Biblical Colonialism and Imperialism: Beyond the Doctrine of Discovery

This is the second in the series on the Biblical basis of Colonialism and Imperialism

Christian theology has historically been employed as a powerful ideological tool to justify European colonialism and imperialism. Beyond the Doctrine of Discovery, multiple biblical doctrines and theological concepts provided moral legitimacy for European expansionist policies, shaping global interactions significantly. This essay outlines and analyzes several of these key doctrines and their applications.

1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)

The Great Commission, a biblical mandate instructing Christians to “go and make disciples of all nations,” significantly influenced European colonial ideology. Colonizers framed their territorial expansions as morally justified missionary expeditions aimed at spreading Christianity. This doctrine rationalized European colonization in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, presenting conquest and subjugation as divinely sanctioned activities required for spiritual salvation and cultural advancement.

2. Curse of Ham (Genesis 9:20-27)

Europeans distorted the biblical story of Noah’s curse upon Ham’s son, Canaan, interpreting it falsely to justify the enslavement and exploitation of Africans. Despite no direct scriptural support for racialized slavery, colonial powers argued that Africans were descendants of Ham and thus divinely destined for perpetual servitude. This interpretation profoundly shaped racist ideologies underpinning colonial slavery, legitimizing exploitation under a guise of biblical sanction.

3. Theology of Supremacy and Election

Drawing inspiration from Old Testament narratives, particularly the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites, European colonial powers adopted a theology of supremacy and election. They perceived themselves as “chosen peoples,” divinely elected to conquer and govern other nations. This theological justification provided moral authority for territorial expansion and the domination of indigenous populations, reinforcing the cultural and racial superiority claimed by Europeans.

4. Christian Universalism

Christian universalism—the belief in Christianity’s universal applicability and superiority—served as a theological basis for imposing Christianity globally. Europeans justified the violent and forceful imposition of their religion on colonized peoples, claiming it fulfilled God’s global plan for humanity’s redemption. This doctrine validated colonial violence and cultural suppression as necessary means toward religious uniformity.

5. Just War Theory (St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas)

The doctrine of “just war,” articulated by theologians such as Augustine and Aquinas, was adapted to justify colonial aggression and military conquest. European colonial wars against indigenous peoples were portrayed as morally necessary conflicts aimed at restoring peace, order, and Christian morality. By framing colonial violence as defensive or morally righteous, colonizers legitimated severe military actions, often disregarding the devastating impacts on indigenous communities.

6. Providentialism

Providentialism—the belief that God actively directs historical events toward a predetermined Christian world—was leveraged to justify colonial expansion. Europeans viewed colonization as part of God’s divine plan, destined to result in global Christianity. This belief allowed colonizers to frame territorial conquest, cultural domination, and economic exploitation as divinely orchestrated, legitimizing colonial enterprises through a theological lens.

7. Paternalism and Civilizing Mission

Colonizers claimed a moral obligation, derived partly from Christian ethical teachings emphasizing charity and benevolence, to “civilize,” educate, and convert indigenous populations. Framing colonization as humanitarian and spiritual duty provided ethical justification for cultural assimilation, forced religious conversion, and economic exploitation. This paternalistic ideology effectively masked the oppressive nature of colonial rule, depicting it instead as morally commendable.

8. Covenantal Theology

European colonizing nations, particularly Britain and the United States, often drew parallels between biblical covenants and national identity, believing themselves to be in covenantal relationships with God. They viewed territorial expansion and cultural dominance as divine mandates necessary to fulfill God’s covenantal promises. This theological interpretation significantly influenced national policies and colonial aspirations, embedding religious justification deeply within national consciousness.

9. Natural Law and Divine Order

European theologians and political theorists, influenced by Christian natural law theory, asserted that God established a hierarchical natural order with Europeans at its apex. This hierarchy justified colonial subjugation and the exploitation of non-European societies as expressions of divine intention. By invoking natural law, colonial powers rationalized systemic racism, economic inequality, and cultural suppression as divinely sanctioned realities.

Conclusion

Collectively, these biblical doctrines and theological concepts provided robust ideological support for European colonialism and imperialism. By intertwining religious authority with political ambition, European powers justified their expansionist policies, shaping global geopolitics profoundly. The enduring legacies of these theological justifications continue to inform contemporary discussions about race, justice, historical accountability, and global inequalities, underscoring the necessity for ongoing critical reflection and reconciliation.