African Reformed Theology Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sifiso Mdletshe
African Reformed Theology Podcast offers an upbeat analysis of the doctrinal, cultural and political issues facing the South African Independent Churches from a reformed theology perspective. Hosted by Sifiso Mdletshe.
The South African ANC government recently got itself more involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this episode, I discuss different historical aspects that contributed to or led the ANC to its current stance and approach toward the conflict.
Gospel artist, Ayanda Ntanzi, attended a birthday celebration party of the leader of the Shembe cult/sect. In this episode, I discuss his views about God and the church based on his speech before his performance.
The land of Palestine is at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this episode, I discuss the history of the Palestinian land from 70 AD to the present. I consider different aspects of the conflict such as religious and geo-political factors.
The Old Testament saints hoped and looked forward to Christmas as their consolation. In this final episode of the advent series, I discuss the eschatological nature of Christmas. As the saints of old looked forward to Christmas, the first coming of Christ; the church today must also hope in his second coming.
Christmas is about the birth of the Savior, who is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. In this episode, I discuss the glory of the Child, the Christ, which was shown to the shepherds at his birth.
Christmas often reminds us of a long debate over the importance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, between Roman Catholics and Protestants. In this episode, I discuss the importance of Mary and her significance for Christmas.
In this first episode of the 2023 Christmas Advent, we discuss the historical setting of Christmas. The birth of Jesus was long promised, prophesied, prefigured, and anticipated from the beginning of history. Christmas is about the fulfillment of history.
The Resurrection of Christ is the Christian's hope in both salvation and future glory. In this episode, I discuss different African stories and myths of resurrection and the centrality of the resurrection in the Christian faith's salvation and future hope.
Glorification is the final phase of our salvation and the Beatific Vision of God is the end goal of our human existence. In this episode, I discuss the final phase of salvation, death, and life after death in both the Christian faith and the African religion.
What does the death of Christ have anything to do with Africans? In this episode, I discuss how Africans are connected and can benefit from the death of Christ on the cross.
Sanctification of one of the hallmarks of what it means to be a Christian. In this episode, I discuss the doctrine of sanctification as understood in both the Christian faith and the African religion. Lastly, I look at how the South African indigenous community understand it.
The doctrine of justification by faith alone is an article upon which the church stands or falls. In this episode, I discuss the theme of justification in the Christian faith, African religion, and how it is understood and taught in the South African indigenous churches.
Regeneration or new birth in African religion and Christian faith. In this episode, I discuss how it is understood in both the African religion and the Christian faith. The South African Independent Churches teach regeneration similar to the African religion's view than the Christian faith.
Sacrifices are a universal language of religion. We find a different understanding of sacrifices in African religions and the Christian faith. In this episode, I take a look at both similarities and differences of sacrifices in the African Religion in South Africa and the Christian faith
In this episode, I discuss how salvation is understood in the traditional and modern South African religion(s) and Christian faith. In South African religion, we consider different aspects of its worldview, which then offers a context in which salvation is understood by Africans. In the Christian faith, we consider the reality of sin and the centrality of Christ in the salvation of sinners.
In this short episode, I give a short update and announcements on the upcoming episodes and plans for the podcast.
In the previous episode, I talked about sin as a universal reality, which every people group and culture must define and contextualize in their own worldview. However, cultural and worldview definitions of sin are limited and deficient due to the effect of sin. In this episode, I talk about sin as defined and understood from a biblical view. The Bible offers a true definition, and view of sin. Therefore, it is only when we understand the biblical view of sin that we both see it for what it is and the necessity of salvation from Christ Jesus.
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Sin is a universal phenomenon that is found in every culture and people group. Africans have their own understanding of sin: its definition, nature, and consequences. In this episode, I talk about sin in African Traditional Religion and context. I explore the different understandings of sin both in the African traditional context and in modern South African indigenous communities.
Among the South African indigenous/independent churches, some have strayed so far from Christian fundamentals that they became cults. In this episode, I discuss the two most influential cults within indigenous/independent churches. I evaluate errors in their doctrines and practices. Finally, I share some ways and emphasis when the Gospel to these cults.
South African Indigenous Churches movement resulted in many sects and cults. One sect born out of this movement are the Zionist churches. In this episode, I about Zionist churches group, which is one of the largest church groups in South Africa. I talk briefly about their history and practical and doctrinal distinctions. Finally, I share different emphases in sharing the Gospel or helping Zionists understand the Gospel better.
Charismatic churches have become the face of Christianity in South African communities. South African indigenous charismatic churches are divided into different sub-groups. In this episode, I discuss the two major groups of charismatic churches, the extremes, and the moderates. I also offer a few critiques of charismatic theology and what can these churches do better.
South African Indigenous Churches can be divided into many groups and sub-groups. These groups and sub-groups have different theological issues. In this episode, I give an overview of the state and theological issues in these churches. And then I discuss what reformed theology can offer in solving these theological issues.
In this trailer episode, Sifiso explains the background of the African Reformed Theology Podcast and what you can expect from the upcoming episodes.