Course Summary
This three-lesson micro course explores the fascinating history of the African Orthodox Church, tracing its biblical foundations from the Ethiopian eunuch's baptism in Acts to its formal establishment in 1921 by George Alexander McGuire. Students will learn about early African Christianity, its development across the continent, and how the modern African Orthodox Church emerged as a response to Marcus Garvey's call for an independent Black church that honored African Christian heritage while embracing Orthodox theology and Catholic liturgical practices.
Course Description
The "African Orthodox Church: From Biblical Roots to Modern Movement" micro course offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of an often overlooked chapter in Christian history. Beginning with the biblical account of Philip baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch, the course traces Christianity's early spread into Africa and examines how these ancient roots eventually inspired the establishment of the African Orthodox Church in the early 20th century.
Through three focused lessons, students will discover how Christianity flourished in various African regions from the first to seventh centuries, learn about key African Christian thinkers, and understand the social and theological context that led to the church's founding in 1921. The course particularly highlights how the African Orthodox Church uniquely combined Orthodox theological traditions with explicit African identity and leadership during the height of the Black nationalist movement led by Marcus Garvey.
Perfect for those interested in African American religious history, Black theology, or the intersection of faith and racial identity, this micro course provides essential knowledge about a significant religious movement that embodied principles of Black Liberation Theology decades before its formal development.
Course Objectives
By the end of this micro course, students will be able to:
- Explain the biblical foundations of African Christianity through the Ethiopian eunuch narrative
- Trace the historical development of Christianity in various regions of Africa
- Identify key early African Christian thinkers and their contributions
- Analyze the relationship between Marcus Garvey's Black nationalist movement and the establishment of the African Orthodox Church
- Describe the distinctive theological and ecclesiastical characteristics of the African Orthodox Church
- Recognize the significance of George Alexander McGuire's leadership in creating an independent Black church
- Understand how the African Orthodox Church embodied early principles of Black Liberation Theology
What You Will Learn
- The biblical account of the Ethiopian eunuch's conversion and its significance for African Christianity
- How Christianity spread and developed in North Africa, Nubia, Ethiopia, and the Kingdom of Kongo
- The contributions of important African Christian thinkers like Origen, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Augustine of Hippo
- Marcus Garvey's vision for an independent Black church and his call to "remove the white God from their hearts"
- The founding and organizational structure of the African Orthodox Church
- How George Alexander McGuire established apostolic succession through the Eastern Orthodox tradition
- The distinctive blend of Orthodox theology, Catholic liturgy, and African identity in the African Orthodox Church
- How the church prefigured Black Liberation Theology decades before its formal development
- The expansion of the African Orthodox Church across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa
Requirements for Participation
- No prior theological or historical knowledge required
- Open to all individuals interested in African American religious history
- Basic reading comprehension skills
- Ability to dedicate approximately 1-2 hours to complete the full course
- Access to internet or course materials for viewing lesson videos
- Optional: notebook for taking notes during lessons
- Willingness to engage with discussion questions and complete lesson exercises
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does it take to complete this course?
A: The complete micro course can be completed in approximately 1-2 hours, including time to watch all three lesson videos and complete the exercises and assessments.
Q: Do I need any prior knowledge of church history to take this course?
A: No prior knowledge is required. The course is designed to be accessible to beginners while still offering valuable insights for those familiar with church history.
Q: Is this course affiliated with the African Orthodox Church?
A: This course is an educational resource about the African Orthodox Church but is not officially affiliated with the denomination.
Q: Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
A: Please check our website for information about certification options for micro courses.
Q: How does this course relate to broader African American religious studies?
A: This course highlights an important but often overlooked denomination that represents the intersection of Orthodox Christianity, African heritage, and Black nationalist movements, providing valuable context for understanding African American religious diversity.
Q: Can I take this course at my own pace?
A: Yes, the micro course format allows you to complete the lessons at your convenience.
Q: Are there additional resources to learn more about this topic?
A: Yes, we provide a list of recommended readings and resources at the completion of the course for those interested in further study.
Q: Is this course appropriate for church study groups?
A: Absolutely! The course is well-suited for church study groups, Sunday school classes, or community education settings.
Meta Description
Discover the fascinating journey of the African Orthodox Church from its biblical roots to its establishment in 1921. This three-lesson micro course explores early African Christianity, Marcus Garvey's influence, and how George Alexander McGuire created a church that was "truly Catholic, thoroughly Orthodox, and distinctly African."