Jigger Fleas, Spirits, Inter-cultural Theology and the Development of Africa

Authors

  • Jim Harries

Abstract

Theologians are required to consider global issues of justice, here compared to questions of how to treat feet.  Endemic jigger flea infections in tropical Africa and the way they are likely to be given insufficient attention by the West are considered in relation to ‘superstitious’ beliefs that are concentrated in the same region.  The use of European languages as official languages in Africa combined with economic and political control from the West is found to be a disaster in the making. Simple but far reaching and infrequently considered implications of the inter-cultural use of one language are articulated.  It is advocated that some Christian missionaries from the West attempt to provide a way around the above dilemmas by practicing vulnerable mission in their ministry to Africa – defined as mission carried out through the use of the languages and resources of the people being reached.

Issue

Section

Contextualization