African Theologians Launch Bible Commentary To Guide Africans on Modern Problems, Including HIV/AIDS

African theologians this week in Kenya launched a Bible commentary that seeks to interpret the Bible for Africans and apply the scripture to modern problems including HIV/AIDS, female genital cutting and ethnic violence, Reuters reports (Harrison, Reuters, 7/6). The Africa Bible Commentary, the first commentary written exclusively by African theologians, was written by 70 contributors from 25 nations (BBC News, 7/5). It was compiled by the Association of Evangelicals in Africa and has been published in English and French, and there are plans for translations into African languages. The book includes interpretations of the Bible, as well as 70 articles on how Christians should deal with contemporary issues. On the issue of HIV/AIDS, the commentary says African churches have stigmatized people living with the disease and calls on leaders to speak up about the epidemic (Reuters, 7/6). The book includes local proverbs and folklore, as well as illustrations and traditional songs, according to Tokunboh Adeyemo, the editor of the book. Adeyemo added that the commentary includes input from 250 cultural groups and that the contributing theologians represent 10 major Christian denominations, except the Roman Catholic Church (BBC News, 7/5).