Banana boldly makes a proposal to rewrite the Bible to make it relevant and authoritative. Banana has highlighted some important problems that need new and creative solutions. The present article will discuss the problems related to the Bible as seen by Banana, discuss the solutions which Banana proposes for the problems and then critique his proposals. Insights from biblical studies related to hermeneutics, biblical theology and canon formation will be used to propose other solutions to these problems. As an example, one can mention the Zimbabwean theologian Canaan Banana, who raises critical questions about the authority, relevance and usage of the Bible in postcolonial times.
Banana is an African liberation theologian.
He was active in the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe as a minister and a politician. He also helped to develop the new nation of Zimbabwe and served as its first president. He has taught religious studies at the University of Zimbabwe and continues to be active in national and international political affairs. Banana has proposed a controversial thesis that the Bible should be rewritten. He argues that the Bible should be rewritten so it will become a better tool for the liberation of people and will not contain material which can be used to justify oppression.