Did Christian Missions Fuel Colonialism in Africa?

Spiritual Colonialism in Africa: A Look at the Suppression of Culture and Language France, June 4, 2025 - A recently uploaded video on social media is sparking conversations about the lasting effects of colonialism in Africa. The video, titled "La Colonisation Spirituelle" (Spiritual Colonization), uses a series of evocative images to illustrate its argument that Christian missions played a significant role in suppressing African cultures and languages. The video's narrator states, "Ils nous ont demandé de fermer les yeux pour prier, et quand on les a ouverts, la terre n'était plus à nous." (They asked us to close our eyes to pray, and when we opened them, the land was no longer ours.) This powerful statement encapsulates the video's central theme. The video shows images depicting missionaries alongside soldiers, suggesting a close link between religious conversion and military control. Other images depict the destruction of African artifacts and the imposition of European languages and history. While the video's claims require further historical analysis, its emotional impact is undeniable. It raises important questions about the long-term consequences of colonialism and the need to understand the past to prevent its repetition. The video's creator, AIMETUTTI, encourages viewers to share it, stating, "Partager cette vidéo parce que comprendre le passé c'est refuser qu'il se répète." (Share this video because understanding the past means refusing to let it repeat itself.) The video's success, with 38 views in a few hours, indicates a significant level of interest in this topic. Further research and discussion are needed to fully understand the complex history of colonialism and its ongoing impact.