An Examination of the Role of Public Theology in the Church’s Efforts Toward National Transformation in Ghana

Abstract

The central argument of this article is that Christianity which is relevant to Ghanaians must be responsive to the realities of the people and committed to promoting social justice and national transformation. Contemporary socio-economic challenges demand the constant participation of the church in the process of social change. The church’s participation in the transformation process however must be guided by its Christian beliefs and values. Public Theology that is concerned with how Christian beliefs and values intersect with issues of public life and social transformation must therefore be the catalyst for the church’s public witness toward national transformation. The study conducted interviews with significant academics and practitioners in its effort to appreciate the place of the church in the contemporary socio-economic challenges facing the nation as well as reviewing available relevant library materials. It concluded with the identification and recommendation of the church’s prospects and capacity for national transformation in challenges like ethnocentrism, religious conflicts, moral decadence and political instability through the church’s moral authority, structures for mobilization, legacy and ecumenical relationships. Keywords: Public Theology, African Christianity, National Transformation, Ghana