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Christianity Is Not a “White Man’s Religion”—Africa’s Deep Roots in the Faith

 

 

For centuries, a dangerous misconception has persisted—that Christianity is a European import, a “white man’s religion” imposed on Africa through colonialism. This narrative, however, is historically inaccurate and misleading.

 

Christianity has been deeply rooted in Africa for nearly 2,000 years, long before the rise of Europe as a global power or the discovery of the Americas. The first known non-Jewish Christian was an African, and some of the most influential figures in Christian theology were African. While European missionaries did play a role in expanding Christianity’s reach, they did not bring the faith to Africa—it was already there.

 

Today, African missionaries are preaching the gospel across Europe, America, and beyond, just as European missionaries once did in Africa. This is not an imposition—it is the natural spread of faith, something that has occurred throughout history.

 

The First Gentile Christian Was African

 

The very first recorded Gentile (non-Jewish) Christian was an Ethiopian official, as documented in the Book of Acts (8:26-40).

 

The Ethiopian eunuch was a high-ranking official under Queen Candace of Ethiopia and was returning from worship in Jerusalem when he encountered Philip the Evangelist. Philip explained the prophecies about Jesus Christ, and the Ethiopian, moved by the message, requested baptism immediately.

 

This moment is significant because:

• It proves that Christianity reached Africa in the 1st century AD, during the time of the apostles.

• It predates Christianity in Rome, Britain, France, Germany, or America.

• Ethiopia’s connection to Christianity is not recent—it is as old as the faith itself.

 

Christianity Thrived in Africa Before Most of Europe Converted

 

By the 2nd and 3rd centuries, Africa had become a major centre of Christian thought. Some of the most influential Christian scholars and theologians were African:

 

1. Tertullian (160–225 AD) – Carthage (Modern Tunisia)

• Coined the term “Trinity,” a core Christian doctrine.

• One of the earliest theologians to shape Christian philosophy.

 

2. Origen (185–253 AD) – Alexandria, Egypt

• Produced some of the earliest Christian biblical commentaries.

• His works influenced Christianity’s development for centuries.

 

3. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) – Alexandria, Egypt

• Defended Christian doctrine against heresies.

• Played a leading role in shaping the Nicene Creed.

 

4. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) – Present-day Algeria

• One of the most influential Christian theologians of all time.

• His writings laid the foundation for both Catholicism and Protestantism.

 

At a time when Northern and Western Europe were still largely pagan, Africa was producing Christian intellectuals whose ideas would shape global Christianity.

 

Ethiopia Became a Christian Nation Before England and France

 

One of the first Christian nations in the world was not in Europe—it was Ethiopia.

• Around 330 AD, King Ezana of Aksum (modern Ethiopia and Eritrea) converted to Christianity.

• Ethiopia became a Christian kingdom before England, France, or Germany had even heard of the gospel.

• The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has remained strong for nearly 1,700 years, independent of European influence.

 

This proves that Africa had fully Christian civilisations long before most of Europe.

 

European Missionaries Didn’t Bring Christianity—They Expanded It

 

European missionaries played an important role in preaching the gospel in new areas, but they did not introduce Christianity to Africa. It had been thriving for over a millennium before the first European missionaries arrived.

 

Missionary work is a normal practice in Christianity. African missionaries today are preaching across Europe and America—but that doesn’t mean Africa is imposing Christianity on the West.

 

African Missionaries Are Evangelising Europe Today

 

Christianity is now declining in much of Europe, while African churches are growing rapidly.

• Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Kenyan pastors are planting churches across the UK, France, and Germany.

• London alone has hundreds of African-led churches, reviving Christianity in Britain.

• African pastors such as Matthew Ashimolowo (Nigeria) and Sunday Adelaja (Ukraine) have led some of the biggest churches in Europe.

 

If Christianity had truly been a “white man’s religion”, then Africa’s role in shaping and spreading the faith—both historically and today—would not exist.

 

Conclusion: Christianity Is a Faith for All People

 

The idea that Christianity is a European creation is historically false.

• The first Gentile Christian was African.

• Christianity existed in Egypt, Ethiopia, and North Africa before most of Europe.

• African theologians shaped Christian doctrine centuries before colonialism.

• European missionaries did not introduce Christianity to Africa—they simply helped expand its reach.

• Today, African missionaries are spreading Christianity across Europe and America, just as European missionaries once did in Africa.

 

Christianity is not a racial or national religion—it is a faith that transcends borders, cultures, and ethnicities. Africa has been, and will always be, a central pillar in its history and growth.

 

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By Martins JOACHIM