How did Africans become Christians?

Answer 1

Another answer from our community:

They didn't accept it as something from white people, they accepted Christianity as from God. The very first Christians were mostly middle eastern people it is not a racial religion.

Answer 2

Answer

They had no choice in the matter. The tyrannical slave masters terrorized them into becoming obedient Christians.

Answer

David Livingstone, one of the pioneer Christian missionaries into Africa did nothing else but seek the welfare of the African people. Apart from bringing them the Christian Gospel, he brought the beginnings of modern medicine, as well as education. In addition he was a determined opponent of slavery, often to his peril. Since the African chiefs were in effect dictators to their tribes they had to be reached first and many refused to accept the truth.

The Africans who truly accepted the Gospel did so, sometimes against the wishes of their chief, by the work of the Holy Spirit in their heart, just like anyone else. Force has never been the Christian way to true conversion, although some in the name of Christ have tried it.

Anwser

Actually the reality of the situation is much more complicated than the answers above portray them. Africans were not forced into Christianity by "tyrannical slave masters." To say so is to victimize Africans, thereby making the European's out to be more powerful or superior. The fact is, Europeans didn't just come to Africa and catch scared people in nets, then force them to work. A complicated system of slavery was already well established on the continent, which attracted European slave merchants. African nations also had advanced forms of weaponry, far superior to early Europeans, and this further inspired trade between the two continents.

In the end, African slave owners sold their slaves to Europeans, but caught themselves in a cycle that grew to outrageous proportions with the development of the Triangle Trade. African lave owners either kept selling their slaves to gain wealth and political power, or risked becoming slaves themselves.

During this time missions were established in Western Africa and Southern Africa. A lot of the intentions were sincere, they truly believed that exposing African peoples to Christianity would "save" them. Many converted to gain access to European wealth, gain political power, or out of curiosity. Only over time would Christianity become mandatory in some areas, but even then the practice was just superficial to true nonbelievers.

Suggested reads: Chinua Achebe "Things Fall Apart," and the story of "Chaka."

Answer 3

Slaves have no choice and must do the bidding of their owners, including what religion to follow. In the early years of Christianity, slaves belonging to Christians were not permitted to become Christians themselves unless permitted by their owners, since by becoming Christians they would be eligible for a rest day on Sundays, thus reducing their economic value. The slave trade to the Americas resulted in the forced conversion of slaves, who 'accepted' the white man's religion because it was required of them.

Answer 4

There have been a lot of Christian missionaries who have taken the Gospel to Africa. One particular one who was well known was David Livingstone.