How does Achebe present Christianity?

One of the more important themes in the novel is the different ways in which the missionaries try to introduce Christianity to the Nigerians. It is important to keep in mind that these tribal people already have their own form of religion and are very devout in their beliefs. For example, they truly believe that twins are evil and these babies must be left to die. The Christians, on the other hand, believe this is ignorance on the part of the natives and save the babies when they find them discarded in the Evil Forest.

The first pastor of the church in Okonkwo’s village realizes that he must be understanding of the natives’ beliefs, but at the same time try to convince them of the folly in their thoughts. For this reason the people respect Mr. Brown. He spends time with the natives and discourages his followers from acting with too much zealousness. He befriends the leader of the village and the two discuss religion, each seeking to learn from the other. Because of his policy of mutual respect and compromise, Mr. Brown was able to persuade many of the village families to let their children attend school.

Relations between the tribe and the Christians deteriorate when Mr. Brown is forced to leave for health reasons and Reverend Smith takes charge. He does not agree that the Christians should allow the tribe members to hold onto any of their old beliefs. He sees things only in shades of black and white. It is mostly because of his intolerance of the beliefs of the native people that relations become so bad between the Christians and the natives.