The Medical Factor in Christian Conversion in Africa: Observations from Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This article discusses missionary recruitment strategies from the perspective of missionary medicalwork in southeastern Nigeria. In otherwords, it examines missionary use of medical services as the bait to catch converts. Furthermore, the essay discusses the link between disease, missionary medicine, and Christian conversion. Attention is given to the roleofculturein the conversion process, as well as to the impact of missionary and colonial medical services on African health care systems. The study is based largely on archival mission sources, includingCatholic and Protestant archival materials collectedfrom missionary societies in England, France, Rome, and Nigeria. Finally, it looksat the Catholic and Protestant strugglefor dominance via the provision ofmedicalservices, and thepersistence of traditional African health caresystemsdespite missionary and colonial iconoclastic tendencies.

The changing landscape of mission medicine and hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…22 In Africa, Christian missions resorted to employ strategies that would draw indigenous Africans and prepare them for heaven. 15,22 One of the major strategies employed was the provision of medical care. Theoreticians of mission medicine believe that missionaries, at inception, defined healthcare provision as part of Christianity and a responsibility of Christians arising from the Bible.…”

“…8,14 Regardless of the above, medical missions are mostly regarded as the pioneers-and, in the early days, the only sources-of biomedicine in most areas of Africa, particularly in the rural centers. 15 Also, since the colonial era, missionaries have made attempts, in collaboration with states, to bridge the healthcare gap between the rich and the poor. 8 In effect, in Africa, missionaries' strategies have, among other things, aimed at addressing the inadequacy of the state provision of healthcare.…”

“…8 In effect, in Africa, missionaries' strategies have, among other things, aimed at addressing the inadequacy of the state provision of healthcare. 15 A survey of key literature on mission medicine has revealed that the major areas of interest for medical missions included treating diseases tagged as unclean among Africans: Hanson's disease (leprosy) and blindness, among others. They also paid attention to maternal and child health as well as public health and hygiene.…”

Igbo historiography: Part II

“…The chiefs helped gather their people for the new message and also provided community land to the missions for church and school structures. Moreover, missions' schools and health centers became instruments of conversion of the Igbo to Christianity as the people came to realize the importance of formal education in securing employment opportunities and the efficacy of modern medicine in curing certain illnesses and diseases (Ekechi, , ; Horton, , ; Horton & Peel, ; Ifeka‐Moller, ; Isichei, ; Ubah, ).…”