DOCSLIB.ORG

A Pastoral Theological Approach to Interreligious Dialogue

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Pastoral Theological Approach to Interreligious Dialogue A PASTORAL THEOLOGICAL APPROACH TO INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE IN TANZANIA Dissertation to obtain the academic grade of Doctor of Theology Submitted at the Institute of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Psychology of the Catholic Theological Faculty of the Karl-Franzens-University Graz By Mathew Thomas Thazhathukunnel M.Th. First Reader: Univ. Prof. Dr. Rainer Bucher Second Reader: Univ. Prof. Dr in . Ulrike Bechmann Graz, April 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................... VII ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................. IX GENERAL INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 1 1. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM RELATIONS IN TANZANIA ........................................................................................................ 12 1.1. The Emergence of Tanzania as a Nation .................................................... 13 1.1.1. Tanzania before 1850 ........................................................................... 13 1.1.2. Tanzania after 1850 .............................................................................. 17 1.2. Religions in Tanzania .................................................................................. 23 1.2.1. African Traditional Religion ................................................................... 24 1.2.1.1. Defining African Traditional Religion .............................................. 25 1.2.1.2. Characteristics of ATR.................................................................... 26 1.2.1.3. The relevance of ATR in Tanzania Today ...................................... 30 1.2.2. Islam ..................................................................................................... 32 1.2.2.1. Muslim Denominations in Tanzania ................................................ 34 1.2.2.2. Islamic Organizations in Tanzania .................................................. 35 1.2.3. Christianity ............................................................................................ 37 1.2.3.1. Christianity in the Sixteenth century ............................................... 37 1.2.3.2. Christianity since the Nineteenth century ....................................... 38 1.3. Christian-Muslim Relations ......................................................................... 42 1.3.1. Christian-Muslim Relationship under the Portuguese and the Arabs .... 43 1.3.2. Christian-Muslim Relations under the Germans ................................... 47 1.3.3. Christian-Muslim Relationship under the British ................................... 51 1.3.4. Christian-Muslim Relations in the Post Independence Era ................... 55 1.3.5. Christian-Muslim Relations since 1985 ................................................. 59 1.3.5.1. Failure of Ujamaa and new economic policy .................................. 60 1.3.5.2. Religious Revivalism ...................................................................... 61 1.4. The State and Religion ............................................................................... 69 1.4.1. Education and Employment .................................................................. 71 1.4.2. Religious Fundamentalism ................................................................... 75 I 1.4.3. Islamic courts ........................................................................................ 77 1.4.4. The Organization of Islamic Conference ............................................... 79 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 80 2. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE IN TANZANIA ........................................................................................................ 82 2.1. Christian-Muslim Dialogue before Vatican II ............................................... 83 2.2. Christian-Muslim Dialogue after Vatican II .................................................. 84 2.2.1. The Influence of Nostra Aetate in Tanzania .......................................... 85 2.2.2. The White Fathers and Dialogue .......................................................... 91 2.2.3. African Synods ..................................................................................... 97 2.3. Organizations for Dialogue ....................................................................... 100 2.3.1. Tanzanian Episcopal Conference (TEC) ............................................ 100 2.3.2. The Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) ........................................... 102 2.3.3. Muslim-Christian Commission for Peace, Development and Conflict Resolution in Tanzania (TUWWAMUTA) ............................................ 103 2.3.4. Association of Member of Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) .......................................................................................... 104 2.3.5. The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ............................................................................................ 105 2.3.6. The Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) .................................................................................... 107 2.3.7. The World Conference of Religions for Peace Tanzania (WCRP Tz) . 110 2.3.8. Tanzania Youth Interfaith Network (TYIN) .......................................... 111 2.3.9. Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) .............................. 112 2.3.10. The Union of Muslims and Christians of Rufiji (UWAWARU) ............ 113 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 114 3. THEOLOGICAL BASES AND MAGISTERIAL TEACHINGS ON CHRISTIAN – MUSLIM DIALOGUE .............................................................. 116 3.1. The Meaning of Dialogue .......................................................................... 117 3.2. The Bases of Interreligious Dialogue ........................................................ 119 3.2.1. The Biblical Basis for Dialogue ........................................................... 120 3.2.1.1. The Old Testament and Other Religions ...................................... 120 3.2.1.2. New Testament and Other Religions ............................................ 