The Usage of The Bible in African Missionary History: The Legacy of New Testament Usage in Africa

Abstract

An issue that is closely related to the approaches and methodologies to biblical interpretation in Africa is the use of the Bible in missionary history. Through the decades, there have been the introduction, translation, exegesis and usage of the Bible by European missionaries who were the carriers of Christianity to Africa. These European missionaries came from diverse missionary organisations and various backgrounds. This article explores the possible ideological baggage that was left behind by Western missionaries that worked in selected parts of Africa. Furthermore, it examines the usage of history as a tool in the formulation and interpretation of Christian ideology by European enterprises. It also looks at the effects of such an ideology on missionary work in some parts of Africa.