By Matthew Kalundu, TGC. (Image: Unsplash)
Much like America and Europe are today, Africa was once a glorious fount of Christian thought.
Before Christian scholarship reached overseas, Africa, particularly North Africa, was producing considerable theologians. These theologians shaped various doctrines into the present day, including the nature of grace and the Trinity. Augustine’s works have shaped Christian spirituality for centuries. Athanasius of Alexandria defended the full deity and humanity of Christ. Tertullian’s works helped explain the Trinity. Cyril of Alexandria defended the unity of Christ’s person. Origen helped establish biblical scholarship in the church. These are just but a few examples of how the African church contributed to Christian thought. Christianity in Africa back then was intellectually rigorous, so much so that we’re still being influenced by it today.
It’s All Very Different Today
By a quick glance at the African church today you’ll see that it’s growing. Rapidly. There is a church on almost every corner. There’s evangelistic zeal, an emphasis on communal life, and vibrant worship. But is the African church thinking? Why are so many churches marked by shallow doctrine? Why are so many church members ill-equipped to confront secularism or prosperity theology? How do we account for the profound cultural confusion and syncretism?
None of this is intended as an attack on the African church. I belong there. However, we need a wake-up call. For numerical growth without depth is unsustainable. Size isn’t a measure of health, not in spiritual matters.