Christianity in Africa
Islam is widespread in the north and west of Africa, while the southern and eastern parts of the continent are predominantly populated by Christians. 40% of Africans are Christians.
According to statistics, on average 40 percent of the African population belongs to the Christian religious group.
Christianity is, along with Islam, the most widespread religion in Africa
Besides East and South Africa, Central Africa (Central Africa) is also predominantly Christian, although there are also followers of Islam. Ever since the Romans ruled in Africa, Christianity has been practiced in the country. At the beginning of the first century, Christianity was notorious; severe punishments were threatened for followers of this religion. Despite all persecutions and punishments, more and more people took a liking to this new form of religion, and in the 380th year after the birth of Christ, Christianity was officially accepted and recognized.
Islam temporarily replaced Christianity
Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Islam spread across large parts of Africa and Christianity was largely displaced. Although followers remained loyal to their religion, there was hardly any further growth. Islam was by far the most practiced religion and dominated large parts of the country. In the mid-15th century, the country split; predominantly Christians populated the cities in the south and east, while the north and west were dominated by Islam. The spread of Christianity was significantly promoted by envoys from Europe; clergy of Catholic origin as well as numerous Protestants visited Africa and brought Christianity closer to the population. Not least through these European visitors, Christianity was finally established in Africa. Although some African rituals and ways of life differentiate the Christianity practiced in Africa from its European counterpart, there is still a common basic principle.
Various forms of Christianity in Africa
Similar to Islam, the Christian faith is practiced in a wide variety of forms. Especially in less civilized tribes and peoples, clear deviations from the actual teachings of Christ are noticeable; rituals are performed that have nothing to do with Christian doctrine. It is hardly possible to assign the various forms of religion to a particular part of the country, as all forms of Christianity live together in a colorful mix and largely respect each other. However, a large part of African Christians practice the Catholic form of Christianity, although there are also numerous Protestants in the population. On trips to Africa, numerous magnificent churches can be visited and admired; the buildings are as impressive for Christians from all countries as the mosques built in the north and west of the country are for Islamic believers.
