Misunderstanding Religion and Culture
Misunderstanding Religion and Culture
Religion, whether directly or indirectly has always played in important role in societies all over the world especially during a time when colonization was taking place in different parts of the world. In the nineteenth century, a new stage of Western expansion into Asia and Africa began. Colonialism in Asia, and Africa displayed many similarities but also some differences by different countries. Then there was the ‘‘missionary factor,’’ where European missionary interests petitioned with their governments to help their efforts in converting the African population to Christianity .The concept of social Darwinism convinced many that it was in the wellbeing of the African people to be introduced to the benefits of Western civilization. By bringing Western democracy and Christianity to the isolated societies of Africa and Asia, the colonial powers believed they were allowing primitive peoples to adjust to the challenges of the modern world. “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, is about the rise and falls of Okonkwo, a leader of the Umuofia clan and is highly respected man in his village. The novel tells the story of his family and personal history, and the customs and society of the Ibo tribe set in pre-colonial Nigeria during the late 19th century. A major turning point of the story is the arrival of the Christian missionaries, who take over the surrounding villages of the Ibo tribe, by setting up a church and proceed to convert the tribesmen to Christianity. We learn how British colonialism and Christian missionaries have a major influence on Okonkwo, the Ibo tribe and their lives and their way of living.
We are first introduced to the Christian missionaries when they come to the village of Umuofia. By then, the missionaries have settled in the village by building churches, converting several of the villagers and have even sent several evangelists to surrounding villages. Obierika runs into Nwoye, Okonkwo’s son, who
Religion, whether directly or indirectly has always played in important role in societies all over the world especially during a time when colonization was taking place in different parts of the world. In the nineteenth century, a new stage of Western expansion into Asia and Africa began. Colonialism in Asia, and Africa displayed many similarities but also some differences by different countries. Then there was the ‘‘missionary factor,’’ where European missionary interests petitioned with their governments to help their efforts in converting the African population to Christianity .The concept of social Darwinism convinced many that it was in the wellbeing of the African people to be introduced to the benefits of Western civilization. By bringing Western democracy and Christianity to the isolated societies of Africa and Asia, the colonial powers believed they were allowing primitive peoples to adjust to the challenges of the modern world. “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, is about the rise and falls of Okonkwo, a leader of the Umuofia clan and is highly respected man in his village. The novel tells the story of his family and personal history, and the customs and society of the Ibo tribe set in pre-colonial Nigeria during the late 19th century. A major turning point of the story is the arrival of the Christian missionaries, who take over the surrounding villages of the Ibo tribe, by setting up a church and proceed to convert the tribesmen to Christianity. We learn how British colonialism and Christian missionaries have a major influence on Okonkwo, the Ibo tribe and their lives and their way of living.
We are first introduced to the Christian missionaries when they come to the village of Umuofia. By then, the missionaries have settled in the village by building churches, converting several of the villagers and have even sent several evangelists to surrounding villages. Obierika runs into Nwoye, Okonkwo’s son, who