Confessional theology a belligerently public theology – How confessional theology relates to notions of Africanness and Reformedness

Confessional theology, while insisting on the centrality of the Word of God in theological reflection, admits that the socio-economic, cultural and political context in which such reflection takes place is vital. In paying homage to the theological contribution of Dirkie Smit in South Africa, this article argues that this is the most opportune time to consider how marginal issues of Africa still are in theological reflection today. Taking the baton from Smit, it is argued that confessional theology, if it is to remain relevant, must deal with issues of Africanness in theological reflections today.