ABSTRACT

Christianity spread across North Africa early, and it remained there as a powerful force much longer than anticipated. While this African form of Christianity largely shared the Latin language and Roman culture of the wider empire, it also represented a unique tradition that was shaped by its context. Ancient African Christianity attempts to tell the story of Christianity in Africa from its inception to its eventual disappearance. Well-known writers such as Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine are studied in light of their African identity, and this tradition is explored in all its various expressions.

This book is ideal for all students of African Christianity and also a key introduction for anyone wanting to know more about the history, religion, and philosophy of these early influential Christians whose impact has extended far beyond the African landscape.

chapter 1|44 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|34 pages

Backgrounds to early African Christianity

chapter 4|28 pages

Tertullian

chapter 5|34 pages

Cyprian and the later third century

chapter 6|25 pages

The early fourth century in Africa

chapter 7|45 pages

The Donatist controversy

chapter 8|24 pages

Augustine the African

chapter 9|23 pages

The Vandal era of African Christianity

chapter 10|34 pages

The late Byzantine era in Africa

chapter 11|36 pages

The Arab conquests in Africa

chapter 12|9 pages

Conclusion

What was African about ancient African Christianity?