Trajectories in African Christianity

This article tries to chart developments in African Christianity south of the Sahara (though leaving South Africa aside, because of its own unique dynamic). It divides African Christianity into two rough and ready categories – mainline and ‘Pentecostal’. For the mainline (or mission or historical) churches the author argues that they are increasingly identified with Western aid. As Africa becomes increasingly marginalised, these aid flows and what they involve become increasingly significant for—even constitutive of—mainline Christianity. For Pentecostalism, while admitting their enormous variety, the article focuses on two characteristics that most of these newer churches share: a stress on spiritual forces, and an emphasis on success or victory. Examples are drawn from across the continent, not least from Nigeria, which powers many of these developments. The article concludes with a brief speculation on the links of Africa's emerging Christianity with global Christianity; African theology; an emerging use of the Bible; and Christianity's socio-political role in a marginalised Africa.