Anthropology, Mission and the African Woman: A Womanist Approach

Abstract

This essay is adapted from a number of public lectures given by Linda Thomas, an African-American Womanist theologian and anthropologist. In this piece, the author calls on Christians to consider a new paradigm for mission by privileging the voices of those we have violated by our attempt to fulfill the "Great Commission" of Matthew 28. In particular, she lifts up the voices of African women who have much to teach us. By listening to and receiving the hospitality of African women, the author learns to be missionized; that is, to see God in a people not indoctrinated by Christianity. This paradigm for mission, though seemingly revolutionary, is one Jesus advocates in Luke, chapters nine and ten.

Racism Awareness in Mission: Touchstone or Cultural Blind Spot?

“…52 Individuals and communities who have received mission claim space in missiology to speak for themselves and to speak back to those who preached to them. 53 Wherever possible, White missiologists should not generalize about Christians of other regions and communities but hear and promote their views.…”