New Books Network Patrick Brittenden, "Algerian and Christian: Christian Theological Formation, Identity and Mission in Contemporary Algeria" (Regnum Books, 2025)
Nov 2, 2025
Patrick Brittenden, a teacher and researcher focused on Christian formation in North Africa, explores the complex identity of being both Algerian and Christian. He discusses how liminality shapes this identity, often bringing pain but also transformation and freedom. Brittenden emphasizes the indigenous Algerian Church's role in redefining national identity and bridging divides between Arabs and Berbers. He offers insights on theological education and the challenges faced by churches today, while highlighting innovation in adapting academic work for broader audiences.
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Raised In Algerian Churches
- Patrick Brittenden grew up in Algeria as a missionary kid and describes himself as an "adopted son of Algeria."
- His early formation in Algerian churches shaped his academic focus on Arabic, Islamic studies, and later theological formation research.
Convert Church Formation Challenge
- The book studies theological formation among convert churches made up largely of people from Muslim backgrounds in Algeria.
- Brittenden frames the problem as how to train leaders contextually while remaining theologically faithful.
Three Lenses Reveal Liminality
- Brittenden uses three lenses: Berber (Kabyle) ethnography, Algerian Islam, and state education to analyze the church's context.
- From these lenses he develops liminality as a central concept shaping identity and formation.
