What are the Misconceptions about Christian Mission?

Christian missionaries have often faced the stark challenge of breaking down cultural, religious, and societal barriers to propagate the message of gospel. However, alongside noble intentions, misconceptions and misguided practices have sometimes shadowed their efforts. This article aims to debunk one such prevalent misconception: the belief that Christian missionaries are arrogant, self-righteous, and engage in aggressive proselytization by force.

Understanding the Biblical Perspective

The misunderstanding of the Christian missionary's role can be traced back to a misinterpretation of certain Scriptural texts, particularly from the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah describes the coming Messiah as someone who is gentle, compassionate, and just:

He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.

Christians are expected to emulate this by leading lives of humility and gentleness. As an old timer Christian once said, 'preach the Word always and if necessary, use words.' The focus should be on demonstrating the life of Jesus through actions, rather than aggressively preaching.

Dispelling the Imperialist Myth

Another common misconception is that Christian missionaries historically supported the expansion of empires such as the British Empire out of a sense of nationalism or to promote a Christian nation. However, this is far from the truth. Many missionaries were instrumental in protecting indigenous populations from colonial settlers and often faced opposition because of their efforts.

Notable Examples

Robert Moffat, a notable missionary, is a shining example of this. The Moffat Mission not only brought Christianity to the Tswana people but also provided them with their first written language, inspired David Livingstone, and was a father-in-law to the great explorer. His mission was marked by respect and a desire to help, not exploitation.

The Integrity of Missionary Vocation

The identity of a missionary is akin to any other professional vocation. The integrity of an individual can significantly impact the image of the whole missionary community. The best missionaries share a common trait: a genuine desire to help and serve others without ulterior motives.

Exemplary Adventurers in Mission

The 19th century is often regarded as the golden age of missions. During this period, there were vast uncharted territories where Christianity had little influence. Men and women like Robert Moffat faced tremendous danger and hardship to spread their message, while simultaneously introducing medical practices and technologies to remote and wild places.

In Conclusion: The noble intentions of Christian missionaries to bring the message of Jesus to the world are often overshadowed by misguided assumptions. By understanding the true spirit of mission as described in the Scriptures, recognizing the integrity of missionaries like Robert Moffat, and appreciating the context of the historical periods in which they operated, we can foster a more accurate and respectful awareness of Christian missionary efforts.