“Fit to the form of Christian living”. Catholic mission and resistance in African lands

The study reveals that the evangelization efforts by Capuchin missionaries in Mbanza Kongo during the late 17th and mid-18th centuries were met with significant resistance from African societies, despite the incorporation of Christian symbols, rituals, and practices. This 'African Christianity' emerged as a hybrid form, blending European Christian elements with local traditions. The analysis of three missionary guides highlights the anthropological underpinnings of evangelization strategies and underscores the dynamic nature of African societies in adapting to or resisting these influences.

Almeida, C. (2017). “Ajustar à Forma do Viver Cristão”. Missão Católica e Resistências em Terras Africanas. Cadernos de Estudos Africanos, (33), 59–80. https://doi.org/10.4000/cea.2194