125 II 3.2.2. Patristic Basis for Dialogue ................................................................. 129 3.2.2.1. St. Justin Martyr ........................................................................... 130 3.2.2.2. St. Irenaeus .................................................................................. 131 3.2.2.3. St. Clement of Alexandria ............................................................. 132 3.2.2.4. St. Augustine ................................................................................ 134 3.2.3. Trinitarian Basis for Dialogue .............................................................. 135 3.2.3.1. The Concept of Person in Trinity .................................................. 136 3.2.3.2. Immanent and Economic Trinity ................................................... 139 3.2.3.3. Trinitarian Communion as Model for Dialogue ............................. 140 3.2.4. Christological Basis of dialogue .......................................................... 143 3.2.5. Pneumatological Basis of Dialogue .................................................... 146 3.2.6. Anthropological Basis of dialogue ....................................................... 149 3.3. Magisterial Teachings on Christian – Muslim Dialogue ............................. 152 3.3.1. Pre – Vatican II understanding of Interreligious Dialogue ................... 153 3.3.1.2. Ecclesiocentrism .......................................................................... 153 3.3.1.2. Christianity in Dialogue with Islam ................................................ 154 3.3.2. Vatican II and Interreligious dialogue .................................................. 157 3.3.2.1. Ecclesiam Suam ........................................................................... 158 3.3.2.2. Lumen Gentium ............................................................................ 159 3.3.2.3. Nostra Aetate ............................................................................... 160 3.3.2.4. Dignitatis Humane ........................................................................ 168 3.3.2.5. Ad Gentes .................................................................................... 170 3.3.2.6. Gaudium et spes .......................................................................... 171 3.3.3. Post-Conciliar Documents .................................................................. 173 3.3.3.1. Redemptor Hominis ...................................................................... 173 3.3.3.2. Dominum et Vivificantem .............................................................. 175 3.3.3.3. Redemtoris Missio ........................................................................ 175 3.3.4. Papal Messages and Addresses ........................................................ 176 3.3.4.1. Paul VI .......................................................................................... 176 3.3.4.2. John Paul II .................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Towards an African Inculturation Biblical Pneumatology: a Response to the Rise of Neo- Pentecostalism in Tanzanian Christianity Faith Lugazia Luther Seminary
    Luther Seminary Digital Commons @ Luther Seminary Doctor of Philosophy Theses Student Theses 2010 Towards an African Inculturation Biblical Pneumatology: A Response to the Rise of Neo- Pentecostalism in Tanzanian Christianity Faith Lugazia Luther Seminary Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.luthersem.edu/phd_theses Part of the Christianity Commons, History of Christianity Commons, and the New Religious Movements Commons Recommended Citation Lugazia, Faith, "Towards an African Inculturation Biblical Pneumatology: A Response to the Rise of Neo-Pentecostalism in Tanzanian Christianity" (2010). Doctor of Philosophy Theses. Paper 15. This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Theses at Digital Commons @ Luther Seminary. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctor of Philosophy Theses by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Luther Seminary. For more information, please contact [email protected]. TOWARDS AN AFRICAN INCULTURATION BIBLICAL PNEUMATOLOGY: A RESPONSE TO THE RISE OF NEO-PENTECOSTALISM IN TANZANIAN CHRISTIANITY by FAITH LUGAZIA A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Luther Seminary In Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 2010 LUTHER SEMINARY LIBRARY 2375 Como Avenue 8 t P*ul, MN 65108-144? © 2010 by Faith Lugazia All rights reserved LUTHER SEMINARY ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA PH.D. THESIS Title of Thesis: Towards An African Inculturation of Biblical Pneumatology: A Response to the Rise of Neo-Pentecostalism in Tanzanian Christianity. Author: Faith Kokubelwa Lugazia Thesis committee: L . jA JL a- ABSTRACT Towards an African Inculturation Biblical Pneumatology: A Response to the Rise ofNeo- Pentecostalism in Tanzanian Christianity By Faith Lugazia In this dissertation, 1 seek to lay the groundwork for developing an African inculturation of biblical pneumatology relevant to the Tanzanian context.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards a Theological Synthesis of Christian and Shona Views of Death and the Dead: Implications for Pastoral Care in the Anglican Diocese of Harare, Zimbabwe
    TOWARDS A THEOLOGICAL SYNTHESIS OF CHRISTIAN AND SHONA VIEWS OF DEATH AND THE DEAD: IMPLICATIONS FOR PASTORAL CARE IN THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HARARE, ZIMBABWE. by WILSON T. SITSHEBO A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts of the University of Birmingham for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of Theology Faculty of Arts The University of Birmingham August 2000 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. ABSTRACT In this contextual study I investigate why and how the traditional approach to mission, engaged by Anglican missionaries, gave rise to a dual observance of ritual among Shona Anglican Christians. I begin by establishing the significance and essence of Shona views of death and the dead, then investigate the missionaries' historical background. I highlight that Christian arrogance, in the guise of racial superiority, underlies the confrontational and condemnatory approach. Traditional views were considered evil, in their place, Shona converts were forced to adopt western Christian views as the only acceptable and valid way of coping with this eschatological reality. These views did not usually fit the Shona worldviews and religious outlook, hence the adoption of dual observance.
