Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi

Transhumanism – a worldview of scientific advancement to enhance human beings in transcending the... more Transhumanism – a worldview of scientific advancement to enhance human beings in transcending their limitations and ultimately give way to posthumans – seeks to objectify human evolution in the way human beings experience a more sophisticated world. While transhumanistic agenda threaten aspects of religious worldviews, its merits inspire several humanistic agenda for the future. Transhumanism has steadily trended in Western scholarship. Its impact in the African context now calls for radical scholarly interventions, especially in African cultural values, which are undergoing a rapid transition from being religious to secular. Ancestral worship, i.e., the way many Africans keep the memory of their dead ones with them, is one such area of concern. Ancestors are African “posthumans,” so to speak. They transcend the limitations of the living, thereby making their being essentially robust to help the living when called upon. To what extent has or will transhumanism influence Africa’s autochthonous concept of ancestorship? This paper explores Africa’s traditional notion of ancestorship in discussion with transhumanism to reconstruct ancestorship in light of trending transhumanistic tendencies. The paper argues that a progressive understanding of ancestorship in tandem with transhumanism is essential to reconstruct the African notion of ancestorship. Such reconstruction will inspire present-day Africans to aspire for higher achievable goals and serve as inspirers to succeeding generations in their lifetime.

Asia-Africa Journal of Mission and Ministry, 2022

The Ghanaian theologian, Robert Owusu Agyarko, is a trailblazer of Contextual Christian pneumatol... more The Ghanaian theologian, Robert Owusu Agyarko, is a trailblazer of Contextual Christian pneumatology in Ghana. So far, he is the pioneer scholar to contribute a systematic contextualization of the Holy Spirit based on the Akan concept of sunsum, which means “spirit” to Akan studies and research. His background as a Pentecostal, combined with theological scholarship, has made him a passionate and valuable contributor to pneumatological discourses in Africa. Agyarko has over the years researched on several dimensions of Akan pneumatology ranging from ecological theology to Christological pneumatology. This is a review article of Agyarko’s works in contextual pneumatology and how his contribution to African scholarship is reviving pneumatological discussion in Africa.

Ghana Journal of Religion and Theology, 2021

The Akan people of West Africa have the general belief that the world is powered and interpenetra... more The Akan people of West Africa have the general belief that the world is powered and interpenetrated by an invisible force or 'energy' called sunsum. Many scholars who study the concept of sunsum consider it the basis of Akan pneumatology. One of the foremost scholars who studied the concept in the early twentieth century was Robert Sutherland Rattray, a Scottish who worked in Ghana (then Gold Coast) as a colonial official and anthropologist. Rattray remains one of the most detailed researchers of Akan religion and culture. This article reviews Rattray's ethnographical definition of sunsum while it pays keen attention to how he characterized it. In the end, the purpose is to present the best possible perspective of his characterization of the sunsum and how such characterization has contributed to Akan literature and ideas.

Verbum et Ecclesia, 2022

Some modern scholars have linked the second century church father, Tertullian, to misogynism. Thi... more Some modern scholars have linked the second century church father, Tertullian, to misogynism. This article wades into the debate over whether Tertullian should be considered a misogynist. Through the combined approaches of historical enquiry and interpretative theory, this article probes the validity of such connections. This article also argues that a consideration of Tertullian’s infamous De cultu feminarum and prevailing views of gender in the second and third centuries CE establish that he was not a misogynist per se. Rather, the offending comments should be understood as part of his broader moral and theological worldview of his time to call the Christian women to genuine Christian virtues, sobriety, sincerity, and continence.

