Rebel or a prophet: professor M. L. Daneel’s African eco-missiology

Key Points

Daneel's work highlights the tension between being a rebel and a prophet in missionary activities, informed by African beliefs.
He experienced strong backlash from both fellow missionaries and whites, feeling alienated in his efforts to understand and embrace African contexts.
Reflecting on his struggle, Daneel's narrative explores the complexities of identity during the Second Chimurenga in Zimbabwe.
This nuanced engagement with eco-missiology may inspire future efforts to reconcile diverse belief systems in missionary contexts.

Abstract

In his last days on earth, Prof. M. L. Daneel constantly reflected on his lifelong work among African Earthkeepers in Zimbabwe. I once asked him how he reconciled his white background, Reformed Christian identity, and African beliefs with his missionary career during the Second Chimurenga (war of liberation). He replied, “I am a rebel.” He then shared how he was often perceived as a traitor by his fellow whites and missionaries, and how his life was threatened.

Rebel or a prophet: professor M. L. Daneel’s African eco-missiology

Key Points

Abstract

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