Assignment Prompt & Instructions
Due in 1hr. 100 words
Herbert Kane lists seven factors that contributed to the spread of Christianity in Africa: the great extent of missionary activity, colonialism, which turned out to be a blessing, the large amount of money invested in education, the organization of African society, the fact that there was little resistance from the native populations, the high regard in which the missionaries were held, and the deep religious character of Africa. At the same time, we should not forget the Ethiopian eunuch mentioned in chapter eight of Acts, because he probably took Christianity back to Ethiopia, and because Judaism, along with Christian apostles, was present in Africa long before they arrived in the Far East and most of Europe [1].
Alistair Boddy-Evans states that "Christianity spread rapidly in North Africa as a result of urbanization and because of the similarity between Christianity and the local religions". One explanation lies in the Roman roads; the Roman Empire conquered and linked many nations into a single system [2]. Although these roads were originally built to serve soldiers, rulers, traders, and government officials, God used them for a more significant purpose. The same roads that carried Roman authority also carried Christian witnesses, letters, merchants, teachers, and ordinary believers who passed on the good news from one city to another.
I also notice how God used language, since Greek had already become a common language in many areas of the eastern Mediterranean and Latin was the language of the Roman government in the West. Because of this, it was easier to explain the gospel across different cultures than it would have been if each region had been entirely separated by language. The New Testament was composed in Greek, which enabled the teaching of Christ to go beyond one ethnic group and reach the wider world. In North Africa, where cities like Carthage were linked to Rome and the Mediterranean world, language was one of the means that God used to carry out missionary work.
The socioeconomic situation in both Rome and Greece also helped spread Christianity. The Roman world had cities, trade routes, different social classes, enslaved people, freedmen, soldiers, merchants, and educated leaders. People from all sections of society received the message of Christianity. It addressed the needs of the poor by teaching that all individuals have worth in God's sight. It appealed to the educated because Christian thinkers could explain the religion in a way that accounted for philosophy, morality, and public life. It also reached people in positions of influence, which later helped the church gain protection and greater opportunities. Although God did not approve of all aspects of Roman power, He used the existing social structure for His own purposes.
This is relevant to the United States' present position in the world. Just as Rome did, the United States influences economics, technology, education, media, military power, and the English language. In some way, most of the world is linked to American culture. This connection can be used for selfish reasons, pride, entertainment, politics, and consumerism, but it can also be put to good use. The same systems that transport money, information, students, refugees, and workers around the world can also be used for evangelism, discipleship, Bible translation, online teaching, humanitarian service, and church planting.
Yet I believe that the church in the United States should take care not to confuse its influence with that of the kingdom of God. Although the early church used Roman roads, Roman cities, and the common languages of the time, it did not teach that Rome was the savior; rather, it proclaimed that Jesus Christ is Lord. Similarly, the church and Christian organizations in the United States should use the opportunities God has provided. Still, they must not trust political power, national wealth, or cultural supremacy. The church’s role ought to be one of humble witness, faithful service, wise missionary sending, support for believers around the world, training leaders, and standing with the poor and the persecuted.
American Christian colleges, seminaries, mission agencies, churches, and ministries should see themselves as stewards rather than owners of God's mission. They should use education, technology, financial resources, and religious freedom to strengthen the global body of Christ. They should also consider the views of Christians from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, since mission is no longer solely a matter of going from the West to the rest of the world; God is at work throughout the church. The United States does have a responsibility, but it must be characterized by humility, partnership, repentance, and obedience to Christ.
– a month ago