Cristianismo no Congo

The Kingdom of Kongo's long-standing and autonomous integration of Christianity, beginning with the baptism of Mwene Kongo Nzinga Nkuwu in 1491, revealed a complex process of cultural translation between Christian theology and Kongo cosmology. This study highlights how the kingdom strategically appropriated Christian rituals and symbols, particularly under Afonso Mvemba Nzinga (1504-1542), to strengthen political cohesion around Mbanza Kongo while navigating Portuguese colonial pressures. Using archival documents, linguistic instruments like catechisms, and historical accounts, researchers demonstrate that Christianity persisted as a tool for political maneuvering even after the kingdom's fragmentation in 1665, influencing later religious movements into the 20th century. The findings underscore the enduring significance of cultural hybridity in shaping Kongo's socio-political landscape.

Almeida, C. (2021). Cristianismo no Congo. África, (42), 220–289. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2526-303x.i42p220-289