One hundred years ago Bishop Colenso was excommunicated because of his liberal critical views on the inspiration and authority of the Bible. But while in South Africa he worked strenuously for social and political reform. 2003 will mark the revocation of his excommunication in a ceremony in South Africa and this book commemorates that event. It is divided into sections on African Culture, Bible, Theology and Social History and contains contribution from English, Dutch and South African scholars. It will appeal not only to the biblical scholar and Christian theologian but also to anyone interested in the 19th century conflict of theology and reason and the struggle against colonial exploitation.

This Handbook accesses historical, theological, rhetorical, literary and linguistic studies to demonstrate the interdisciplinary strength of the field of sermon studies and to show the centrality of sermons to private and public life in this 'golden age' of the British sermon.

Sugirtharajah explores the complex relationship between the Bible and the colonial enterprise.