Academia Letters, 2021

Introduction The Seventh-day Adventist Church has expanded exponentially across the world, demons... more Introduction The Seventh-day Adventist Church has expanded exponentially across the world, demonstrating its worldwide mission of preaching the Gospel. The estimated number of Adventists today is more than 21 million worldwide, compared to a decade ago. According to this figure, Africa has approximately 41 percent of the membership, making it the continent with the most Adventists in the world.[1] This phenomenal growth in Africa has been understood, according to Charles Bradford, that Black Africans "have a unique proclivity toward accepting the seventh-day Sabbath…because the Sabbath roots of Africa run deep, both in Scripture, and historical practice."[2] Bradford's point sheds light on an earlier statement by an Adventist pioneer from Ghana known as Francis Dolphijn.[3] On January 23, 1890, Dolphijn wrote to the International Tract Society, stressing the importance of contextualizing the Sabbath in Ghana: "I am in faithful hopes that the work of S. D. Adventists will make rapid advancement on the Gold Coast, especially to those under the thickness of heathenism, as the Bible (Saturday) Sabbath is readily understood throughout the Fantis, and the whole Gold Coast. Even the heathen take or assume the question upon themselves thus:-'How was it that God is worshiped on Sunday and not on Saturday? for God is not called by Sunday (male) name, but that of Saturday…, the last day of the week, so prominently blessed by God, the Creator of all things in existence."'[4] The cultural group mentioned in Dolphijn's letter is the Akan people, an ethnic group comprising of several unique tribes whose current settlements are in the tropical areas of Ghana and the southeast of Cote d'Ivoire.[5] The Adventist church keeps growing in Ghana with a membership totaling more than 360,000. This article will use the Akan people of Ghana as an example to demonstrate how Adventism flourished in Africa as a result of the Sabbath being already embedded in the culture, and why this should influence a renewed approach in

Valley View University Journal of Theology, 2018

The Seventh-day Adventist Church highly esteems the writings of Ellen G. White. Backed by prophet... more The Seventh-day Adventist Church highly esteems the writings of Ellen G.
White. Backed by prophetic authority, her writings provide comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction to the Adventist church. Taking that into consideration, a significant amount of her writings focusses on various aspects of the life of the church. This study explores ecclesiological themes in the writings of E. G. White. Through the trajectory approach, the study identifies and discusses sub-themes such as institution, communion, herald, sacrament, and divine agency. The study argues that the Adventist church is, by and large, shaped by these ecclesiological conceptions contained in her writings. On this backdrop, it is recommended that a proper understanding of these themes will help the Adventist church to recommit itself to understanding the essence and mission of the church.

Trinity Postgraduate Review, 2019

The concept of an existential numinous being, known in Akan terminology as Onipa, provides the ba... more The concept of an existential numinous being, known in Akan terminology as Onipa, provides the basic framework upon which Akan socio-religious and political structure is constructed. Onipa is the Akan term for the human being. The Akan rationalistic conception that "all human beings are the children of God and none is a child of the earth" establishes three basic ontological realities for understanding Akan anthropology. First, the human being has a numinous substance (ontology) and not only natural. Second, the human being does not live in isolation but has a relational ontol-ogy. And third, the human being has a functional ontology according to the ways of God. This paper gives a considerable amount of space to discuss these aspects of the human being and how they form the basis for the development of Akan theological anthropology .

While Thoreau represents a great intellectual point of reference in today's political theories, t... more While Thoreau represents a great intellectual point of reference in today's political theories, this has never been always the same. The popular magazines during Thoreau's lifetime wrote a different view about him. This paper focuses on the life of Thoreau in the course of history. How he was received during his time in some popular magazines such as The Sun and The New York Times, and how some contemporary scholars such as Henry Salt saw his work. The paper will then focus on current trends in the works of Thoreau. How scholars like Leigh Kathryn Jenco and Jack Turner see Thoreau today, and how far he has influenced the American society. The subject of criticism is a spotlight on Thoreau's work, " Civil Disobedience " .

Curriculum framework in the education of children became debatable during the enlightenment. Jean... more Curriculum framework in the education of children became debatable during the enlightenment. Jean-Jacque Rousseau's treatise, Emile, outlined an educational curriculum based on natural rights. Rousseau thought education should be based on espousing and exploring the natural abilities of a person. Therefore, since women have a natural responsibility of care giving, their education should be given in line with helping them to enhance these natural caring abilities. Wollstonecraft, an enlightened philosopher, took on a literary protest against Rousseau's sexual politics in her treatise, A Vindication of the Rights of Women. This paper will show why Wollstonecraft's idea is worth considering, in that it points the way past and out of a world of discrimination to create nondiscriminatory educational concept for future generation. Since discriminatory educational ideologies perpetrates in contemporary societies in diverse fashions, this paper challenges such cultures to rethinking the imperativeness of women education.

Nonviolent resistance is a term we least hear in today’s society. However, the world has witnesse... more Nonviolent resistance is a term we least hear in today’s society. However, the world has witnessed two great martyrs of nonviolent resistance. These are Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Mahatma Gandhi. The two advocates of nonviolence and non-resistance engaged themselves in their lifetime to resist oppression without any resort to violence. To Bonhoeffer, a call to follow Christ is a call to die. His ransom work The Cost of Discipleship continues to influence ethical discussion and Christian lifestyle. Gandhi, known as the champion of nonviolence, saw non-violence as a soul-force or moral response to an unjust government; a principle he stood for in all of his entire life and died for it. These two moral idealists are models of transformational ethics who remain as great martyrs of the modern era. This paper examines the major theories of these two champions of nonviolence and how their values influenced political liberations in both India and South Africa.

