THE WORD IS AMONG US: AN ATTEMPT TO ARTICULATE THE (CONTEXTUALIZED-CONSTRUCTIVE) THEOLOGY OF NCHEKWUBE LAWRENCE NWANKWO

Abstract

How can we foster a sustained systematic-theological practice that will respond to the particular needs and questions of the Nigerian (Igbo) Christian? How do we articulate the procedure, the content, and the goal of such undertaking as a unique way of theologizing within and for the Nigerian (Igbo) context? This article attempts a response to these questions through a critical-empathetic examination of the theological style and selected writings of a Nigerian theologian, Nchekwube Lawrence Nwankwo. It presents along the lines of four coordinates of context, method, framework, and content, Nwankwo’s theological vision and project. With this, the article tries to demonstrate the paradigmatic value of Nwankwo’s theological commitment, namely, his contextualized-constructive theology, reflecting on its significance for theological education and activity – as a life-giving and transforming enterprise – in Nigeria and elsewhere.