Christianity gains ground in Things Fall Apart

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Christianity gains ground despite fierce opposition in “Things Fall Apart”.

In treating this topic, let us find out some of the grounds of opposition and then discover as to how the Christian Church survives the opposition.

Before the introduction of Christianity by the white man, the Ibo society has been well-settled, with its own laws and strong religious beliefs. It is not easy therefore for an intruding religion to succeed easily. To the people, Christianity is nothing better thatn an intruding religion. Secondly, the religion is brought by the white man. Hitherto, white men have been known to be slave traders. Their religion may be a ruse for catching more slaves. This suspicion of the white man’s intention prevents mutual understanding.

Further, the newly converted men have among them fanatical ones who bring the yough Church into serious clashes with the people. We can add too, that Rev. James is not better than the fanatics because his uncompromising policy greatly alienates the good wishes of the people. Also, certain questions puzzle those to be converted. They will like to what becomes of their own gods if they abandon them for the white man’s God. The idea that God has a son without a wife and the logic of the Holy Trinity are not acceptable in their opinion. Men like Okonkwo do not want to have any dealing with the white man and his religion because he, the white man, is capable of disintegrating the clan and breaking down family solidarity. Religious contempt is also witnessed in the novel because it admits the social outcasts like Osu. In fact, the foundation members are mainly the efulefu, that is, empty, worthless men not given a jot of social respect.

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 These then, are the difficulties which Christianity has to overcome if it must survive. Fortunately, the church has several ways to help it. One of these is force. The colonizers come with the religion on one hand and government in the other. Military and government powers are used to subside the religion.  This can be seen in the incident following the destruction of the Umofia church by the egwugwus. All the leaders responsible for this are arrested and put in prison. They are not released until a handsome ransom has been paid. Obreika understands this fact well when he tells ...

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