Open AccessLeadership, violent conflict and reconciliation in Africa: the theological-sociocultural engagement of Luke’s Gospel in social transformation
Author(s) -
Obaji Mbeh Agbiji,
Godwin A. Etukumana
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
stellenbosch theological journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2413-9467
pISSN - 2413-9459
DOI - 10.17570/stj.2018.v4n1.a01
Subject(s) - sociocultural evolution , conflict resolution , leadership style , sociology , context (archaeology) , politics , narrative , social conflict , political science , social science , law , anthropology , public relations , literature , history , art , archaeology
This article considers anew the important role of leadership in a meliorating violent conflict and achieving reconciliation in African societies, using the Lukan Jesus’ model of subversive leadership. The article critically engages Luke’s narrative of Jesus’ leadership style in achieving reconciliation in the context of violent conflict by using theological-sociocultural hermeneutical lenses. The Lukan Jesus, his leadership style and the manner in which he sought reconciliation in contexts of violent conflict offer African socio-political and religious leaders a model of effective leadership that could assist them in dealing with the social challenges Africa faces, such as poor leadership, violent conflicts and underdevelopment.