Abstract:
Abstract
New Testament writers picture the relationship between Christ and his
church as well as the relationship among the members of the church
using such metaphors as a community of citizens, the body of Christ, a
household, a building, a bride, and a temple. A proper understanding
of these and other ecclesiological metaphors is required to enhance
the African understanding of the nature, purpose, and operations of
the church. Yet not much theological attention is given to these
metaphors in contemporary African theological discourses. This
research was, therefore, conducted to examine the body metaphor
from an African socio-cultural and religious perspective to enhance the
African understanding of the nature, purpose, and operations of the
Christian church. The researcher used a literature-based research
methodology to gather data from the library and internet. A contextual
theological framework was used to analyse the data, focusing on
understanding the subject matter within the African socio-political and
cultural context. After a brief outline of the concept of the church, the
paper examines each of the selected metaphors of the church in
relation to the African worldview and finally offers implications
(reflections) for Christian discipleship. The paper found that the African
worldview better prepares African believers to appreciate the nature,
purpose, and operations of the church. It, however, also noted some
limitations of the African socio-political structure that need to be dealt
with in order to make the metaphors as meaningful as they are
intended to be. In addition to its contribution to African Christian
