PCT3237 History of African Christianity (4 credits) at United Lutheran Theological Seminary Paulinum

What is African Christianity?

African Christianity is a new development of African religion, shaped by the. parameters ofpre-ChristianAfrican religionas the Christian- ity of the Jerusalem Church of the Acts of the Apostles was rooted in the. religion of old Israel.

Overview

The fact that Christianity did not become thoroughly rooted in the indigenous population may in part be the reason why Christianity suffered a greater loss in North Africa than in Egypt when the Muslim invaders came to conquer. Later weaknesses were experienced through doctrinal controversies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christianity like in Africa?

Apart from the troublesome colonial connections, many Africans view Christianity as western and un-African. Jesus is viewed as a White savior. The sacred text is seen as the “White man’s Bible.” And Christianity is scorned as a White man’s religion

What do African religion believe in?

Traditional African religions generally believe in an afterlife, one or more Spirit worlds, and Ancestor worship is an important basic concept in mostly all African religions. Some African religions adopted different views through the influence of Islam or even Hinduism.

What is the difference between Christianity and African traditional religion?

While both Christianity and African religion have a concept of a Supreme Being, Christians believe in a God who exists in three persons. This is called the Trinity. It is made of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit working together as one. Traditional African religion does not show any belief in the Trinity.

Is Africa in the Bible?

Africa and Africans were mentioned more than 1 417 times in the entire Bible. Of this, Egypt (Mitsrayim) was mentioned more than 740 times in the Old Testament (Adamo 2005:26-36). In the Pentateuch, references to the words Egypt and Egyptians occur more than 288 times.

Who created Christianity?

Christianity originated with the ministry of Jesus, a Jewish teacher and healer who proclaimed the imminent Kingdom of God and was crucified c. AD 30–33 in Jerusalem in the Roman province of Judea.

How did Islam influence Christianity?

Christian learning, arts, medicine, science, religion and commerce all received contributions from Islam in the high Middle Ages. The fact that these two groups still exist in one world means that they still have an actual and potential impact upon each other.

Who is the God of African?

Generally speaking, African religions hold that there is one creator God, the maker of a dynamic universe. Myths of various African peoples relate that, after setting the world in motion, the Supreme Being withdrew, and he remains remote from the concerns of human life.

What was religion before Christianity?

Zoroastrianism is the world’s oldest surviving monotheistic religion and, many scholars think, the original source of religious conceptions of heaven, hell, Satan and Judgment Day in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

What is the true religion of Africa?

Abrahamic religions. The majority of Africans are adherents of Christianity or Islam. African people often combine the practice of their traditional belief with the practice of Abrahamic religions. Abrahamic religions are widespread throughout Africa.

Who is Jesus in African religion?

This is what African Christians believe, because Jesus Christ, like any other ancestor, was created by God and he is also God’s Son. One can trust him as an ancestor with everything: from giving life, care, protection, guidance to even giving punishment.

Which religion came to Africa first?

The Story of Africa| BBC World Service. Christianity came first to the continent of Africa in the 1st or early 2nd century AD. Oral tradition says the first Muslims appeared while the prophet Mohammed was still alive (he died in 632). Thus both religions have been on the continent of Africa for over 1,300 years.

What are the negative impact of Christianity in Africa?

On the downside, Christianity led to the demise of the African customs, which it viewed as pagan and evil; the religion also led to the implementation of apartheid (to which it gave its theological support), and undermined the leadership role of women.

What are 5 beliefs of Christianity?

This is a discussion oriented Bible Fellowship. The 5 are: 1) Uniqueness of Jesus (Virgin Birth) –Oct 7; 2) One God (The Trinity) Oct 14; 3) Necessity of the Cross (Salvation) and 4) Resurrection and Second Coming are combinded on Oct 21; 5) Inspiration of Scripture Oct 28.

What happened to Christians in North Africa?

In addition, the Romans and the Byzantines were unable to completely assimilate the indigenous people like the Berbers. Another view however that exists is that Christianity in North Africa ended soon after conquest of North Africa by the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate between AD 647–709 effectively.

Who was the most powerful African God?

Finally, we have Olodumare, who is also the most powerful god according to Yoruba mythology. He is the “supreme God.” He is omnipotent and is the one who breathes life into the creations of Obatala. He is the creator also of the other gods and powers in the universe.