Although many readers tend to blame the missionaries for the disastrous end to the Umuofian society, Chinua Achebe, the author of Things Fall Apart, suggests that the real culprit is the clash of customs between both the Africans and Europeans because of the Africans unwillingness to change their customs, the Christian’s feelings of superiority, and the inclusivity of Christianity. The loss of culture signifies the lack of unique views, values, and a sense of belonging.
The differing customs of the Africans and Europeans were important factors to the destruction of the Umuofian society due to the Christians disdain for the African’s religion. For example, the Europeans believe they "have to put an end to the awful misery” (Source A). This channels the white man’s burden in that the missionaries believe they are obligated to civilize and convert the Africans in benevolence. In addition, the Africans are
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When people started converting to Christianity the Africans realized that “none of them [were men] of title” (Achebe 119). The Igbo people put men of achievement on a societal pedestal and give them respect only because of their accomplishments, which also means that there are outcasts. The people that have not achieved much are looked down upon in society and are seen as subordinate. Another example of Christianity’s acceptance is how they “educated their converts” (Source C). In the novel, Christianity’s customs contrasts to the Igbo in that the Christians accept individuals as they are and not by what they have accomplished. This can be seen with the woman that the Igbo believe has been cursed with ogbanje. Nevertheless, she is accepted into the church even though she was perceived as an underling in the Igbo society. Therefore, it is apparent that the encompassing nature of Christianity led to the fall of the Umuofian