    [Show full text]
  • Crafting Lutheran Pastors in Tanzania Perceptions of Theological Education and Formation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
    STUDIA MISSIONALIA SVECANA CXIX Johannes Habib Zeiler Crafting Lutheran Pastors in Tanzania Perceptions of Theological Education and Formation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania To Lukas and Julia Dissertation presented at Uppsala University to be publicly examined in Sal IV, Universitetshuset, Biskopsgatan 3, Uppsala, Friday, 7 December 2018 at 10:15 for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Faculty of Theology). The examination will be conducted in English. Faculty examiner: Professor Knut Holter (VID Specialized University, Norway; Faculty of Theology, Diaconia and Leadership Studies). Abstract Habib Zeiler, J. 2018. Crafting Lutheran Pastors in Tanzania. Perceptions of Theological Education and Formation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Studia Missionalia Svecana 119. 222 pp. Uppsala: Department of Theology, Uppsala University. ISBN 978-91-506-2725-1. The quest for theological education is embedded in the history of the churches in sub-Saharan Africa and is, at the same time, inherently linked to how the churches continue to evolve and shift in character over time. It relates to the self-understanding of the churches and their role in society, including their academic and pastoral obligations to adequately educate and train leaders to work in the localities. With its estimated 6.5 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) is today one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. The role and impact of institutions for theological education are high on the agenda in the ELCT, not least as the various educational institutions for ministerial training are often seen as important means in the processes of theologising and strategising for the future.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cross and the Crescent in East Africa
    The Cross and the Crescent in East Africa An Examination of the Reasons behind the Change in Christian- Muslim Relations in Tanzania 1984-1994 Tomas Sundnes Drønen TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 3 INTRODUCTION OF THE TOPIC. ............................................................................................................................ 3 PERSONAL INTEREST ........................................................................................................................................... 4 OBJECT AND SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................. 5 APPROACH AND SOURCES ................................................................................................................................... 7 CHAPTER ONE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................................... 10 1.1 PRE-COLONIAL TIMES ................................................................................................................................. 10 1.1.1 Early Muslim Settlements ..................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Strengthening Community Resilience in Tanzania APRIL 6, 2017
    BASELINE EVALUATION OF: Katika Usalama Tunategemeana and Pamoja! Strengthening Community Resilience in Tanzania APRIL 6, 2017 Team Leader: Lead Researcher: Anthony Sarota 1 Table of Contents Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 6 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 9 1.1 Overview of the projects .................................................................................................................. 9 1.2 Objectives of the baseline evaluation report .................................................................................. 10 1.3 Scope of the Baseline Report ......................................................................................................... 10 1.4 Methodology and Limitations ........................................................................................................ 11 1.4.1 Survey Methodology ............................................................................................................... 11 1.4.2 Data protection and Quality
    [Show full text]
  • Popular Christianity, Theology, and Mission Among Tanzanian Lutheran Ministers
    Shepherds, Servants, and Strangers: Popular Christianity, Theology, and Mission among Tanzanian Lutheran Ministers by Elaine Christian Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 2017 © 2017 Elaine Christian All rights reserved Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ABSTRACT Shepherds, Servants, and Strangers: Popular Christianity, Theology, and Mission among Tanzanian Lutheran Ministers Elaine Christian This dissertation is an ethnographic description of how pastors (and other ministers) in the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania understand and carry out their ministry: How they reflect, mediate, and influence local Christian practice and identities; how theology and theologizing forms an integral part of their social worlds; and how navigating and maintaining relationships with Christian mission partnerships (including “short-term mission”) becomes an important part of their ministry. Drawing from fieldwork conducted between June 2014 and September 2015, I present an account of Christianity that adds to anthropological scholarship by emphasizing the role of theology as a grounded social practice, and considers the increasingly divergent character of Christian mission and its role in modern Tanzanian Christianity.
