Podłe wino a kryzys wiary Álvara III (1615–1622)
Lousy wine and Álvaro III’s (1615–1622) crisis of faith

Author(s): Robert Piętek
Subject(s): Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, 19th Century
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Kingdom of Kongo; Álvaro III; wine; Christianity
Summary/Abstract: Christianisation of the Kingdom of Kongo and establishing contact with Europeans had a considerable impact on the transformation of the society and the state. Christianity became a crucial part of Kongolese ideology of royal power. The Chrisitan clergy in Kongo strengthened the royal power and played an important role as mediators in internal conflicts. However, they also often condemned the earlier customs and beliefs which persisted in Kongo after the reception of Christianity. This was perceived by the rulers as undermining the royal authority. King Álvaro III threatened to reject Christianity when bishop Manuel Bautista condemned his behaviour. Nevertheless, his threats were only declarations. Christianity had become too important a part of Kongolese culture, and the rulers did not dare to reject it.

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