Themes in the Christian History of Central Africa

Themes in the Christian History of Central Africa, edited by T. O. Ranger and John Weller, examines the complex encounters between Christian churches and other institutions in Central Africa over more than a century, from traditional cults and colonial administrations to settler regimes and, most recently, universities. Borne out of a 1971 workshop in Malawi that brought together both church leaders and academics, the volume underscores the dual role of Christianity as both a transformative influence on African societies and a body profoundly shaped by its historical, political, and cultural contexts. The editors argue that universities in particular are pushing churches to reconsider how they write, teach, and balance their histories—geographically, chronologically, denominationally, and in terms of whose voices are included.

The book is structured in three parts. Part I focuses on historical case studies of Christian engagements with African religious and social systems, highlighting both accommodation and resistance. Part II addresses the churches’ political entanglements, including the charge of complicity with colonial rule, while also exploring their prophetic role in shaping nationalist thought and political change. Part III turns to seemingly internal or devotional matters—inter-church cooperation, lay movements, and religious orders—but shows how these too intersect with social, economic, and political realities. Throughout, the contributors stress the need for interdisciplinary approaches, integrating history, theology, and anthropology. By weaving together perspectives from both church-based and university-based scholars, the collection not only reinterprets the Christian past in Central Africa but also raises critical questions about the churches’ contemporary and future roles in African societies.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1975.