Stolen Bible

Stolen Bible

By Gerald O. West

Book Description

Gerald O. West presents a profound exploration of how the Bible has shaped and been shaped by Southern African communities across nearly four centuries. This comprehensive work traces the complex relationship between scripture and society from the arrival of Dutch colonial ships in the 1600s to the vibrant spiritual landscape of post-apartheid South Africa.

Rather than focusing solely on missionary influence, West illuminates the remarkable agency of African people in receiving, interpreting, and transforming biblical texts for their own spiritual and social purposes. Through carefully researched case studies spanning geography, history, and theology, the book reveals how Southern Africans have made the Bible their own in ways that often diverged from colonial Christian expectations.

The narrative encompasses pivotal moments including early African encounters with scripture, groundbreaking translations into indigenous languages, and the powerful role of African Independent Churches in biblical interpretation. West examines how communities drew upon biblical themes during the liberation struggle and continues to explore how ordinary people embody scriptural wisdom in their daily lives.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers readers insight into the dynamic interplay between sacred text and cultural context. For those interested in understanding how spiritual traditions adapt and flourish across different societies, West provides a compelling window into the ongoing conversation between ancient scripture and contemporary African experience. The book demonstrates how communities can reclaim and reinterpret spiritual resources in pursuit of meaning, justice, and authentic faith expression.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~17 hours)

📄 Length: 626 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Bibel
  • ✓ Explore African Versions
  • ✓ Explore Africa, religion
  • ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
  • ✓ Explore Church history
  • ✓ Explore Bible
  • ✓ Explore BIBLES / General
  • ✓ Explore Schwarze Theologie

Topics Covered

Bibel African Versions Africa, religion Bible, history Church history Bible BIBLES / General Schwarze Theologie Bible, versions RELIGION / Biblical Reference / Handbooks RELIGION / Biblical Reference / General Christianity and culture History Kolonialismus Hermeneutik

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