New Books Network Patrick Brittenden, "Algerian and Christian: Christian Theological Formation, Identity and Mission in Contemporary Algeria" (Regnum Books, 2025)
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Nov 2, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Dr. Patrick Brittenden, a researcher passionate about theological education and identity, discusses his book exploring the delicate balance of being both Algerian and Christian. He delves into how Berber identity and the pressures of state education influence faith in Algeria, and the concept of liminality as a transformative journey for believers. Brittenden also highlights the need for an indigenous church to reshape national identity and shares personal testimonies that embody hope and liberation in faith amid adversity.
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Raised In Algeria, Shaped By Its Churches
- Patrick Brittenden grew up in Algeria as a missionary kid and identifies as an 'adopted son of Algeria.'
- His hybrid insider-outsider background shaped his lifelong engagement with Algerian churches and motivated the book.
Contextual Formation Uses Three Lenses
- The book frames theological formation for Algerian converts as an exercise in contextual, identity-aware discipleship.
- Brittenden uses ethnography, Islam in Algeria, and state education as lenses and centers liminality as a core concept.
Indigenous Convert Church, Fragile Legal Status
- The Algerian church discussed is an indigenous convert movement, not the colonial church.
- Algeria grants a fragile legal status to the Protestant Church but many congregations operate unregistered to avoid state control.
