Urges Reassessment of Jesus’ Portrayal, Advocates Social Responsibility in Churches, and Supports Polygamous Marriage
A Professor of New Testament at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Olu Alana, has emphasized the need for Africa to decolonise its interpretation of Christianity to break free from the lingering effects of colonialism and neo-colonialism.
Delivering the university’s 36th Inaugural Lecture on March 25, 2025, titled “Decolonising the New Testament’s Portraits and Narratives in Africa,” Prof. Alana argued that Christianity, while a force for civilization, love, and peace, has been used as a tool of Western dominance. He stressed that Africa must rethink how it practices the faith to maximize its benefits for true independence and development.
Decolonising Christianity for African Liberation
The professor asserted that Africa's continued subjugation in various spheres—including education, politics, economics, and religion—stems from the colonial-era interpretation of Christianity. He called for the replacement of Anglo-American cultural frameworks in Christian practice with African traditions, provided they align with biblical principles.
“This is not a call for blind adoption of all aspects of African culture,” he clarified. “Rather, we must integrate its virtuous elements into our faith. Rejecting our cultural identity in the name of religion is both servile and absurd.”
He also challenged the colonial missionaries’ portrayal of Jesus, arguing that their version—passive and compliant—was a distortion meant to subdue Africans. “Jesus was an activist who stood with the oppressed, a revolutionary who challenged oppressive systems,” he said. “That true Jesus was hidden from Africans, but it is he who can truly liberate us.”
Call for Socially Responsible Churches
Prof. Alana criticized the modern church’s focus on materialism, urging religious institutions to prioritize social responsibility over extravagant projects. “Instead of building massive, empty auditoriums and irrelevant universities, churches should invest in their congregants—feeding the hungry and supporting the needy, just as Jesus did,” he advised.
Reevaluating Polygamy and Tithing
On polygamous marriage, he argued that colonial missionaries imposed monogamy not as a biblical requirement but as a cultural preference. “If polygamy were truly against Christian doctrine, the Bible would have explicitly condemned it, just as it emphasizes truthfulness and love,” he noted.
Prof. Alana also questioned the legitimacy of tithing in contemporary churches, asserting that colonial missionaries never established it as a practice. “Jesus neither paid nor collected tithes, nor did he command his followers to do so,” he said. “Tithing has become a financial goldmine for many churches in Nigeria, diverting focus from the core Christian values of love and kindness.”
Commendation from the Vice Chancellor
Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, commended Prof. Alana as a distinguished scholar with global influence. He praised his research contributions and impact, describing him as “a bold academic, sought after at international conferences and a recipient of prestigious grants.”
Prof. Alana’s lecture has sparked conversations about the role of Christianity in Africa’s socio-political and economic development, urging a shift towards a faith practice rooted in African identity and empowerment.
