Byang Kato

In this in-depth study of the legacy of Byang Kato, Dr. Foday-Khabenje traces his extraordinary life from a boyhood immersed in African traditional religion to his conversion to Christianity as a young man, his education in Nigeria and abroad, his global leadership within the evangelical church, his tragic, untimely death, and the long-lasting impact of his prophetic voice. In the realm of African theology, Kato is often remembered for the oppositional stance he took towards many of his contemporaries, arguing passionately for the dangers of universalism and syncretism and urging the church to place the Bible at the heart of African Christianity. Foday-Khabenje engages these debates while demonstrating that Kato’s contributions to the African church cannot be reduced to polemics. His biblical hermeneutics, perspectives on African Christian identity, and tireless work for the expansion of theological education in Africa are each explored and celebrated, along with their implications for the contemporary church in Africa and beyond.

While nearly fifty years have passed since Kato’s death, his legacy is still as relevant as ever for a church facing the challenges of secularism and pluralism in the twenty-first century. In an age that seeks to de-emphasize the uniqueness of Christ, Kato’s testimony of the radical transformation offered by authentic biblical Christianity is good news for us all.