expand to the maximum of the following over 4000 words of text while keeping all the references, citations, and sources. Find the sources and document them in Havard style at the end. Let us do it in smaller section divisions: It is indeed a great privilege to be in your midst, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for extending this invitation to deliver the keynote address, particularly to Joshua Baron. Allow me to emphasize that when one invites a historian and assigns the topic of "retrospect and prospect," the responsibility lies with the host. Thus far, this morning has proven to be quite engaging, and Professor Lumumba's discourse sets a high standard to follow. As I proceed, you will notice points of convergence with his insights and also areas of divergence.
Let me commence by stating the obvious: Africa is a complex tapestry of cultures and societies. However, amidst this complexity, three overarching aspects of African existence emerge, allowing for generalizations with a considerable degree of certainty. Firstly, Africans and African societies exhibit a profound religiosity. Secondly, the concept of the collective holds significant sway across African societies. Thirdly, and perhaps less commonly acknowledged, Africa is home to some of the world's fastest-growing Muslim and Christian populations, boasting a substantial number of adherents to these faiths.
These foundational assumptions are pivotal for the discourse I aim to engage in this morning. Illustrated on the slide are the three primary points that my address will cover.
[Music]
As we proceed, I await confirmation that both my technician and I are synchronized in our presentation.
Moving forward, I will delve into the retrospective aspect of my discourse. Even a cursory examination attests to the extensive and illustrious history of Christian theological thought and vocation on the African continent. This legacy traces back to the nascent stages of the Christian movement, with numerous eminent theologians nurtured and situated on African soil. Notable figures such as Tertullian, Origen, and Augustine not only established theological institutions but also fostered communities of Christian scholarship, shaping theological discourse long before Christianity gained prominence in Europe. It is worth reminding ourselves that Augustine of Hippo hailed from African ancestry, and his seminal theological contributions emerged from his tenure as an African Bishop grappling with indigenous challenges.
While it is tempting to assert that theology, as a discipline, originated in Africa, our narrative must transcend this historical premise. The genesis of theological and religious education on the continent can be traced back to the colonial era of the 19th century. In this context of colonialism and Western missionary endeavors, three salient elements emerge, representing significant divergences from traditional narratives.
Firstly, it is imperative to recognize the indispensable role of African contributions within the colonial education paradigm. For over a century and a half, from approximately 1800 onwards, formal education in tropical Africa predominantly fell under the purview of European missionary initiatives. Notably, British colonial policies actively supported and promoted missionary education, resulting in markedly higher school enrollment rates in British colonies compared to their French and Portuguese counterparts. By the 20th century, Western missions accounted for the lion's share, ranging from 90% to 100%, of all educational institutions in British colonies.