An Aspect of the Character of Christianity in Africa

Abstract

Much has been written on and about Christianity in Africa but with relatively little on the subject of understanding it. This is an alarming state of affairs if we take it that Christianity in Africa may soon become the pre-eminent expression of Christianity in the world. To stimulate, therefore, a critical discussion on the subject of understanding Christianity in Africa, I give my observations on an aspect of the character of Christianity in Africa, by which I mean its form. I argue that the interface between the Christian faith and Africa’s ‘enchanted’ world is what predominantly gives shape to, and accounts for, Christianity in Africa. Although this is best seen in African Instituted Churches, it is also present in Mission Churches.