Ancient African Christianity ─ An Introduction to a Unique Context and Tradition

Christianity spread across North Africa early, and it remained there as a powerful force much longer than anticipated. While this 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 the African 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 forall students of African Christianity, be they experts or not. It is 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.

David E. Wilhite earned his PhD from the University of St. Andrews (2006), writing on Tertullian’s Africanity in light of numerous classical studies of North Africa’s indigenous (i.e. pre-Roman) culture, which thrived throughout Roman occupation. He published Tertullian the African with Walter De Gruyter Press (2007), and has published numerous articles. He is on the faculty of Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University.