missionaries

Can We Talk About the Idolization of Christian Missionaries?
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Can We Talk About the Idolization of Christian Missionaries?

Can we talk about the idolization of Christian missionaries in the Western world? How, in many Western cultures, those who leave for faraway lands to “preach the gospel” or start programs seen as heroes, the best representation of humanity? Can we talk about how in reality, just because someone picks up a noble-looking cause does…

Dear Missionaries, Let’s Skip the Savior Complex and Address Your Issues (Part 3)
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Dear Missionaries, Let’s Skip the Savior Complex and Address Your Issues (Part 3)

After my last two posts on missionaries white savior complex, I got emails from people defending missionary work. And I want to start by saying that it’s okay to have a different take on issues. However, I don’t believe we have any such privilege when our work and mindsets negatively affect people. But to be…

Dear Missionaries, Let’s Skip the Savior Complex and Address Your Issues (Part 2)
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Dear Missionaries, Let’s Skip the Savior Complex and Address Your Issues (Part 2)

I wrote about the need for change in how missionaries and missionary-sending organizations operate abroad. While most people agreed there was room for improvement, I got a sense some didn’t quite understand why change was needed. (The conversation first took place on Facebook before I shared my thoughts on the blog.) And so I thought it…