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Pathways to Peacebuilding
Staurocentric Theology in Nigeria's Context of Acute Violence
Foreword by Amos Yong
Series: American Society of Missiology Monograph Series
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
Given the consistent challenge of Islamist acute violence, particularly in Nigeria, this monograph attempts to respond to the question: How can Jesus's followers pattern response to violence after Jesus's model demonstrated in his triumph over death, evil, sin, and violence through staurocentric pathways? And how can Jesus's followers in Nigeria adopt the same staurocentric model in order to not only overcome acute violence within the country but also to extend hands, heads, hearts, and homes of staurocentric forgiveness, hospitality, and other practices toward Muslims? In this study, I posit that peacebuilding contextual theology be grounded on the mystery of the cross (σταυρός-stauros)--a theologico-theoretical framework that the church in Nigeria should espouse in order to position herself to extend hands, heads, hearts, and homes of staurocentric practices, whose appropriation must be undertaken through constructive and critical integration of the God-given African peacebuilding concepts autochthonous to Africa's mosaic cultural contexts. The pivotal thesis is that the staurocentric model remains the triune God's instrument for triumphing over violence, and thus should be espoused by Jesus's followers in every era and context for peacebuilding in contexts of violence through a triadic constructive and critical integration of indigenous peacebuilding concepts.
Uchenna D. Anyanwu is a missiologist and an ordained Anglican minister. One of his peer-reviewed articles, “Pneumatological Considerations for Christian-Muslim Peacebuilding Engagement,” appeared in Pneuma 40.3 (2018).
“Anyanwu’s innovative and bold investigation into the conditions and promise of peace and reconciliation between people of different faith traditions in his beloved native land of Nigeria is a groundbreaking contribution to missiology and theology. Drawing from interdisciplinary and interfaith resources combined with an astute pastoral and missional experience, this cross-directed discussion will inform and inspire both academicians and practitioners in our fractured and conflict-laden world.”
—Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Fuller Theological Seminary
“In this outstanding dissertation and worthy publication, Anyanwu combines his practical experience in Northern Nigeria with local cultural resources and reflection on both the Bible and the Qu’rān to build a convincing model for the Christian peacebuilding that is so urgently needed there.”
—Kirsteen Kim, Fuller Theological Seminary
“Responses of Christians in coercive polities are often painfully emotional. It is especially noteworthy, therefore, when exceptions appear proposing peace. This is one such work by a Nigerian author. It draws readers’ attention to ideas native to the diverse ethnolinguistic context of Nigeria and applies them to christological pathways toward peace building. Its value is not just in contributing to the theoretical domain of theology but also to Christian practice and witness in violent contexts.”
—David Emmanuel Singh, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies
“Anyanwu’s detailed exposition of staurocentric theology is a splendid examination of the wonders and workings of contextual theology, especially for engaging a context that is rife with conflicts and chaos. . . . His analysis is interdisciplinary, thorough, and rigorous. I warmly recommend it to scholars and students that are interested in the future of the Nigerian state. The book masterfully demonstrates that the Spirit transcends the rigid strictures of dogma and redundancy.”
—Akintunde E. Akinade, Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University in Qatar
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