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A highly respected man in the village, Akunna engages in an open dialogue with Mr. Brown about their respective approaches to religion. He neither accepts nor rejects Christianity, but he aims to learn more about it while also advocating for his own belief system. As a result, the interaction between Akunna and Mr. Brown establishes a degree of mutual respect between the white missionaries and the clan. Akunna’s willingness to provide details about their traditions informs the way in which Mr. Brown approaches religious conversion. Considering the extreme methods that Mr. Smith uses later in the novel, the relative peace that comes from the relationship between Akunna and Mr. Brown proves to be a significant benefit for both sides. Including the scene of dialogue between the two also allows Achebe to suggest that the Igbo faith and Christianity are not as diametrically opposed as each side believes them to be. Akunna explains, for example, that his people believe in one supreme God, Chukwu, and that, like the Christians, their God has smaller messengers or servants to help him. While this argument does not necessarily convince Mr. Brown to accept his religion, Akunna manages to evoke a shared sense of humanity. Reminding the reader of these similarities at this point in the novel highlights the essence of what is at stake in the fight over Umuofia’s belief. Akunna’s voice helps the clan resist complete dehumanization when the missionaries first arrive.
