Scholars Urged to Engage Perspectives beyond Theology in Addressing Social and Cultural Issues in Africa

Nairobi, 09 October, 2025 / 9:46 PM

A Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Kenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has highlighted the need to integrate insights from various fields into theological reflection.

In his closing remarks on Thursday, October 8 at the International Bible conference, Fr. Prof. Albert Ngengi Mundele, called on scholars, students, and theologians to engage other perspectives beyond theology in addressing contemporary social and cultural issues in Africa.

The Congolese biblical scholar and lecturer, who served as director of the Biblical Centre for Africa and Madagascar/Nairobi (BICAM) between 2017 and 2025, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in biblical studies.

“Interdisciplinarity is not only within theology but extends to religious studies, social sciences, humanities, and even the natural sciences,” he said in his closing remarks for the October 6-8 conference, which was held on the theme “Bible, Women, and Societal Issues in Africa.”

He added, “All sciences originally stemmed from philosophy. Over time they became more specialized, but now we are witnessing a return, a holistic approach that connects theology with family, children, politics, leadership, and other human realities.”

In his closing remarks, Fr. Mundele expressed gratitude to participants who attended the three-day gathering both physically at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and through online platforms.

“I am truly honored by your presence, those who are here in person and those joining us online,” he said, noting that the conference had been “three days of dedication and insightful engagement.”

Reflecting on the variety of presentations delivered during the event that CUEA organized in partnership with BICAM and the Institute of Missiology Missio in Aachen, Germany, Prof. Mundele said he found them “enriching.” 

He noted that it was particularly enriching to hear new perspectives, including that of applying the SMART approach to reading the Bible.

“I will certainly take this insight into my teaching and research,” he said in his closing remarks for the international conference on the Bible.

He commended the participation at the 2025 conference, observing that it grew significantly over the three days, with students, professors, and researchers joining from different disciplines. 

Fr. Mundele also commended the success of the hybrid model, which allowed presenters to share papers remotely, expressing hope that future editions would run “even more smoothly.”

Meanwhile, he announced that papers presented during the conference are due for publication as part of the ongoing Bible Conference Series and that they are expected to be released between December and April. 

“We hope to gather again in two years’ time with a new theme that will continue this important journey of reflection and dialogue,” said the Bible scholar.