    [Show full text]
  • FROM ANGLICANISM to AFRICAN SOCIALISM: the ANGLICAN CHURCH and UJAMAA in TANZANIA 1955-2005 by WILLIAM FABIAN MNDOLWA SN 2025109
    FROM ANGLICANISM TO AFRICAN SOCIALISM: THE ANGLICAN CHURCH AND UJAMAA IN TANZANIA 1955-2005 By WILLIAM FABIAN MNDOLWA SN 202510976 S ubmitted in Fulfilment of the Academic Requirements for the D e g r e e o f DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY In the Subject of THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY a t t h e SCHOOL OF RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND CLASSICS IN THE COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU - N A T A L (Pietermaritzburg Campus) SUPERVISOR PROF. PHILIPPE DENIS PIETERMARITZBURG November 2012 DECLARATION As required by University regulations, I hereby state unambiguously that this work has not been presented at any other University or any other institution of higher learning other than the University of KwaZulu-Natal, (Pietermaritzburg Campus) and that unless specifically indicated to the contrary within the text it is my original work. ------------------------------------------------------- WILLIAM FABIAN MNDOLWA SN 202510976 29 November 2012 As candidate supervisor I hereby approve this thesis for submission ------------------------------------------------------- PROFESSOR PHILIPPE DENIS 29 November 2012 i CERTIFICATION We the undersigned declare that we have abided by the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics in the College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu- Natal‘s policy on language editing. We also declare that earlier forms of the dissertation have been retained should they be required. ------------------------------------------------------- GARY STUART DAVID LEONARD 29 November 2012 ------------------------------------------------------- WILLIAM FABIAN MNDOLWA SN 202510976 29 November 2012 ii DEDICATION This study is first dedicated to my dear wife Chenga-Frida, and my children Msagati- Katindi, Kauye-Prisna and Tahona who endured my absence during the research period of this study. Without their sacrifice, love and support I would not have been able to achieve this great task.
    [Show full text]
  • Decolonizing Christianity: Grassroots Ecumenism
    DECOLONIZING CHRISTIANITY: GRASSROOTS ECUMENISM IN FRANCE AND ALGERIA, 1940-1965 by DARCIE S. FONTAINE A Dissertation submitted to the Graduate School-New Brunswick Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Program in History written under the direction of Bonnie G. Smith and approved by ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ New Brunswick, New Jersey MAY, 2011 2011 Darcie Fontaine ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Decolonizing Christianity: Grassroots Ecumenism in France and Algeria, 1940-1965 By DARCIE S. FONTAINE Dissertation Director: Bonnie G. Smith This dissertation, “Grassroots Ecumenism: Christianity and Decolonization in France and Algeria, 1940-1965” is the first major study of how French Protestant and Catholic engagement in the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) reshaped Christianity in the modern world and influenced global religious movements like Ecumenical Movement and Vatican II. The moral questions that surfaced during the Algerian War, including the French military’s use of torture, the repression of civilian populations, and debates about the legitimacy of the Algerian nationalist positions forced Christians across the world to rethink the role of Christianity in imperialism and its future in a postcolonial world. This dissertation examines the shifting dynamics of Christianity’s role in the French empire, from the role that Christianity played in supporting the moral foundations for French colonialism in Algeria, to the ways in which Social Christianity, which emerged in France in the 1930s and 40s, undermined these same moral arguments, including the belief that French colonialism was both benevolent and the only means through which Christian interests could be protected in Algeria.
    [Show full text]
  • Missions, Charity, and Humanitarian Action in the Levant (19Th–20Th Century) 21 Chantal Verdeil
    Christian Missions and Humanitarianism in the Middle East, 1850–1950 Leiden Studies in Islam and Society Editors Léon Buskens (Leiden University) Nathal M. Dessing (Leiden University) Petra M. Sijpesteijn (Leiden University) Editorial Board Maurits Berger (Leiden University) – R. Michael Feener (Oxford University) – Nico Kaptein (Leiden University) Jan Michiel Otto (Leiden University) – David S. Powers (Cornell University) volume 11 The titles published in this series are listed at brill.com/lsis Christian Missions and Humanitarianism in the Middle East, 1850–1950 Ideologies, Rhetoric, and Practices Edited by Inger Marie Okkenhaug Karène Sanchez Summerer LEIDEN | BOSTON This is an open access title distributed under the terms of the CC BY-NC 4.0 license, which permits any non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. Further information and the complete license text can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ The terms of the CC license apply only to the original material. The use of material from other sources (indicated by a reference) such as diagrams, illustrations, photos and text samples may require further permission from the respective copyright holder. Cover illustration: “Les Capucins français en Syrie. Secours aux indigents”. Postcard, Collection Gélébart (private collection), interwar period. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Okkenhaug, Inger Marie, editor. | Sanchez Summerer, Karène, editor. Title: Christian missions and humanitarianism in the Middle East, 1850-1950 : ideologies, rhetoric, and practices / edited by Inger Marie Okkenhaug, Karène Sanchez Summerer. Other titles: Leiden studies in Islam and society ; v. 11. Description: Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2020.
