A Heritage of Faith: A History of Christianity in Nigeria

The most comprehensive account ever written of the history of Christianity in Nigeria: a magisterial work.A Heritage of Faith is the story of the development of Christianity in Nigeria from the earliest times to the present. It reveals the breath-taking diversity, dynamism and innovativeness that has characterised, and that continues to define Christianity in Nigeria. A Heritage of Faith weaves the personal stories and pioneering efforts of the major figures that played significant roles in shaping their era, the prevailing Christian thought that defined each period, and parallel developments in the Nigerian state, into a fascinating history. This history which begins with the return of the liberated slaves from Sierra Leone in 1839, is divided into six movements: the Missionary movement, African Church movement, Prophetic/Healing movement, Pentecostal movement, Evangelical movement and Charismatic movement. Each movement traces the origin and growth of new and unique religious experiences and how they shaped Christian experience and witness in Nigeria. A Heritage of Faith connects the events happening in all parts of the country and in the different eras into a moving and absorbing story. This history has been greatly enriched by well-illustrated charts and the largest collection of photographs of any book on Nigeria’s church history. It convincingly argues that Christianity has thrived and triumphed in Nigeria. “The history of Christianity in Nigeria is the story of men and women determined to see the banner of Jesus Christ raised throughout the nation, and this story has the power to speak afresh to us today,” writes Ayodeji Abodunde. “Their lives stand as a testimony for every generation, and they bid us pick up the spiritual torch they faithfully and courageously carried.”