NAIROBI — African theologians have launched the first African Bible Commentary, or ABC as it has been dubbed, in Nairobi, with the support of Kenya’s retired president Daniel arap Moi.  
 
     ”It is my hope the Lord may use the ABC to draw its readers closer to God and to ignite a fire of spiritual awakening in Churches throughout Africa and the world,” said Moi during the official launch of the commentary on July 5.  
 
     Moi, an evangelical Christian, described the volume as a significant achievement and an outstanding landmark for African Christianity. It would counteract a perception that Africa is plagued by disease, corruption, violence and conflicts, by stressing a fascinating and special side of the continent, he said.  
 
     ”It is a continent of spiritual dynamism and fervency, of untold natural mineral and energy resource, with the fastest church growth rate, and boundless potential,” said Moi.  
 
     The 1600-page volume, a product of five years research by 70 contributors in 25 countries was edited by Tokunboh Adeyemo, a former executive secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) and now the executive director of the Center for Biblical Transformation.   
 
     The AEA sponsored the research for the text, which addresses Africa contemporary problems such as HIV/AIDS, female genital mutilation, refugees, ethnic conflict and witchcraft from a biblical perspective.  
 
     The writers have sought to dispel fears this was intended to replace the Bible, stressing the commentary is intended as an exposition of the Scriptures, as seen through the eyes of the African scholars.   
 
     ”This is a commentary that seeks to make clear the Bible to Christians in Africa,” Adeyemo told journalists.   
 
     In an interview with the Sunday Nation newspaper on July 2, Adeyemo said despite rapid growth of the church, it is like a “child suffering from malnutrition.” The distended belly in the child represents its large numbers, while the general poor health corresponds with lack of impact of Christianity in Africa.  
 
     ”How else would you explain so much corruption in the African continent?” he asks. “So much suffering in Africa yet some of the people behind these acts confess to being Christians and answer to Christian names.”  
 
     The writers hope the use of African proverbs, metaphors and stories will make the Bible speak to African believers in the villages and cities across the continent.  
 
     The first book is published in English. It will later be available in French. Swahili, Amharic, Portuguese, Yoruba, Afrikaans and Zulu versions are also planned.