Contextualization of West African Christian Diaspora, Religion, and Spirituality

Presenter

Eden Olayiwole

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Leda Cooks, Department of Communication, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 3, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A40, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

More than 56% of Sub-saharan African people spend their Sunday Mornings, dressed in their finest clothing, sitting in the pews of their local churches (Timothy 2023). Other days, many unfailingly lead morning devotional sessions with their families. Whether it be Protestant or Roman Catholic, Christianity has become a staple to the identity of Sub-saharan African people, specifically West Africans, who make up 25% of Christians in the world (Timothy 2023). Despite the fact that the origins of Christianity’s spread are marked with the stains of British Imperialism, Colonialism and Missionary evangelism, Christianity in Africa has evolved beyond its colonial origins. Nevertheless, it has become its own entity, and the African Church system remains the cornerstone in which societal norms are built upon. This thesis project will journey through colonial to postcolonial contextualization of Christianity in Sub-saharan Africa, specifically focusing on West African Protestant movements that drive its cultures today. Through theological and historical research, as well as cultural literature, this project will unpack African Christian Diaspora Religion and Spirituality (ACDRS), and its role in the shaping of the thoughts, attitudes, and actions of its people. Based on this research, I have written a screenplay centered around a church located in Nigeria, from the perspective of a young pastor’s daughter. Based on what she has experienced, she must decide whether one chooses Christianity for themselves or if it is chosen for them.

Keywords

African Culture, Religion, Theology

Research Area

Race and Ethnicity Studies

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