Recent events have brought attention to the growing gulf between Western and African interpretations of Christianity. In seeking to understand this difference, this article considers the missionary background of African education (to 1950), the period of inculturation (1950–1970), and the current pastoral and evangelistic sensitivities of the African church. The missionary history of Africa has led to a strong emphasis on biblical studies but a seeming inability to apply these studies to issues facing the African continent. Thus, the future character of Christianity, both in Africa and in the West, may depend on the ability to develop a truly multi-sided conversation.
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