Talks by Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi

Ministry Magazine, 2023

The Christian church, since its inception, has long been characterized as a community of believer... more The Christian church, since its inception, has long been characterized as a community of believers. Many members meet to discuss their faith, while others find the church to be a family to which they belong. Without a doubt, the church community has especially been a driving force in reaching out to individuals who need a family. That is how the church derives its social identity.

Christianity is founded on one man—Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Scripture testifies of him as the S... more Christianity is founded on one man—Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Scripture testifies of him as the Son of God, Son of Man, and Messiah. If Christianity will make any sense at all, it is because of Jesus Christ. It is Jesus who is all in all. The church, often known as the Christ movement, is his divinely established institution on earth. Christ’s communication house on earth is the church. The church exists to receive Christ and to proclaim him to the world. As Adventists, we share in this mission to bring Christ to every person living on this earth.

Today, scientists unanimously agree that this earth will not last forever. In 2005, the then NASA... more Today, scientists unanimously agree that this earth will not last forever. In 2005, the then NASA Administrator Michael Griffin revealed to the Washington Post how scientific research is ongoing for an outer space settlement. Griffin said, “There will be another mass-extinction event. If we humans want to survive for hundreds of thousands or millions of years, we must ultimately populate other planets.” He continued, “I'm talking about that one day, I don't know when that day is, but there will be more human beings who live off the Earth than on it.” Human beings are looking for refugee camps in outer space. That is the Big Bang apocalypse theory of science. The earth will not endure forever.

According to renowned British physicist Stephen W. Hawking, " We find ourselves in a bewildering ... more According to renowned British physicist Stephen W. Hawking, " We find ourselves in a bewildering world. We want to make sense of what we see around us and to ask: What is the nature of the universe? What is our place in it and where did it and we come from? Why is it the way it is? " i These questions have had a profound impact on the human race. Many ancient traditions across space and time have stories, in some form or another, pertaining to the origin of this world. We often call these narratives creation stories. Notable in literature are the monotheistic religion of the Jews, the Gilgamesh tablet often known as the Gilgamesh Epic, and the Popol Vuh for the Guatemalan Mayan community. These ancient literatures are best known for their sequential narration of the creation account and the origin of humanity by an act of divine power. This is a theistic interpretation of creation, or what is generally known today as Creationism. Consistently, theistic accounts of creation have maintained a cosmological understanding of the universe as purposefully created by an intelligent designer. That is to say, God created the universe, and He made it out of nothing (ex nihilo).

14 " To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful ... more 14 " To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches " (Revelation 3: 14-22).

One of the most dangerous temptations for a pastor comes from the pulpit itself. You may plan to ... more One of the most dangerous temptations for a pastor comes from the pulpit itself. You may plan to communicate a biblical message; but somehow you end up being the center of attention in the sermon. Most likely, you did not plan it that way, but the important question is this: How do you make certain that the center of the message is Jesus Christ and not you?

Looking for ways to deal with fatigue? These are some of the approaches I use. Once you realize t... more Looking for ways to deal with fatigue? These are some of the approaches I use. Once you realize the importance of managing fatigue, you need to design an approach that will work for you. You will be blessed, and your ministry will be a greater joy.

Jesus preached for a long time on the mountain. Thousands heard Him. He taught them principles of... more Jesus preached for a long time on the mountain. Thousands heard Him. He taught them principles of the kingdom of heaven, and they marveled at His gracious and powerful message. Ellen White says, “The Saviour’s divine love and tenderness drew the hearts of men to Him.”* “When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him” (Matt. 8:1, NIV), and Jesus had time for all of them.

Conference Presentations by Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi

In this presentation, we will answer one question: How can African spirituality contribute to und... more In this presentation, we will answer one question: How can African spirituality contribute to understanding spirit-driven discipleship in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Africa? For the majority of African communities, spiritual phenomena serve as the foundation of moral and ethical experience, which makes both character and personality a pneumatic disposition. This kind of African spirituality is not antithesis to the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. And I strongly believe that if we can have a proper contextual understanding of Spirit-driven discipleship, it will help the Seventh-day Adventist church in Africa to model discipleship that is pneumatologically grounded and mission-oriented.