Colonialism, widely practiced for almost a millennia, is the idea that one culture can dominate another. It springs from ethnocentrism and racism, subjugated millions of people, and opened the door for slavery, exploitation, and disregard for basic human rights. Though not limited to European cultures (colonialism was practiced by many cultures), Western nations were the primary perpetrators of it. Because Christianity was the dominant religion of Europe, missions history and colonialism are intertwined.
The commands of Jesus to take the Gospel to the nations precedes the colonial era by many centuries.
The need for each culture to be given the chance to understand the person of Jesus stands apart from colonial history. Thus, regardless of the history of colonialism and missions, Christians must obey Jesus in the pursuit of proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples of all people groups.
Yet, colonialism should not be lightly dismissed as missions is conducted.
Western missionaries need to understand the effects on colonialism in those places where it has been practiced. They must be sensitive to the pain colonialism has caused.
The attitude of a person goes a long way toward alleviating issues of dominance and power.
Jesus, who emptied himself and became a servant, is our model in this. Missionaries must take a humble posture, recognizing that they are the outsider, and begin with listening and understanding.
Another way to alleviate a posture of dominance is through partnership. Today, most missionaries work in partnership with new believers in the cultures they are reaching. They also often serve on missionary teams made up of people from many different cultures, not just Western cultures.
While colonialism has cast a long shadow on missions the task of proclaiming Christ to the nations, that task continues in new expressions. Missions is not inherently colonialist but the issues it presents needs to be taken seriously.
Ask a Missionary staff
