1 December 2006

The Africa Bible Commentary, released in July 2006, contains articles that address many issues unique to the African context. Some of the topics covered are slavery, rape, street children, widows and orphans, wealth and poverty, violence, and tribalism. This commentary was written in Africa, by African scholars, for the African church. No wonder it boldly tackles practices and attitudes that have been hidden and hushed for generations.

Female Genital Mutilation

When a young girl’s life hangs in the balance because of an infection resulting from the cultural practice of female genital mutilation, Christians respond as quickly as possible with antibiotics and loving care. How much better it would be if that brutal practice would cease!

The Africa Bible Commentary says, “African theologians need to unite against this scourge which dehumanizes women. . . . They need to emphasize that God created the human body and female sexuality and declared them both good. Therefore, to abuse the body in a way that destroys the ability to appreciate one of God’s gifts is an insult to his creation. It is time we received pastoral statements condemning harmful cultural practices” (Sicily Mbura Murlithi, p. 37).

Corruption and Injustice

When corruption and injustice disenfranchise the weakest members of society, Christians do what they can to provide homes, food, and jobs to sustain them in their poverty. How much better it would be if churches would make their voices heard in their society and call for justice and accountability from the privileged few living lavishly at the expense of the poor! ]

The Africa Bible Commentary calls Christians to engage with politics and to stand against the abuses of favoritism: “Moral bankruptcy, corruption, poverty, disease and ignorance: all clearly call for Christian participation in politics. African Christians need to understand that the destinies of their nations rest on their political participation” (James B. Kantiok, p. 1001).

	Dr. Tukunboh Adeyemo, General Editor, speaks at a launch event for the Africa Bible Commentary

HIV/AIDS

As HIV/AIDS infection and death rates increase, SIM partners with local churches to help relieve suffering and care for orphans whose parents died of AIDS. How much better it would be if church leaders were encouraging attitudes and lifestyles that would minimize exposure to the virus!

The Africa Bible Commentary states, “There have been sins of commission, in that the church has often been responsible for communicating negative social and cultural attitudes, alienating and stigmatizing those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. There have also been sins of omission, in that the church has failed to talk about sex and sexuality . . . and has also underestimated the scope of the problem [of AIDS]” (Peter Okaalet, p. 667).

To read sample pages, go to Zondervan's website, and scroll down to “Read product excerpt.” The book is for sale in secular and Christian outlets. Contributions to Project # AS 99370 will help translate this valuable resource into French, Amharic, and Portuguese.