    [Show full text]
  • Safeguarding Practices for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Tanzania: National Vs Local
    Safeguarding Practices for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Tanzania: National vs Local Perspectives Richard Nandiga Bigambo A thesis submitted to the University of Birmingham for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural Heritage School of History and Cultures College of Arts and Law University of Birmingham 2019 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. I dedicate this work to my parents Mr and Mrs B. Nandiga ‘All that I am, I owe that to you’ ABSTRACT Recent decades have seen a growing interest by individuals, government, and international organisations to safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Such efforts arose from the perceived impact of globalisation and modernisation towards this form of heritage among different communities in the world. Most of the previous research has focused on why ICH is in danger and ways that can be used to remedy the situation. Few efforts have been directed towards understanding how the local community ‘cultural practitioners’ have traditionally been safeguarding their ICH, and how such knowledge can be integrated into the present-day safeguarding initiatives.
    [Show full text]
  • The Media in Society: Religious Radio Stations, Socio-Religious Discourse and National Cohesion in Tanzania
    The Media in Society: Religious Radio Stations, Socio-Religious Discourse and National Cohesion in Tanzania By Francis Xavier Ng’atigwa Dissertation submitted to Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) and the Department of Media Studies, Bayreuth University in the Partial fulfillment of the requirements for Doctor of Philosophy in Media Studies Supervisor Prof. Dr. Jürgen E. Müller Bayreuth, 11 November 2013 Dedication In memory of Bernard and Juliana, the finest! i Acknowledgements This doctoral thesis is a result of combined efforts of individuals and institutions. I wish to thank all who kindly helped me to realize it. Foremost I acknowledge the immeasurable guidance, advice and constant academic support from the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) mentoring team: Drs. Franz Kogelmann, Asonzeh Ukah and Bernadin Mfumbusa which made the realization of this study possible. In a very special way I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Franz Kogelmann who introduced St. Augustine University of Tanzania to Bayreuth University. Through his efforts I was able to join BIGSAS. Equally my sincere appreciation goes to Bishop Dr. Bernardin Mfumbusa who encouraged me to study media and has been invaluable on both academic and personal levels, for which I am very grateful. I would like to seize the opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and recognition to Prof. Dr. Jürgen E. Müller for accepting to be the final supervisor of this study. My deep appreciation goes to him and his kind way of handling my issue. The scholarship that has allowed me to study at BIGSAS was secured through the “Staff Development Funds” of St.
    [Show full text]
  • Algerian Orphans and Colonial Christianity in Algeria, 1866–1939
    © The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for the Study of French History. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected] doi:10.1093/fh/crl019, available online at www.fh.oxfordjournals.org Advance Access published on September 1, 2006 ALGERIAN ORPHANS AND COLONIAL CHRISTIANITY IN ALGERIA, 1866–1939 BERTRAND TAITHE* Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/fh/article/20/3/240/2543512 by guest on 23 September 2021 Abstract—This article considers the exceptional fate of the orphan survivors of the great Algerian demographic crisis of the late 1860s who subsequently converted to Catholicism. Using a prosopographical approach, this study seeks to highlight the complexities of national identity in France and to explore some of the racial tensions emerging in Algeria in the late nineteenth century. Between 1867 and 1869 some 1,800 orphans were collected by the Catholic Church following the series of famines, epidemics and plagues that afflicted Algeria between 1866 and 1868.1 Roughly 900 of these children survived, and many of them converted to Catholicism. By looking at this small contingent of Arab converts, one can ask important questions about ethnicity, religion and citizenship in ‘greater France’. Was Algeria the site of experimentation in racial self-definition, and what part did religion play in the making of racialized atti- tudes? The orphans’ trajectories give some complex answers, showing, as they do, the primacy of religion in anti-Arab racism, the relative racial indifference existing in France itself and the rise of republican forms of racism.
    [Show full text]