theological impotence

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"The African theologian who has experienced the agonies of having a burning appetite but nothing to eat will surely theologize differently on the on the theme of food from the American theologian who knows the discomfort of having a plate full of steak but no appetite." (Mbiti, John. "Theological Impotence." Third World Theologies. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 1976.)

I look for evening snacks because I am hungry after their third meal of the day.
I couldn't decide what shirt to wear this morning.
I have at least five Bibles within reach (close to 20 if you count the ones on my computer).
I can sit in one place and be tempted to indulge just about every physical sense imaginable--all on the same computer screen I read Bibles on.
I have an estimate of 1500 books in my personal library (e-texts included).

I know of people who will feed their guests first, followed by father and the wife and children get whatever's left--and they think it rude if the guest does not eat.
I know of people with three shirts.
I know of people with portions of the Bible.
I know of people who practice church discipline.
I know of a library made up of an armload of books that serves training pastors in Western Kenya.

God help us and our pitiful excuse for theology.

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