Like they need a hole in the head
Recently Times Online columnist Matthew Parris, who is an atheist, wrote an article based on the idea that Africa needs the Christian god.
The compassion he feels, particularly for his boyhood home of Malawi, is understandable, and his desire for positive change on the continent is commendable, but his conclusion is flawed.
It is true that Christian missionaries do good and important work in many countries around the world, and that Christianity can lead to some positive changes in people’s lives. What Mr. Parris seems to be missing is that there is not simply a choice between doing nothing and promoting Christianity.
In his world, where this false dichotomy appears to be accepted as real, conversion to Christianity may seem like a far better choice, but is Christianity really what Africa needs?