as religion. Africa, including the people of the Congo, is a monotheistic people. Most explorers and missionaries failed to understand their belief in one creator. Generally, Europeans thought that the Congolese were an ignorant and backwards people and certainly would not have any ideas about just "one God." (Nkuzi) This superiority complex put a great deal of distance between the two peoples. The lack of true communication and understanding between the natives and the missionaries was the cause of the most devastation. Without a firm understanding of the culture, the missionaries could make little headway in conversions or even simply helping the communities.
             Giving aide to the villages of the Congo was one of the more successful efforts on behalf of the missionaries. Hospitals, clinics, improvements in transportation, and agriculture were all helpful additions to the Congolese way of life. However, these new establishments only made advances in places where
             ...