How did the cultural collision challenge okonkwos sense of identity?

The first pastor of the church in Okonkwo’s village realizes that he must be understanding of the natives’ beliefs, but at the same time try to convince them of the folly in their thoughts. For this reason the people respect Mr. Brown. He spends time with the natives and discourages his followers from acting with too much zealousness. He befriends the leader of the village and the two discuss religion, each seeking to learn from the other. Because of his policy of mutual respect and compromise, Mr. Brown was able to persuade many of the village families to let their children attend school.

Relations between the tribe and the Christians deteriorate when Mr. Brown is forced to leave for health reasons and Reverend Smith takes charge. He does not agree that the Christians should allow the tribe members to hold onto any of their old beliefs. He sees things only in shades of black and white. Ironically both Reverened Smith and Okonkwo share a deep sense of intolerance for the "other". Okonkwo finds his personal identity threatened by the Christians.