Definition: The word "Africanize" in the Greek New Testament often refers to a process of converting or assimilating an individual's customs, beliefs, or culture from another group into that group's own. The phrase comes from the ancient Greek and means 'to make like'. For instance, Paul Peter Paul, a German Catholic monk who became an apostle in the Roman Empire, converted to Christianity. The term "Africanize" has been used metaphorically to describe actions or attitudes that are discriminatory, oppressive, or harmful against people from specific racial groups. It could also refer to cultural appropriation, where something is taken without permission and then used for its own benefit rather than being donated back to the original culture. The word was often associated with the idea of an "African" culture blending into a more dominant one. The term was first introduced into Greek New Testament literature by Saint John Chrysostom in his work, De Trinitate. It is commonly found in the New Testament books of Revelation and Acts where it's used as a metaphor to describe Christ's mission, as well as in the book of Galatians when Jesus discusses conversion and the transformation of hearts. In summary, "Africanize" refers to the process by which individuals from different ethnic backgrounds are assimilated into a dominant culture. It emphasizes how cultural practices can be influenced or even corrupted through the adoption of other values, traditions, or identities, without regard for the original purpose or beliefs.

Africanize

Definition: The word "Africanized" in the Bible translates to "made black" or "blackened." This term appears in various Old Testament references, specifically in Deuteronomy 12:3 where it's used as a verb to describe how God made his people of Judah white and not black. In Leviticus 18:17, the same verb is translated as "made black," which can be interpreted as referring to the act of putting someone into slavery or under bondage in the land of Egypt. The context of these verses suggests that at one time, God brought Israelites from a place where they were originally colored white into the land of Canaan. This process was referred to as "Africanizing" and is often seen as a symbol of racial transformation from being black to being white or other colors.

Africanized