Thread

1. freeafrica4 · 1791035035 · focus · HN ↗

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   1. yohannesk · 1791035414 · focus · HN ↗

      That’s a reductive take. It assumes African Christians only hold their faith because of colonizers and denies us our own agency. Ethiopia, for example, adopted Christianity as a state religion in the 4th century, long before European colonization. Millions of Africans choose their faith consciously

      1. delichon · 1791037569 · focus · HN ↗

         > Ethiopia, for example, adopted Christianity as a state religion in the 4th century, long before European colonization.

         That is European colonization, possibly the most effective form.

         1. throw-the-towel · 1791037981 · focus · HN ↗

            Calling 3rd century Christianity "European" stretches the definition of Europe a lot.
         2. HappyPanacea · 1791038189 · focus · HN ↗

            Is Christianity European or Levant by origin?

            1. [deleted] · 1791040152 · focus · HN ↗

               [deleted]

            2. AlotOfReading · 1791040882 · focus · HN ↗

               When the branch of christianity the Ethiopian church belonged to (Oriental orthodoxy) schismed from the western tradition, there were 5 centers of Christianity called the Pentarchy. Only one of them (Rome) was in what's now Europe, and at that point was more of a symbolic center than a seat of actual power.
         3. acjohnson55 · 1791041645 · focus · HN ↗

            Europe didn't exist as a cultural concept at that time. There was Rome, but that was a Mediterranean empire with hugely significant southern European, east Asian, and north African components. Citizens and elites came from all parts.

            Eventually, we get a Europe united under Christianity, but I wouldn't call that fully developed until the end of the Viking age.

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