The Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) held the 17th Forum of the African Theological Association (AATA), under the theme “Cosmic Conflict and Christian Missions in Africa.”
This event marked a significant moment for both AIIAS and the broader Adventist community, serving as a crucial platform for theological discourse and the advancement of academic research.
Dr. Daniel Bediako, Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute, opened the forum with a keynote address that explored the theme of “The Great Controversy and the African Context.”
Bediako highlighted the challenge of dual allegiance among African Adventists, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the cosmic conflict within the African cultural framework. He noted, “Many African Adventists identify with the concept of the Great Controversy but struggle to fully integrate it into their spiritual lives due to persistent traditional beliefs.”
Following Bediako, Dr. Gabriel Masfa, Senior Lecturer at the Adventist University of Africa, provided an in-depth analysis of the intersection between traditional African beliefs and the Christian understanding of the Spirit of God.
His address, titled “The Spirit of God and Spirits in African Adventism,” delved into the theological and cultural tensions that arise as traditional beliefs intersect with Christian ideology. Masfa remarked, “The struggle between ancestral veneration and Christian beliefs remains a significant challenge for the Adventist mission in Africa.”
Dr. Richard Doss, Assistant Professor of Applied Theology at AIIAS, further enriched the dialogue with his plenary session on “The Integration of Evangelism and Discipleship by Seventh-day Adventists in Malawi.” Drawing from his extensive missionary experience, Doss discussed the complexities of integrating evangelism and discipleship within the African context, particularly in regions where traditional beliefs strongly influence social structures. He stressed, “The success of missions in Africa hinges on our ability to contextualize the gospel while remaining faithful to its core message.”
The significance of this event was underscored by AATA President Osee Fumakwa, who reflected on the forum’s impact, stating, “This gathering represents a milestone in our collective search for theological understanding, particularly in engaging with the complex dynamics of our faith in the African context.”
AIIAS President Ginger Ketting-Weller echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of such scholarly exchanges for the broader Adventist mission. “AIIAS is privileged to host this forum, which not only enriches our academic community but also equips our scholars to contribute meaningfully to the global Adventist mission,” she said.
The forum also served as a reminder of AATA’s rich history and its ongoing impact on AIIAS as an institution. Founded in 2007, AATA has been a vital platform for African Adventist scholars, fostering dialogue and contributing to the growth of the church in Africa and beyond. The association’s commitment to promoting sound biblical scholarship and interpretation has been instrumental in preparing AIIAS students to excel in academic research and to make meaningful contributions to the Adventist church worldwide.
In conclusion, the 17th AATA Forum held last May 2024, was not just an academic gathering but a significant event that highlighted the intersection of theology, culture, and mission within the Adventist Church. It showcased AIIAS’s role in advancing scholarly excellence and its commitment to preparing students who are well-equipped to address the challenges of mission work in Africa and beyond.
