Seventh-Day Adventism in Africa : A Historical Survey of The Interaction Between Religion, Traditions, and Culture

"This book examines the complex history of Adventism in Africa, situating it within the context of African traditions and culture. From a small movement with origins in the United States, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has grown worldwide. It is one of several Christian denominations present in Africa and yet the history of Seventh-day Adventism in the global South has been largely unexplored by scholars. The book highlights the discrepancies between western traditions exhibited in the missionary enterprise and African religious systems. It also explores the intricate relation between colonialism and African Adventism in line with established studies in African Christianity. It will be of interest to scholars of religion and theology, particularly church history and mission studies, as well as African studies"-- Provided by publisher Cover Endorsements Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Foreword Acknowledgements General Introduction: The African Christian Context African Christianity: The Earliest Historical Context North African Heritage Nubia and Axum Early Missionaries in Sub-Saharan Africa Christian Missions in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries Notes 1. African Seventh-day Adventism's Roots: The Western Background The Great Advent Awakening in America The Millerite Movement (1839-1844) The Rise and Fundamentals of Seventh-day Adventism Gradual Development and Understanding of Universal Mission among the Sabbatarians Conclusion Notes 2. The Uncertain Context: Multiple Challenges and the Rise of African Adventism (1880s-1920s) Southern Africa's Experience The East Coast's Experience The West Coast's Experience Northern Africa's Experience The Great War Other General Negative Factors Transportation Language Barriers African Cultural Challenges Islam Conclusion Notes 3. Mission in the Age of Colonialism, Part One: Seventh-day Adventism in Africa and the Pre-Independence Era (1887-1960s) Colonialism and Missionary Enterprise in Africa Colonialism and Western Adventist Missionaries Seventh-day Adventism's Colonial Administrative Structures Education and Medicine: Subsidiaries of Mission in the Era of Colonialism Education Medicine Impact on Socio-Economic Life Adventism Taking Shape in a Colonial Setting Progress in Southern Africa Progress in Eastern Africa Progress in Western Africa Progress in Central Africa Progress in North Africa Conclusion Notes 4. Mission in the Age of Colonialism, Part Two: Personalities, Moving Stories, and the Progress of Adventism in Africa (1886-1990) Ellen White, Adventist Missionary Enterprise, and Western Cultural Imperialism Select Adventist Missionaries in Africa White Missionary Methods and Strategies Conclusion Notes 5. Early African Adventist Evangelists: African Adventism and Indigenous Contributions (1940s-1990s) Post-colonial Theory and Christian Missions in Africa The Rise of Early African Adventist Evangelists Select New Evangelists The Impact of Early New Evangelists on the Collective Growth of Seventh-day Adventism in Africa Local Pioneers' Evangelistic Methods Conclusion Notes 6. Adventism in Africa: The Statistical Centre of Global Seventh-Day Adventism (2008-the Present) Following the Trajectory in Early Adventism's History The Early Centre in North America From North America to South America Growth Moving to Africa Factors Explaining the Growth of Seventh-day Adventism in Africa Implications of Adventism on Global Southern Trajectory Theological Implications Missiological Implications Conclusion Notes 7. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Africa and Its Relations with Other Christian Denominations Christian Denominations in Africa: Current Status Seventh-day Adventism within Christianity in Africa Further Ecumenical Considerations Conclusion Notes 8. Identity Crisis: Traditions, African Religions, and African Adventism Adventism and Culture in Early and Modern African Societies: The Context of Identity Crisis Crisis as Linked to African Traditional Religion The Nature of African Traditional Religion Traditional Medicine Practice of Magic and Witchcraft The Supreme God ATR and the Abrahamic Religions ATR and the African Diaspora Influence of African Traditional Religion on Seventh-day Adventism in Africa A Review of Adventist Responses to Practices Derived from African Traditional Religion and Traditions Crisis as Linked to African Adventism's Self-Awareness among other Cultural Diversities Conclusion Notes 9. General Conclusion Summary Conclusion Appendices Appendix I: Chronology of the Development of Adventist Missions in Africa and the Pioneer Missionaries Appendix II: Early Schools in Southern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa Appendix III: Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (2015 Edition) The Holy Scriptures The Trinity The Father The Son The Holy Spirit Creation The Nature of Humanity The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ The Experience of Salvation Growing in Christ The Church The Remnant and Its Mission Unity in the Body of Christ Baptism The Lord's Supper Spiritual Gifts and Ministries The Gift of Prophecy The Law of God The Sabbath Stewardship Christian Behaviour Marriage and the Family Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary The Second Coming of Christ Death and Resurrection The Millennium and the End of Sin The New Earth Appendix IV: Spiritualism and the Adventist Church in Africa: Guidelines and Recommendations Introduction Theological Foundation Specific Guidelines Demonic Possession Definition and Diagnosis Specific Guidelines Integration of the Former Victim into the Church Prevention Other Demonic Interferences Ancestor Veneration Definition and Diagnosis Specific Guidelines Prevention Witchcraft, Magic, and Sorcery Definition and Diagnosis Specific Guidelines Prevention Traditional Healing Definition Specific Guidelines Intervention Rites of Passage Definition Specific Guidelines Bibliography Index