05.04.2024
In Conversation with Research Alum Rev. Dr. Michael Phiri
In this interview, Rev. Dr. Michael Phiri talks about his work on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his time in Tübingen.
In our interview series "In Conversation with Research Alumni," we talk to researchers who previously conducted research at the University of Tübingen and are now based in other countries. Our aim is to learn more about their current projects and gain insights into their future plans.
Dear Rev. Dr. Michael Phiri, where are you currently based?
I am based in the Blantyre district, Malawi. Blantyre is in the Southern region of Malawi.
What do you work on?
I am currently focussing on two interrelated areas: First, I am engaging with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theology within the theological and socio-political context of Malawi. Secondly, I am conducting research on the broader field of theology and development, where I explore the impact of theology on ecology, gender, and socio-political development.
What is the most exciting aspect of your research?
The most exciting aspect of my research is the opportunity to apply Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s insights to the context of Malawi. In so doing, I introduce new perspectives and conceptual frameworks into the theological discourse within Malawi. Despite the geographical and spatial distances between Bonhoeffer’s Germany and 21st century Malawi, Bonhoeffer’s theology can inform Christian spirituality and theology in present-day Malawi.
Please share a memorable experience from your time as a researcher abroad.
One of the most memorable experiences during my time as a researcher abroad was at Adolf Schlatterhaus in Tübingen, where I first learnt German. This helped me to study Bonhoeffer’s writings in their original language and thus delve deep into Dietrich Bonhoeffer research. The instructors were student-centered and the environment was notably conducive to learning Deutsch.
If you could teleport to any place in Tübingen for a quick visit, where would you go and why?
If I could teleport to Tübingen, I would visit the Christliche Gemeinde at Mohlstraꞵe 26, where Pastor Jim and Naomi Kautt provided spiritual nourishment during my time as a guest doctoral student at the University. Additionally, the international atmosphere at Christliche Gemeinde was both edifying and inspiring.
Please share some aspects of your academic and professional involvement.
I am a Lecturer, Quality Assurance Officer and Head of Research at Evangelical Bible College of Malawi. I am a member of the following societies (1) International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section, (2) Society of Christian Scholars Africa and (3) Theological Society of Malawi. My desire is to rework my doctoral thesis into a book and have it published in the International Bonhoeffer Interpretations series by Peter Lang.
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Recent Publications
Book chapter
Re-conceptualizing the gender and development discourse in Malawi within the African Christian anthropological framework. In Facets of African Christian Theology in the 21st Century edited by Mzee H. Mvula and Kenneth Ross (Zomba: TSM Press, 2024).
Facets of African Christian Theology in the 21st Century is available at www.africanbookscollective.com
The chapter focuses on ways in which gender injustice is hampering socio-economic development in Malawi. An African Christian anthropology, drawing from Christian theological convictions and African traditional values, is proffered as a promise to realize gender justice and equity. The chapter posits cultural, contextual and Christian criteria for a truly African Christian anthropology that is adequate to ensure gender justice and an accelerated national development.
Journal article
The challenge of poverty in Malawi and Bonhoeffer's soteriology. In Acta Theologica Vol. 43, No. 2 (2023) (a journal published by the University of the Free state, South Africa) · Dec 13, 2023
The article explores the state, causes, and effects of poverty in Malawi. It proceeds to investigate soteriology as a prominent theme in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theological thought. The article reaches climax with an exploration of the manner in which Bonhoeffer’s notion of salvation could be employed as paradigm to address the challenge of poverty in Malawi.
Book chapter
Navigating the terrain of ecological theology in Malawi: Conceptual and practical considerations. In A Theology of Public and Political Engagement edited by Felix Nyika, Mzee Hermann Mvula and Kenneth Ross (Zomba: Theological Society of Malawi Press, 2023).
A Theology of Public and Political Engagement is available at www.africanbookscollective.com
The chapter analyses the state of the ecological crisis facing Malawi, highlights the place of ecology in Malawi 2063 agenda, explores current theological responses to the ecological crisis in Malawi and proceeds to offer a comprehensive vision based on the glory of God to suggest a way forward towards a viable ecological future in Malawi. In a nutshell, the chapter conceptualises a doxentric eco-theology as a promising contributor towards addressing the ecological challenges facing Malawi.
Journal article
Soteriology as pre-condition for Bonhoeffer's ethical thought. In Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 174 (UKZN: November 2022).
The article proposes soteriology as the pre-condition for Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ethical thought. Particular analyses are given of Bonhoeffer’s 1929 lecture ‘Basic questions of a Christian ethic’ and the 1932 seminar ‘Is there a Christian ethic?’ It uses excerpts from student notes from the early period and two Ethics manuscripts from the late period of his theological work. The analyses are made bearing in mind the political, economic and theological context in which Bonhoeffer’s ethical thoughts emerged.
Essays
Nourished by Scripture. In Didaktikos: Journal of Theological Education, Vol. 6, Issue 1 (Bellingham: Lexham Press, August 2022).
The business of the theology Professor is characterised by a myriad of tasks. The temptation is to set aside the studying of the Bible for one's own spiritual nourishment except when preparing for lectures and conferences. The article affirms the sacrosanct place of personal Bible study on part of the theologians and biblical scholars.
Balancing character-ministerial and academic-intellectual formation. In Didaktikos: Journal of Theological education, Vol. 4, Issue 1 (Bellingham: Lexham Press, September 2020).
The article highlights Evangelical Bible College of Malawi’s commitment to dual formation: character-ministerial and academic-intellectual. Such theological training is transformational and well-balanced. An argument is advanced that the Churches and society in Malawi and beyond need theologians who are spiritually and morally upright on one hand and academically-intellectually sound on the other.