There is a widespread belief among Christian believers and non-Christian observers alike that Christianity is a Western religion and was introduced to Africa by Western missionaries during the colonial period, but is this assertion true? This course attempts to explain and uncover the necessary evidence to prove beyond a doubt the African roots of the Christian faith and its contribution to the global Christianity.
The day of Pentecost marks not only the fulfilment of prophecy and promise it marks the multilingual and multicultural nature of Christianity. With no exception of race and culture, God can reveal himself to human beings. Students will discover the beginning of Christianity in Africa, and how African Christians shaped Western Christianity’s school of thought and other facets.
The history of Christianity in Africa probably began during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, two thousand years ago. The Gospel of Luke records that a Cyrenian was compelled to bear the cross for Jesus, prior to Jesus' crucifixion. Cyrene was located in North Africa. The book of Acts records that, on the day of Pentecost, Egyptians and Cyrenians were among the crowd, and heard the apostles proclaim the Gospel in their native languages. Acts also records the conversion of an influential Ethiopian eunuch to Christianity. Finally, the book of Acts records that following the apostle’s missionary journey to Cyprus, new converts from Cyprus and Cyrene preached the Gospel to the Greeks of Antioch. The course explores the early movement of Christianity in Africa and its influence on the West.
Throughout the Scripture, we see God using different cultures and human languages as a vehicle to reveal himself. When Christianity came to Africa in the first century, God did the same thing. Hence, African Christianity is biblical Christianity equal to the 1st century Christianity in Jerusalem or 18th century Christianity in London.
Missional engagement is one of the litmus test of authentic Christianity. Early African Christianity is missional in such that, it did not only influence the Mediterranean region but the whole Western hemisphere. This course carries the same fervor.
For a long time, the African church is perceived as mere recipient of Western theology and Western fund. The current global context, the dynamic changes in Africa, and the trend of global mission, has created a multidirectional movement of Christian thoughts. This is the best time to unveil the role of African Christianity in the past.
The implication of this class transcends racial and cultural barrier. Students will have the experience of Peter at the House of Cornelius. As Peter’s ethnocentric view of the gentiles was shattered, this course brings a paradigm shift in attitude and perception of Africa and Africans.
How should I understand the God of the universe in the context of Africa and the black people? If God does not discriminate race, culture and language, what is man to think of himself superior than other human beings? These practical questions lead to practical actions. This course facilitates the path.
The experiential aspect of this course is to know and love our neighbor, to encounter hatred with love, injustice with justice, oppression with liberation, and to expect the manifestation of God in every culture.
