Decolonizing Christology: Understanding the Early Church and its Global Impact with Vince Bantu

In this podcast episode, Dr. Vince Bantu delves into the history of Christianity and its impact on global cultures. He discusses the problem of Christianity being constantly associated with Western or white culture and how this has affected evangelism and the perception of Christianity in non-Western parts of the world. He also explores the impact of imperial councils, like the Council of Nicaea, on shaping what we understand as orthodox Christianity and how this has led to the marginalization of other expressions of the faith. Additionally, he examines the work of early Christian theologians like Ephraim the Syrian and how their unique cultural perspectives have contributed to a deeper understanding of faith.

Key Takeaways:

• Christianity is often associated with Western or white culture, which has made it difficult for non-Western people to see it as relevant to them.
• Imperial councils, like the Council of Nicaea, have played a significant role in shaping what we understand as orthodox Christianity.
• The work of early Christian theologians like Ephraim the Syrian, who wrote in the Syrian language and contextualized their faith according to their culture, has contributed to a deeper understanding of theology.
• The perception of Christianity as a Western religion is the single greatest obstacle to the Gospel in the world.

Keywords: theology, bible, faith, Christian, early church, global impact, Christianity, Western culture, evangelism, imperial councils, orthodox Christianity, Ephraim the Syrian, Syrian language, culture, theology.

His book: A Multitude of All Peoples: Engaging Ancient Christianity's Global Identity

Academic Profile: Vince Bantu

Full Transcript: Here