Biblical Colonialism, Imperialism and Christian Opposition

This is the third part of a three-part series.

Despite Christianity’s historical use of the Bible to justify colonialism and imperialism, a robust and persistent Christian opposition emerged, challenging colonial exploitation on theological, ethical, and humanitarian grounds. Various Christian individuals and movements passionately advocated against colonial abuses, emphasizing principles of human dignity, equality, and justice intrinsic to authentic Christian teachings.

Bartolomé de Las Casas (1484–1566)

Bartolomé de Las Casas, a Spanish Catholic priest and missionary, was among the earliest and most vocal critics of colonial atrocities in the Americas. He argued vehemently against the violent conquest and exploitation practiced by Spanish colonizers. Las Casas asserted that colonization should prioritize peaceful evangelization rather than force or oppression. He strongly defended the humanity, dignity, and inherent rights of indigenous peoples, emphasizing their equality with Europeans. His seminal work, “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” (1552), vividly documented colonial abuses and became a foundational critique advocating moral and ethical accountability in colonial practice.

Quakers (Society of Friends, 17th–19th centuries)

The Quakers, or Society of Friends, consistently opposed slavery and colonial violence, guided by their foundational belief in the “inner divine light” present within every person. Their core argument rested on Christian principles of peace, equality, and universal love, which, they asserted, unequivocally prohibited slavery, violence, and oppression. Notable Quaker activists such as John Woolman and Anthony Benezet prominently campaigned against slavery and colonial exploitation, significantly influencing abolitionist movements and social reform efforts.

William Wilberforce and Evangelical Abolitionists (Late 18th–Early 19th Century)

British Evangelical Christians, most famously represented by William Wilberforce, vigorously opposed the slave trade and colonial exploitation. Rooted deeply in evangelical Christian doctrines emphasizing universal humanity, compassion, and justice, their efforts culminated in landmark victories. Through tireless advocacy grounded in theological and ethical arguments, they successfully pushed for the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807 and ultimately slavery itself throughout the British Empire by 1833.

African and African American Christian Voices (18th–20th centuries)

Many African and African American Christian leaders actively opposed colonialism and its racist theological justifications, championing the fundamental Christian tenets of human equality, dignity, and justice. Prominent figures included Kimpa Vita, a Congolese prophetess who fiercely resisted Portuguese colonial domination, and David Walker, an African American abolitionist whose fiery sermons and writings employed Christian liberation ethics to oppose slavery. Similarly, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Nigerian bishop, strongly advocated African self-governance and equality, critiquing colonial paternalism and racial injustice through his theological writings and missionary work.

Simon Kimbangu (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Simon Kimbangu founded the Kimbanguist Church in 1921 as a form of religious and cultural resistance against Belgian colonial rule. His teachings emphasized African spiritual independence, dignity, and resistance to European cultural dominance. He was imprisoned for life by Belgian colonial authorities for challenging their rule through religious leadership.

Desmond Tutu (South Africa)

Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu was known for his strong anti-apartheid activism. He critiqued South African apartheid as a form of internal colonialism, explicitly linking racial injustice to European colonial legacies. Tutu advocated global Christian solidarity against racial oppression and imperialism, significantly contributing to dismantling apartheid.

Missionary Critics of Imperialism (19th–20th centuries)

Even among missionaries actively engaged in evangelization, vocal critics of colonial abuses emerged, challenging imperialist practices despite their participation in missionary activities. They argued that authentic Christianity required respecting indigenous cultures, autonomy, and rights, contending that genuine evangelization could not be achieved through coercion. Prominent missionary critics included John Philip, a Scottish missionary who opposed British colonial abuses in South Africa, and Anglican Bishop John Colenso, who publicly criticized colonial injustices inflicted upon the Zulu people.

Asian Christians Opposing Imperialism:

Toyohiko Kagawa (Japan)

Christian pacifist and social reformer Toyohiko Kagawa actively opposed Japanese imperialism and militarism, advocating for peace, social justice, and democracy in early 20th-century Japan. He was imprisoned multiple times by imperial Japanese authorities due to his vocal resistance.

Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo (East Timor)

Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo fiercely resisted Indonesian occupation and oppression in East Timor (1975–1999). Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, he openly advocated for independence and human rights against Indonesian imperial control.

Latin American Christians Opposing Colonialism and Imperialism:

Bartolomé de las Casas (16th-century Spanish America)

Dominican friar Bartolomé de las Casas directly opposed the Spanish colonial system and the violent exploitation of indigenous peoples. His work, “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies,” was instrumental in raising awareness and critique of colonial abuses. He advocated legal protections for indigenous communities, challenging colonialism’s moral legitimacy.

Gustavo Gutiérrez (Peru) and Liberation Theology

Peruvian theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez developed Liberation Theology in the mid-20th century, explicitly opposing economic imperialism and structural injustices tied to colonial legacies. His theology emphasized that Christian teaching demands liberation from social and economic oppression, challenging colonialist and neo-colonialist power structures. His work inspired movements throughout Latin America resisting dictatorships and foreign economic exploitation.

Christian Pacifists and Anti-Imperialist Movements (19th–20th centuries)

Christian pacifists articulated vigorous opposition to imperialism, arguing that violent conquest and oppression starkly contradicted Jesus’s teachings on peace, justice, and human dignity. They contended that the Gospel inherently rejects violence, advocating for peace-oriented approaches to international relations and human rights advocacy. Leo Tolstoy, the renowned Russian Christian pacifist, and Dorothy Day, an influential Catholic social activist in the United States, exemplified this tradition, linking anti-imperialism with broader social justice and humanitarian principles.

Conclusion

While various Christian doctrines historically justified colonialism and imperialism, powerful counter-narratives emerged within Christianity, vigorously opposing such abuses. Diverse Christian traditions worldwide continually affirmed human dignity, equality, and justice, challenging colonial and imperialist interpretations through theological, ethical, and humanitarian advocacy. These voices have significantly influenced contemporary perspectives on social justice, human rights, and reconciliation, underscoring Christianity’s capacity for ethical self-reflection and moral transformation.