The History of African Christianity

When we read Christian history, mostly, we neglect to read the African story. Thus, since most of the writers of Christian history are Westerners, they contextualize the Christian history in their writing. They mostly speak of how the church started and how it spread. Usually, they would trace the church’s inception from Pentecost to their own culture. That is, they focus on directing readers as to how the gospel reached their country or community. Due to this, we have very scanty materials concerning the history of the African Church. Nonetheless, the contribution that Africans have made in the Christian circle is unprecedented. Not only have Africans made great contributions that have become the centerpiece of the church but Africa has also produced great theologians.

If someone has informed you that Africans were and are passive in the global discussion of theology, the person would be proved to be a liar. Africa gave and is giving the Church great theologians. In that past,  Africa gave the church Augustine of Hippo, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, Athanasius, Origen, Saint Anthony, and many more who stood for the faith. When it comes to martyrdom, the great story of Perpetua and Felicitas proves that Africans were willing to die for their faith and conviction. This goes to show that the African Church made great contributions to the global church in the early centuries. Interestingly, the African church is still making great contributions. Today, Africa is one of the great continents that have a chunk of professing Christians even in the face of political instability in some countries, terrorism, and the threat of Islam.

One of the contentious issues that many have raised against Christians in Africa is that Christianity is a white man’s religion. They do argue that as African, we need to go back to our African Traditional Religion. The issue of Christianity in Africa is growing on a larger scale than most of the other continents. Regardless, the objection that is being raised against Christianity in Africa cannot be winked over. As Africans, we need to share our part of the story. A  lot of people in our modern-day do not know anything about Christianity in Africa from the 2^nd century to the middle ages. All they have about African Christianity is what the colonial masters brought during the period between the 17^th – 20^th century. It is appalling that although the presence of the gospel has always been in Africa even right from the onset with the inception of the Church, many do not know. Due to this, if one only uses less than one-quarter of history to condemn the three-fourth, his or her condemnation would be unjustifiable. Due to this, as an African and African Christian writer, I believe this is the most appropriate time to share with you the African story in light of global Christianity.

In the next couple of days, we would be discussing the impact of African Christianity in the global church. Those who are staggering between opinions as to whether they should revert to the “Traditional Religion” or should continue to profess faith in Christ alone and be content with the gospel alone, it is my genuine and heartfelt prayer that this material would be a great benefit. May the glory of Christ be seen and be shared abroad in our hearts. Soli Deo Gloria

Michael Yaw Tano

tanomichael65@gmail.com

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