Final answer:
The Kilangan villagers in 'The Poisonwood Bible' are afraid to be baptized in the river by Nathan Price because of the danger posed by crocodiles. This reflects the cultural misunderstandings between missionaries and the local population and the risks of ignoring local customs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The Poisonwood Bible, the Kilangan villagers are afraid to be baptized in the river by Nathan because they believe the river is inhabited by dangerous crocodiles, which presents a real threat to their safety. Nathan Price's Western perspective fails to understand the practical and cultural implications of his baptismal methods for the Congolese people. Through this fear, the novel highlights cultural misunderstandings between western missionaries and local populations, as well as the potential dangers associated with disregarding local beliefs and traditions.