Transatlantic Evangelical Fervour, Ethnoreligious Tensions, and the Rise of Christianity in Kaduna Metropolis, 1880-1960

Abstract

This paper examines the complex interplay of transatlantic religious fervour, indigenous ethnoreligious dynamics, and colonial policies that shaped the rise of Christianity in the Kaduna metropolis between 1880 and 1960. It employs a historical research methodology, which collects and analyses both primary and secondary sources. Therefore, the historical and theological roots of Evangelical Christianity in Nigeria were traced to the evolution of Protestant Evangelicalism and the abolitionist movements of the 19th century. The study finds that Christian missionary activities in Northern Nigeria began in the mid-1850s, intending to convert the Hausa people, albeit with little success due to a strong Islamic presence and the caliphate’s opposition. It reveals that Missionaries later found success in non-Muslim areas of Southern Kaduna, partly due to a history of conflict with the Muslim-dominated north, and the British colonial policies, which restricted missionary activities in the emirate for the sake of stability in the region. It also argues that despite earlier restrictions, the 1930s saw a more relaxed policy towards missionaries. This, coupled with leadership changes sympathetic to their cause, led to a surge in Christian activities. Consequently, Missionaries adopted new strategies, like medical outreaches, leprosariums, and the establishment of schools to gain trust and make converts, even in Muslim strongholds. This resulted in the establishment of various Christian denominations such as ECWA, the Baptist, the Roman Catholic, etc. The study concludes that despite facing opposition from the Zaria Emirate and the Northern Regional administration, Christianity had made significant inroads in the Kaduna Metropolis by 1960, with established churches and educational institutions.