True Christianity without dialogue: Women and the polygyny debate in Cameroon

Abstract

This article focuses on the Christian debate on polygyny from the perspective of mission theologians, missionaries, and women at the grassroots level in Cameroon. From the end of the last century onwards, Christian Churches condemned polygyny since it was thought to be incompatible with Christianity and to victimize women. To be "true Christians" and respectful spouses, Africans had to do away with polygyny and to marry monogamously. The article explains that women in Cameroon have been creating their own interpretations of Christianity in which polygyny appears as an aspect of "true" Christianity.