Why Are There Christian Missionaries


When missionaries go to countries that already have some kind of religion, or, have none, what do they accomplish by starting Christian churches? I know they provide a sense of accomplishment for themselves and those back home who send money to support them. But, precisely what to they do for the citizens of the countries they travel to?

I know that in recent decades lots of missionary posts have stressed service to local people. They are somewhat like the Peace Corp. Peace Corp people are to teach and provide assistance not available otherwise to local economies. Those Christians who go to poor countries with the narrow intention of replacing an indigenous religion with Christianity, however, are still there and get in the headlines often.

The days of missionaries seems to have hit hard times. The Southern Baptist Convention has cut back its missionary program. Young people around the world, including Africa, are skeptical of all religions including Christianity. They have cell phones like young people everywhere and can find information to challenge most any preaching. 

The overall suspicion of the U.S. Christian missionary program was summarized succinctly by the first Prime Minister of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta. Kenyatta was Prime Minister from 1964 to 1978. He said,   “When the missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the missionaries had the Bible. They taught how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible.” 

A local Christian group in Africa says the majority of Christians on the continent today worship the style of Christianity called the Prosperity Gospel. That branch is growing also in the U.S.

A story today reports South Korea has filed charges against a man who dropped Bibles from the air into North Korea. South Korea said the air drops caused problems in diplomatic negotiations. The South Korean government was correct in putting the hammer down on this guy.

A pattern plays out often where U.S. citizens who are zealous Christians go into a country where the government does not want them. They get into trouble with the government there then plead for the U.S. government to save them.

For some of us this this is an eye roll.  Why were they there in the first place?





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