Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics within the Context of African Biblical Hermeneutics: It’s Origin, Trends and Challenges

Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics within the Context of African Biblical Hermeneutics: It’s Origin, Trends and Challenges

Richard Osei Akoto

Issue: Vol.6 No.3 May 2024 Article 1 pp. 19-34
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2024631 | Published online 21st May, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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ABSTRACT

This study delves into the intricate landscape of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics within the context of African Biblical Hermeneutics, aiming to unravel its origins, discern trends, and confront challenges. Employing a qualitative research methodology grounded in extensive literature review and critical analysis, this investigation explores the evolution and current state of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics in the African context.Findings underscore the significance of linguistic and cultural nuances in biblical interpretation, emphasizing the role of indigenous languages in shaping contextual understanding and relevance. Moreover, the study identifies persistent challenges including colonial legacies, linguistic imperialism, and theological biases that impede the full realization of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics.In light of these findings, recommendations are proposed to foster the integration of indigenous languages into biblical scholarship, advocate for linguistic diversity, and promote inclusivity in theological discourse. Ultimately, this study contributes to scholarship by illuminating the vital intersection of language, culture, and interpretation in African Biblical Hermeneutics, thereby enriching theological dialogue and advancing decolonial approaches to biblical studies.

Keywords: Biblical Hermeneutics, African Biblical Hermeneutics, Mother-tongue Biblical studies, Origin, Trends and Challenges.

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AUTHOR(S)

Richard Osei Akoto is currently a PhD candidate at the Department of Religious Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi – Ghana. He lectures Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek at the Christ Apostolic University Kumasi – Ghana. He is an Ordained Minister of the Gospel who founded and oversees the Gracelove Evangelistic Ministries, Ghana. His research focuses on Biblical Studies (Old Testament Hebrew, New Testament Greek), Church and Society and Leadership.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Akoto, Richard Osei. “Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics within the Context of African Biblical Hermeneutics: It’s Origin, Trends and Challenges,” Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology 6, no.3(2024):19-34. https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2024631