Those who set out to teach but end up becoming learners often leave a legacy that benefit not only the context of the encounter but flows over to nourish the wider environment. Such is the impact of the work of Allison Howell that this festschrift represents, especially in the fields of Missiology and contextual theology. Her work illustrates the spirituality that marks her presence in the mission and church in Ghana and urges the church to engage the real life of the people among who it serves. This festschrift further illustrates not only her impact on the theological scene in Ghana but also throughout Africa and beyond, making Allison’s work a treasure for many beyond the shores of this continent. I congratulate those who have made themselves available for the works, words and wisdom of Allison Howell’s teachers mentors and mentees. Understanding the Gospel, Culture and Environment, Essay’s in honour of Allison Mary Howell will be a great read for all academic theologians and all Christians.
Prof. Mercy Amba Odoyuye, Talita Kumi, Centre for Women in Religion and Culture, Trinity Theological Seminary, Accra This book pays fitting tribute to a modest but exceptional woman whose life and gifts as a young Australian missionary with excellent academic training, extraordinary intellectual aptitude and principled ideals were transplanted to Ghana forty years ago. Rooted in the cultural, linguistic and intellectual soil of Ghana she thrived and blossomed. The essays–many of them by her former graduate students–are marked by insightful originality, intellectual rigor, and clear elucidation. Of great interest in and of themselves, collectively they constitute evidence of Prof. Howell’s profound contribution to several generations of some of Africa’s keenest and most original theological minds. With her, they and others like them have striven to wrest Christianity from its captivity to Western cultural forms, forces and myopias to reveal the Word made flesh in Africa. Christian thinkers and practitioners everywhere will benefit from this book.
Prof. Jonathan Bonk, Dictionary of African Christian Biography, Boston University School of Theology
These essays, contributed by eminent scholars, in Honour of Professor Allison May Howell, is an excellent piece of work for present and emerging Christian leaders who want to understand and respond positively to issues on Gospel, Culture and Environment. It is a true reflection on the life and work of Professor Allison Howell, and I highly recommend it for anyone committed to holistic Christian living.
(Most Rev. Dr. Robert Kwasi Aboagye-Mensah, Past Presiding Bishop, The Methodist Church Ghana, and currently Director, Research and Publications, and a Member of the Research, Innovation and Consultancy Centre, Pentecost University/School of Theology, Mission and Leadership).
