many years ago when I first read the book Jesus in Africa: The Christian Gospel in African History and Experience, by Kwame Bediako. This book has changed me, shaping how I engage and think about ministry in Africa. To visit ACI is a dream I have nurtured over many years. a painting of her late husband Kwame Bediako
This year, from the end of May until the end of June, I was privileged to spend four full weeks at ACI, spending quality time with staff, faculty, and students over lunch, breakfast, and during and after our daily devotions. I was also invited into the homes of a few faculty members, and I am grateful to have had focused discussions with two faculty members regarding my own research interest; their input and feedback challenged me in some very important ways! Having been invited to ACI as a Research Associate, I am grateful to also have had access to their world class library where I logged many hours writing two sections of my doctoral thesis. The staff could not have been more accommodating and delightful.
Justice, who works in the Archives Section of the library,
is passionate and committed to preserving historical documents
of the church and mission in Ghana
During my four weeks, I felt like I was welcomed as part of the ACI family, attending and helping with special events and being invited to preach during their Wednesday morning extended worship the final week I was there.
After devotions on my final day with ACI Registrar
Rev. Dr. Michael Nortey and ACI Chaplain Dr. Ernest Afrifa Anane
I am grateful to Rev. Cheryl Barnes and the Africa Office of Presbyterian World Mission for their support to pursue this unique opportunity to travel to a new place, make new friends, and be inspired by what is possible as we listen together for what God is doing in our unique contexts. From personal experience, I can say that "ACI is a great place," and in the words of our friend Ingrid, "Given its awesome foundations, ACI can be an even greater place, amen." To God be the glory!
During my time at ACI, I was able to attend and assist with three major
events: the annual Kwame Bediako Memorial lecture, the Inaugural Professional Lecture of Professor Laryea, and ACI's annual Interfaith Symposium
Professor Philip Laryea, newly installed Rector of ACI, being
congratulated by a Ghanaian king after his Inaugural Lecture
Photo Credit: ACI
*Akan refers to a family of languages and peoples found in southeastern Ghana.
*The term “hermeneutical” or “hermeneutic” refers to the idea of the means and methods by which we make interpretation and deduce meaning.
*this is an English transliteration of the Twi word “bɔne” and the Twi expression “hua bɔne,” signifying a bad smell. Twi is a language shared by the Akan peoples of Ghana.
7 comments:
What a wonderful 4 weeks in Ghana! Great work is obviously occurring there, and they were blessed by your sharing and learning there. I can see how the "mother-tongue hermeneutical" approach is so important to better understanding of God speaking to many people, especially those whose cultures and daily living are quite different than the perspectives of most Bibles available today.
That is awesome experience, of such academic excellency that can meet our African need and adding more trait to World Christianity. As someone was asking what will African Christianity contribute to the world.
Wonderful description of your time in Ghana. Clearly God work to keep your study in front of you.
Wow! Dear brother Bob, you are blessed to have been at ACI. I did not know much about ACI but I now know by reading your blog. Praise the Lord for opening the doors for you. I will one day visit this place. Thank you for sharing your awesome story.
Thanks for featuring my time with you, especially my research interest
Thank you very much, Brother Bob for sharing your time at ACI with the rest of the world. We appreciate your love for the Lord and your friendliness with all of us at the Institute. We were blessed by your time with us and look forward to having you back some time soon. God bless you and your family
Hello Osofo Yaw Bob,
Thank you for staying with us over the period. We learnt a lot from you and obviously your testimony shows that we were able to rub ourselves well unto you. Grace to you and Kristi as you work for the Lord.
See you soon!
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