Final answer:
The general conversion of people of African descent to Christianity was influenced by factors such as the retention of native beliefs, cultural resistance, and adaptation of Christianity to African practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the widespread conversion of people of African descent to Christianity, there were several factors that prevented their conversion. One factor was the retention of their native African spiritual practices or Islamic faith. Some Africans who arrived in America were already Muslims and did not relinquish their faith. Additionally, the adoption of Christianity or Islam in Africa often involved adapting these religions to traditional African practices and rituals.
Furthermore, some Africans resisted conversion to Christianity due to cultural resistance. They held onto their native beliefs and practices, seeing Christianity as an imposition by the European colonizers. It is also important to note that not all planters showed interest in converting their slaves to Christianity in the British-controlled Protestant colonies.
Overall, the conversion of people of African descent to Christianity was a complex and multifaceted process, influenced by factors such as cultural resistance, retention of native beliefs, and adaptation of Christianity to African practices.