Decolonizing Christianity
Religion and the End of Empire in France and Algeria

This book traces Christianity's change from European imperialism's moral foundation to a voice of political and social change during decolonization.

Darcie Fontaine (Author)

9781107118171, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 June 2016

251 pages, 5 b/w illus.
23.5 x 16 x 2 cm, 0.51 kg

'Decolonizing Christianity offers a compelling look at the decades surrounding Algeria's independence that makes excellent use of private Algerian archives and contributes to a growing body of literature on Christianity's encounter with the end of empire, at an institutional and individual level.' Naomi Davidson, The Journal of Modern History

Decolonizing Christianity traces the dramatic transformation of Christianity from its position as the moral foundation of European imperialism to its role as a radical voice of political and social change in the era of decolonization. As Christians renegotiated their place in the emerging Third World, they confronted the consequences of racism and violence that Christianity had reinforced in European colonies. This book tells the story of Christians in Algeria who undertook a mission to 'decolonize the Church' and ensure the future of Christianity in postcolonial Algeria. But it also recovers the personal aspects of decolonization, as many of these Christians were arrested and tortured by the French for their support of Algerian independence. The consequences of these actions were immense, as the theological and social engagement of Christians in Algeria then influenced the groundbreaking reforms developing within global Christianity in the 1960s.

Introduction
1. Christianity and French Algeria
2. Christianity on trial: the battle to define Christian morality
3. The metropolitans respond: the conflicts of politics and conscience
4. The religious politics of independence
5. Inventing postcolonial Christianity
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Christian institutions & organizations [HRCX], African history [HBJH]