Sermon Series Title: " My Black Christian History: Before the Chains"
“My Black Christian History: Roots of Faith.”
”After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; Your reward [for obedience] shall be very great.” Abram said, “Lord God, what reward will You give me, since I am [leaving this world] childless, and he who will be the owner and heir of my house is this [servant] Eliezer from Damascus?” And Abram continued, “Since You have given no child to me, one (a servant) born in my house is my heir.” Then behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This man [Eliezer] will not be your heir but he who shall come from your own body shall be your heir.” And the Lord brought Abram outside [his tent into the night] and said, “Look now toward the heavens and count the stars—if you are able to count them.” Then He said to him, “So [numerous] shall your descendants be.” Then Abram believed in (affirmed, trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord; and He counted (credited) it to him as righteousness (doing right in regard to God and man).“
??Genesis? ?15?:?1?-?6? ?AMP??????????????
https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.15.1-6.AMP
Often, when we discuss church history, names like Spurgeon, Williams, Martin Luther King, and C. T. Vivian come to mind. However, as we embark on this series, “My Black Christian History: Before the Chains,” let us remember that the Black church’s history didn’t begin during the civil rights movement. Black history’s roots are a rich tapestry woven with threads of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of God.
Christianity in Africa is not a story written with European ink but is intertwined with the missions of the Apostles themselves.
Today, Africa stands as the most vibrant global center of Christianity, home to a significant portion of the world’s believers. I want to say clearly the descendants of Abraham or clearly found in Africa and all over the world because there are a lot of stars in the sky. As yes many of the stars of Abraham are Christian.
The roots of Christianizing Africa reach back to the early centuries when luminaries like Athanasius, Clement of Alexandria, Anthony, Origen, Tertullian, and Augustine all African and Christian were pillars of the universal Church.
As Christianity spread into North Africa and then Southeast to Ethiopia, it became a religion of opposition against the Roman Empire.
In the 4th century CE, the Ethiopian King Ezana and Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion, not through external influence but by the work of African missionaries.
The faith flourished in Nubia and Ethiopia, guided by the hand of its own people. You might ponder the fact that it is the growing church in Africa that is currently causing a lot of the decisions in the Methodist church in today’s world. I do believe if there had not been a discussion of equity in Africa and regionalization in Africa there would not have been so many discussions about disaffiliating.
As we reflect on these roots of faith, let us recognize the resilience and contributions of our African forebears. Their faith, perseverance, and commitment to diversity laid the groundwork for the vibrant Black Christian history we celebrate today. May we, like those who came before us, carry the torch of faith forward, embracing the diversity within our own Christian family.
Three points of Black Christian History: Roots of Faith this morning.
Point 1: We Must Acknowledge Our Roots
As we embark on a journey of discovery, delving into our rich heritage in the series titled “My Black Christian History Before the Chains.” Just as Church history extends far beyond the Reformation, so does the history of the Black church reach deep into the annals of time. Understanding this history is not merely a retrospective gaze but a source of wisdom for our past, present, and future.
Our Scripture, Genesis 15:1-6, invites us to explore the early foundations of faith, drawing parallels with Abraham’s journey. The Black Christian history we uncover is family history—a narrative that shapes our identity and offers profound insights into our spiritual journey.
The biblical narrative of Abraham and his descendants holds a unique place in African Christian history. While traditionally associated with the made-up, fictional Middle East, Abraham’s journey takes him to Egypt, a significant part of the African continent. This journey, marked by faith, trials, and promises, intertwines with the broader narrative of African Christianity.
Abraham’s story resonates with the African experience of resilience amid challenges. His descendants, including the Israelites, find refuge and sustenance in Egypt during times of famine. This connection underscores the intertwined nature of African history with biblical narratives, forming the foundation of faith that spans continents and centuries.
The early Christianization of North Africa can be traced to the descendants of Abraham through historical events and cultural shifts. Influential figures like Augustine of Hippo, a North African bishop and theologian, played a pivotal role in shaping Christian thought in the region. As Christianity spread, it integrated with local cultures, contributing to the emergence of North African Christian theologians who became significant contributors to the development of Christianity.
The early centuries of the Common Era witnessed North Africa emerging as a center of Christian activities. This pivotal period produced influential theologians whose impact reverberated through the corridors of Christian thought.
Point 2: Africa was and is a Vibrant Centre of Christianity
As we unfold this history, let me underscore a pivotal truth: Africa is currently the most vibrant global center of Christianity. The roots of Christianizing Africa extend back to the missions of the Apostles, and today, the continent hosts a diverse tapestry of believers. Africa is home to 30 percent of the world’s evangelicals, 20 percent of Pentecostals and charismatics, and about 15 percent of Roman Catholics. Additionally, the continent boasts significant Orthodox groups.
