Setting The Record Straight
Misinformation and misunderstandings have led many African Americans to reject Christianity, believing it is the white man’s religion. They have been told that Europeans introduced Christianity to Africans during slavery to control them. Manipulated Bible verses and the false portrayal of Jesus as a white figure further reinforced these misconceptions. However, we will explore the historical evidence to debunk these falsehoods and shed light on the true origins and growth of Christianity in Africa.
The history and spread of Christianity in Africa challenge the false notion that it is solely a religion of the white man. Christianity arrived in Africa before its spread to Europe.
The Arrival of Christianity in Africa
Around 50 AD, Christianity reached Egypt and Ethiopia, carried by courageous individuals like Simeon Bachos, Apostle Mark, and Apostle Matthew. These early evangelists played a vital role in spreading the teachings of Jesus across the African continent. What’s more, Jesus had many Blacks in his genealogy according to Matthew 1:1-17. For more information about the blacks in Jesus’ genealogy, I recommend a great book written by Dr. Dwight McKissic titled, Beyond Roots: In Search of Blacks in the Bible.
The Life of Simeon Bachos, the Ethiopian Eunuch
Simeon Bachos, a black African, also known as the Ethiopian Eunuch, holds a significant place in the history of Christianity in Africa. Despite facing enslavement and castration during his childhood, Simeon rose to prominence in the court of the Queen of the Ethiopians. As the head treasurer, he held a position of influence and power.
Simeon’s encounter with Phillip the deacon, as described in Acts 8, is an inspiring tale. He traveled to Jerusalem for worship and on his return journey to Ethiopia, he experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Philip explained salvation to Simeon and baptized him. Simeon then became the first person outside the Hebrew nation to embrace the teachings of Jesus, contributing to the early spread of Christianity in Africa.
The Role of Simeon Bachos in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Following his baptism, Simeon Bachos embarked on a mission to share his newfound faith. Guided by Church Father St. Irenaeus of Lyons, he traveled throughout Ethiopia, carrying the Kingdom of God. Consequently, Simeon played a pivotal role in establishing and promoting the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, tracing its roots back to the Aksum Kingdom in 330 AD. Moreover, this church emerged in sub-Saharan Africa long before the arrival of European colonizers. It has a rich history and vibrant traditions that have been passed down through generations. Presently, it has a substantial following of approximately 50 million believers in Ethiopia.
The Spread of Christianity in Africa
Contrary to popular misconceptions, the spread of Christianity in Africa was not a result of European colonization. Even before the arrival of European colonizers seeking to subjugate and exploit the region, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church had already disseminated the Gospel to various corners of sub-Saharan Africa. African missionaries played a crucial role in sharing the Christian message, evangelizing their own people and neighboring regions.
Islamic Influence and Christianity's Endurance
During the 7th and 8th centuries, Islam spread across Africa through conquests. However, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church managed to preserve its faith and withstand the influence of Islam. This endurance is a testament to the deep-rooted nature of Christianity in Africa and the unwavering commitment of its followers.
Christianity in Present-day Africa
Today, Christianity remains the predominant religion in Africa, with Islam as the second-largest. The 20th century witnessed a remarkable growth of Christianity on the continent. In 1900, only a small percentage of the African population identified as Christian, but by 2000, the number had skyrocketed to hundreds of millions. In fact, the Pew Research Center says Christians makeup 50.9% of Africa’s population, followed by Muslims at 43.3% and others at 5.8%. Additionally, Pew says by 2050, nearly four-in-ten of the world’s Christians (38%) are expected to be living in sub-Saharan Africa, up from 24% in 2010 and less than 2% in 1910. Pew also says by 2050, five of the 10 largest Christian populations in the world – Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda – will be in Africa, which had three of the 10 largest Christian populations in 2010. Indigenous African missionaries, who were driven by their deep faith and a desire to share the message of Christ, played a significant role in this rapid expansion.
The Growth of Christianity in Africa
Today, Christianity remains the predominant religion in Africa, with Islam as the second-largest. The 20th century witnessed remarkable growth of Christianity on the continent. In 1900, only a small percentage of the African population identified as Christian, but by 2000, the number had skyrocketed to hundreds of millions. Indigenous African missionaries, who were driven by their deep faith and a desire to share the message of Christ, played a significant role in this rapid expansion.
My personal experience preaching in Africa
During the early 2000s, I had the incredible opportunity to preach in Togo, West Africa, and it was indeed a dream come true. The experience left an indelible mark on my heart as I witnessed a remarkable sight. Despite facing very challenging circumstances and having limited resources, the Togolese people embraced their faith with fervor and joy. Their enthusiastic praise and worship of God came with the captivating rhythm that African culture is renowned for. It was an unforgettable experience that demonstrated the resilience and deep connection between the African people and their devotion to Jesus.
Conclusion
The history and spread of Christianity in Africa challenge the false notion that it is solely a religion of the white man. Christianity arrived in Africa before its spread to Europe, and African individuals like Simeon Bachos played pivotal roles in its early growth. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, with its ancient roots and strong presence, serves as a testament to the enduring power of the Christian message in Africa. Today, Christianity continues to thrive on the continent, with indigenous African missionaries playing a vital role in its expansion.
