Podcast Summary: New Books Network Episode: Patrick Brittenden, "Algerian and Christian: Christian Theological Formation, Identity and Mission in Contemporary Algeria" (Regnum Books, 2025) Host: Dave Broczek | Guest: Dr. Patrick Brittenden Date: November 2, 2025

Main Theme

This episode features an in-depth conversation between host Dave Broczek and Dr. Patrick Brittenden regarding his new book, "Algerian and Christian: Christian Theological Formation, Identity and Mission in Contemporary Algeria." The episode explores the unique identity and theological formation of Algeria’s growing indigenous church, primarily comprised of Muslim-background believers (MBBs), and the broader implications for Algerian identity and religious freedom. Central to the discussion are concepts of hybridity, liminality, contextually rooted theological education, and the church's reconciling potential within Algerian society.

About Dr. Patrick Brittenden (02:06 – 09:03)

• Personal Background

  • Describes himself humorously as "made in New Zealand, delivered in England, and assembled in Algeria, then upgraded through a lifelong union with a Scot" [02:22].
  • Grew up in Algeria as a "Third Culture Kid" (TCK) with missionary parents; his early church experience was as part of the fledgling Algerian Christian movement in the late 1970s and 80s.
  • Academic background in Arabic and Middle Eastern/Islamic studies followed by theological training in New Zealand.
  • Professional focus: Ongoing connections with the North African church, currently directs the Hikma Partnership in the UK.

• Identity Reflections

  • Embraces being a "hybrid" and occupies a liminal or in-between identity: "I'm happy to occupy this kind of...this hybrid kind of insider, outsider combination." [07:32]
  • This unique perspective informs his research and relational standing in Algeria.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

The Book’s Focus: Algerian & Christian (09:03 – 15:00)

• The book examines theological formation within Algeria’s rapidly growing Muslim-background church—a phenomenon recognized across academic, social, and religious circles.
• Analytical approach through three primary lenses:
  1. Ethnography—context of the church’s growth, especially among Kabyle (Berber/Amazigh) communities.
  2. The nature and presence of Islam in Algeria.
  3. The role/state of educational systems.
• Explores the concept of liminality as foundational for understanding Christian identity, discipleship, and formation in Algeria.
• Concludes with a reflection on St. Augustine—presented as a model of "hybrid" Christian leadership relevant for the Algerian context.

The Indigenous Church vs. Colonial Legacy (15:00–17:33)

• Clarifies the distinction: The church he studies is "completely indigenous" and not a continuation of the colonial-era French church.
• Legal status: Unique in the Muslim-majority world, Algeria confers fragile legal status to this indigenous Protestant church under association law, though many unregistered house churches also exist.

Research Process and Findings (17:33–21:57)

• Employed two research phases:
  • Broad survey (102 respondents) on theological training needs and challenges.
  • In-depth qualitative interviews (26 participants), focusing on leadership and formation dynamics.
• Key findings:
  • Strong desire for contextualized theological training and Algerian instructors.
  • Problem of "brain drain:" many gifted leaders who study abroad do not return, weakening local leadership.
  • Updated content reflecting recent increased governmental hostility towards churches.

The State and Vulnerability of the Algerian Church (21:57–26:12)

• Significant recent crackdowns: "In the latest conversation I've had with leaders in Algeria, they say there's only three or four churches that are still properly physically open." [22:21]
• Many congregations now meet covertly as a result of closures and legal restrictions.
• The persecution tests new models of fellowship and formation—emphasizes non-building-centric "church" and discipleship.

Algerian-ness, Identity, and the Church’s Role (26:12–33:15)

• The church’s very existence challenges the restricted postcolonial formulation of Algerian identity:
  • "Our nation is Algeria, our religion is Islam, our language is Arabic"—Dr. Brittenden argues this erases the true multilingual, multicultural history of Algeria.
• Highlights church potential for reconciliation between Arabs and Berbers (Kabyles), if it avoids merging with separatist agendas.

Memorable Quote:

"The existence of a church which is totally indigenous and 100% Algerian has the potential to address kind of anomalies and contradictions that are there in the...makeup of what real Algeria or what real Algerians are." [26:12]

Liminality as Lived Experience and Framework (33:15–41:24)

• Key Concept: Liminality (from the Latin "limen," meaning threshold)
  • Used to describe the in-between or hybrid space experienced by Muslims who become Christians, and the congregation’s social place in Algeria.
  • Draws from anthropology (Van Gennep) and theology (Karl Barth).
  • Differentiates between destructive (alienating, monstrous hybridity) and liberating liminality (empowering, reconciliatory).
  • The journey for MBBs requires navigation between old family/cultural ties and new Christian identity, with risks of rejection from both.