Let this resonate: the Christian Church blossomed in North Africa for six centuries before the arrival of Islam. Early African luminaries such as Athanasius, Clement of Alexandria, Anthony, Origen, Tertullian, and Augustine were pillars on which the universal Church stood.
The Importance of Exploring African Christian Roots:
Understanding the African context of Abraham’s journey and the contributions of theologians like Tertullian and Augustine is paramount for several reasons.
A. Acknowledging the African roots of Christianity enriches our understanding of the diverse heritage within the Christian faith. It dispels the misconception that Christianity is solely a product of Western influence.
B. The stories of resilience in Abraham’s journey and the intellectual rigor of early African theologians provide inspiration for modern Christians facing challenges. Their experiences offer valuable lessons in faith, perseverance, and intellectual engagement.
C. Exploring African Christian history challenges Eurocentric perspectives, promoting inclusivity within the global Christian community. It encourages a more comprehensive narrative that recognizes the contributions of diverse cultures and regions.
Point 3: Augustine and Tertullian are Architects of African Theology
In this historic illustration, let’s focus on two giants of African Christian history.
Augustine of Hippo: better known as Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo
Augustine, born in what is now Algeria, stands as a towering figure in Christian theology and philosophy. His intellectual prowess fused Neoplatonic ideals with Christian beliefs, creating a moral structure that inspired transcendence. Augustine’s influence extended beyond North Africa, shaping the trajectory of Western Christian thought. His contributions to Christian doctrine, including the notion of free will, demonstrate the rich theological landscape of African Christianity.
Augustine of Hippo was a scholar and philosopher who infused Christian doctrine with Neoplatonism. His synthesis of reason and mysticism created a moral structure that inspired transcendence, bringing order to countless lives.
I mean Augustine’s Confessions (church you should read them) are, more than anything else, a confession of God’s mercy towards a soul desperately searching for peace. The most famous line Augustine has ever written begins the book:
for thou hast made us for thyself and restless is our heart until it comes to rest in thee’ (1.1.1).
For St Augustine Sin, in many ways, is a symptom of this restlessness. The journey of Augustine is one of finally coming to find the peace and rest for which we were created. His Confessions puts us in touch with this truth in vivid and powerful ways even in today's crazy world.
Tertullian:
Tertullian, born in Carthage, Roman Africa (modern-day Tunisia), was a prolific early Christian author. Known as the “father of Latin Christianity” and the “founder of Western theology,” Tertullian’s contributions are foundational. He coined the term ‘Trinity,’ defended Christianity against heresy, and passionately advocated for the Christian faith. His writings laid the groundwork for theological discussions that continue to shape Christian doctrine.
His works include apologetic treatises, controversial attacks on heresies, and moral writings. His Apology defending the Christian faith contains one of the earliest and most eloquent pleas for religious liberty. He argued that the church was self-supporting and provided the most peaceful citizens to the state. The government should be protecting such citizens, not persecuting them.
Tertullian also saw, however, that the persecution of the church by the Roman authorities actually strengthened the Church of Christ: "It is the bait that wins men for (our) school. The oftener we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow: the blood of Christians is the seed [of the church]."
These African theologians, Augustine and Tertullian, remind us that the roots of our faith go deep into the soil of Africa. Christianity didn’t just spread, it thrived in the face of opposition, influencing policies in North Africa and even reaching the powerful kingdoms of Nubia and Ethiopia.
As we reflect on this history, let it be a call to appreciate the diversity within our faith family. Let us honor those who, like Abraham, journeyed in faith, shaping the roots of our Black Christian history. May this exploration lead us to a deeper understanding of our shared spiritual heritage.
Lastly, The contemporary Black church must embrace and seriously consider African thought, rooted in the historical defense and cultivation of orthodox faith across ancient Christian Africa. We like Abram can no longer lie about our sisters or our forefathers. Contrary to the misconception that concepts of orthodoxy and heresy are products of white supremacy and Western colonialism when the rich African primary sources reveal a vibrant tradition that predates European domination.
Indigenous African theologies developed in resistance to dominant Roman and European theology.
African Christians, especially in Ethiopia and throughout ancient Christian Africa, valued “right faith” (haymanot rete‘t) as a blend of biblical teaching and justice for the oppressed. This understanding challenges the notion that theological concepts are inherently tied to white supremacy. Black Christians in the diaspora have long recognized and expressed this holistic theology through unique liturgical, homiletical, and theological expressions.
To bridge the gap between the lived, holistic theology of the Black church and theological academia, there is a need to resist framing conversations solely through White Western eyes. Embracing African thought is an acknowledgment of the diverse theological landscape that God in Covenant promised to Abraham a promise that his decency would be as many as the stars uncounted and indestructible.
