The History of Christianity in Africa
This second of the three parts of The Church in Africa will focus on the history of Christianity on the continent. The first discussion will present a framework of three phases, or plantings, of Christianity in Africa: 1) the ancient Christianity centered in north Africa; 2) the Catholic missionary efforts linked to Portuguese exploration, especially in the kingdom of the Kongo; and 3) the efforts of Catholic and Protestant missionaries beginning in the nineteenth century. The second will discuss foundations of Christianity rooted in this history, including certain aspects of Christianity often overlooked that are traceable to northern Africa, an interesting Catholicism in Kongo that reflected sub-Saharan African culture, and written African languages and the revival of the catechumenate of the early church developed by missionaries in the modern period. The third will highlight features of Christianity in Africa that reflect the history. These include creative prophets like Kimpa Vita or “the Kongolese Saint Anthony,” many different African-initiated churches, and remarkable Christian leaders in missionary churches.
The History of Christianity in Africa: A Framework
Presented by Paul Kollman
The notion of three plantings of Christianity in Africa offers a perspective that discerns Christianity’s impacts over time: Northern Africa was a center of Christianity in its first seven centuries; the Portuguese established missions in parts of Africa in the early modern period; and missionaries beginning in the nineteenth century began ways of being Christian that persist to this day and ignited new creativity.
Reading: John Paul II’s Ecclesia in Africa (online), especially paragraphs 30 to 38.
The History of Christianity in Africa: Foundations
Presented by Paul Kollman
Each of these three plantings of Christianity in Africa had important consequences. Northern Africa saw foundations for Christianity forged that are often overlooked, the Kongo occasioned an innovative cultural embrace of Catholicism, and the modern missionary movement helped inaugurate written forms of African languages, thus encouraging African independence instincts, while also lifting up important African Christian leaders and helping revive ancient Christian practices like the catechumenate.
Reading: Thomas Oden, How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind, pages 42-61.
The History of Christianity in Africa: Features
Presented by Paul Kollman
This history has shaped African Christianity. It has lifted up prophets who resisted racism and colonialism, led to African-initiated churches, and produced remarkable African leaders in mission-founded churches.
View the Event
Presented by Paul Kollman
Subscribe to the ThinkND podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Google.
Featured Speakers:
- Rev. Paul Kollman, C.S.C. ’84, ’90 M.Div., Associate Professor, Theology
Additional Resources
Presented by Paul Kollman
- The papal documents emerging from the African Synods, Ecclesia in Africa and Africae Munus, are both online and interesting.
- Oden’s book How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind and Lamin Sanneh’s Translating the Message are both landmark studies.