Notable Quote:

"Liminality... it's this kind of in between space... I began to see this concept as being really important, especially when charting the movement that Muslims have going from a Muslim family, Muslim culture... and then reintegrating back into either Muslim society or indeed this new Christian kind of context." [36:49]

Theological Formation & Liminal Pedagogy (41:24–47:02)

• Advocates a contextual, dialogical approach to Christian formation:
  1. Context: Theological questions/issues start from local realities and histories—rooted in the incarnation principle.
  2. Identity: Formation must address both identity in Christ and collective/local/church identity in ongoing conversation with the global church.
  3. Bible Story: Scripture interpreted within the lived redemptive narrative, not just as an ancient text.
  4. Mission: All formation results in action—praxis.
• Strongly values Praxis: Reflection and action in a mutually reinforcing cycle, influenced by liberation theology and contextual education models.

Readability, Accessibility, and Cartoons (47:02–49:43)

• Book is written for a broad readership, not just academics.
• Includes cartoons by Jamal Alilat (a prominent Algerian, non-Christian cartoonist) intended to make themes more accessible and stimulate reflection.

Humorous Note:

"I didn't read a book cover to cover until I was 16... I was a very late developer..." [47:26]

Memorable Quotes on Identity and Hope

1. Cultural Hybrid as "Monster" [Destructive Liminality]:

   "I am a cultural hybrid. Hybrids are monsters, very interesting monsters, but monsters without a future. I therefore consider myself condemned by history." —Jean Amourouche [49:43]

2. Liberating Liminality (from Algerian Church Elder):

   "I have two faces. It's like two rooms, one opposite the other, which can be opposed...As an Algerian, I walk on a very narrow rope and I don't want it to break...We need pavement street dwelling theologians who can be agents for liberating Algerians..." [49:43–54:19]

Reception and Impact in Algeria (54:19–56:59)

• English-only (so far): Eager anticipation for French, Arabic, and Kabyle translations to broaden impact.
• Algerian feedback: Some church leaders called the handling of identity and political sensitivities "almost impossible" but praised the book for achieving respectful, hopeful articulation.

The Hikma Partnership (57:13–58:18)

• Brittenden directs Hikma Partnership, which seeks to "amplify the voice of believers of Muslim background" through research and publishing partnerships (notably with Regnum).
• The "Global Voices from Muslim Background" book series highlights these stories and perspectives.

Augustine as a Model for Algerian Christianity (58:30–62:37)

• Augustine’s relevance: Hybrid identity (Roman father, Berber mother), theologian rooted in both formation of character and prophetic social engagement.
• Encourages Algerian Christians to "reclaim" Augustine, whose heart-centered, praxis-oriented theology is highly relevant.

Concluding Notes and Outlook (62:37–66:43)

• Faith in Algerian Christians’ resilience and future role.
  • Cites the establishment and growth of the Algerian Christian Institute as one sign of "a generation wrestling with these issues."
• Hopes North Africa "will once again play the central role it held in the early days of Christianity" [63:06].
• Upcoming projects: Collaborative books on marriage and parenting among Muslim-background believers across the Muslim world, to be published by Hikma Partnership.

Key Segment Timestamps

• 02:06–09:03 | Brittenden’s personal and vocational journey as an "adopted son of Algeria"
• 09:03–15:00 | Unpacking the book’s main themes (Christian formation, hybridity, liminality, Augustine)
• 17:33–21:57 | Research process and findings among Algerian believers
• 21:57–26:12 | Current difficulties for the Algerian church
• 26:12–33:15 | The politics and possibilities of "Algerian-ness"
• 33:15–41:24 | Liminality explained; destructive vs. liberating
• 41:24–47:02 | Vision for contextual theological education
• 49:43–54:19 | On identity: contrasting quotations, practical liminality
• 57:13–58:18 | The Hikma Partnership’s mission and publishing initiatives
• 58:30–62:37 | Augustine’s formative potential for Algerian Christianity
• 62:37–66:43 | Hopes for the Algerian church and Brittenden’s future work

Notable Quotes

• "I'm happy to occupy this kind of...hybrid kind of insider, outsider combination..." – Patrick Brittenden [07:32]
• "The existence of a church which is totally indigenous and 100% Algerian has the potential to address kind of anomalies and contradictions... in what real Algerians are." [26:12]
• "Liminality... it's this kind of in-between space... especially when charting the movement that Muslims have going from a Muslim family, Muslim culture... into this new Christian context." [36:49]
• "Hybrids are monsters, very interesting monsters, but monsters without a future. I therefore consider myself condemned by history." – Jean Amourouche, as cited by Brittenden [49:43]
• "As an Algerian, I walk on a very narrow rope and I don't want it to break..." – Anonymous Algerian church elder [49:43–54:19]

Tone and Style

The conversation maintains a warm, reflective, and intellectually engaging tone. Brittenden draws on scholarship, personal anecdote, and deep relationships to present his arguments. His explanations are accessible yet nuanced, blending pastoral insight with academic rigor.

Useful Links

• Hikma Partnership
• Regnum Books International / Oxford Centre for Mission Studies

End of Summary