CHRISTIAN RELATIONS WITH ISLAM AND AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS IN WEST AFRICA (c.1500 TO THE PRESENT)

  • Peter Clarke King’s College, London Stellenbosch University, Visiting Professor
Keywords: West Africa, Christian-Muslim relations, Christianity, Muslim, Islam

Abstract

The relations between the various Christian denominations in West-Africa and official Christian-Muslim relations have changed noticeably in recent times.  The pre-colonial and colonial periods as well as the post-independence era is discussed with a view to establishing trends in this regard.  In spite of clear universalistic and sometimes expansionist policies and aims, there are trends in Christian and Muslim circles in West-Africa towards greater co-operation than ever before.  Limiting factors are described to be unfair competition and discrimination in social life rather than doctrine.  In spite of a history of positing a diametrical opposition between the African and Christian belief systems, both Islam and Christianity have probably been domesticated rather than supplanting the traditional views.  Some account is given of the process whereby Christian churches have recently stated regarding traditional views with greater tolerance and respect.

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Author Biography

Peter Clarke, King’s College, London Stellenbosch University, Visiting Professor
King’s College, LondonStellenbosch University, Visiting Professor
Published
2019-09-09
Section
Articles