Listen. Don't Preach.

Photo by Jason Betz on Unsplash

Helping others is both valuable and admirable, but to create genuine and lasting change, assistance must be collective and mutual.

Missionaries.... what are they?

While various religious groups have sent missionaries around the world, Christian missionaries have been the most widespread, prominent, and influential. These missionaries are often described as part of an organised effort to spread Christianity to new converts, typically targeting impoverished communities for conversion.

In the realm of international development, Christian missionaries are classified as faith-based organisations (FBOs), representing one of the earliest forms of such organizations. However, it's crucial to examine the potential for these missionaries to perpetuate colonial values and practices. Given the historical link between European colonial powers and Christianity, the intersection of Christianity and colonialism remains significant when discussing development.

Historically, Christian missionaries were often seen as "saints" setting a standard of virtue for populations considered "uncivilised" and "savage." However, with the onset of decolonisation in Africa and other continents in the latter half of the 20th century, missionaries began to be viewed more critically as agents of colonialism, whose practices and ideologies often blinded them to their own detrimental impacts.

Consider the recent case of John Allen Chau, who traveled to the remote Indian island of North Sentinel with the intent of "declaring Jesus" to the Sentinelese tribe. Despite the tribe's well-documented hostility to outsiders, Chau's attempt at contact resulted in his death at the hands of the Sentinelese. This incident has sparked significant debate about the role and impact of religious missionaries on Indigenous peoples and their rights.

Chau's actions highlight a fundamental issue: regardless of intentions, we must consider who has the right to determine the lives and practices of others. For uncontacted tribes like the Sentinelese, this right is crucial for their self-determination and preservation.

In 2018, approximately 440,000 Christian missionaries were working abroad. This high number underscores the historical connection between Christianity and colonialism, as Christian beliefs were often used to justify colonial actions. The introduction of Western values and practices often disregarded Indigenous cultures and contributed to exploitation.

Maboyi notes that missionaries were often precursors to colonialists, who exploited African resources for their benefit. Christian missions frequently aimed to replace local customs with Western values, treating Indigenous cultures as inferior. Frantz Fanon likens the impact of Christianity in colonial contexts to a "pesticide," eradicating Indigenous spirituality and identity.

Professor Adam Faber argues that faith-based organisations, particularly Christian missionaries, often continue the legacy of Western colonialism. He suggests that these organisations manipulate faith conversion for economic and political gains, altering cultures to fit foreign ideologies.

Similarly, Professor Michael French points out that religious morals can hinder effective aid. For instance, Catholic organizations may withhold contraception due to moral objections, despite its potential benefits. This “halo effect” allows such groups to avoid scrutiny, even when their actions are counterproductive.

Cultural clashes further complicate the work of faith-based organisations.

Conflicts over reproductive health, gender, LGBTQIA+ rights, and other issues often arise, as religious organisations impose values that may not align with the needs or beliefs of the communities they serve.

Faith-based organizations also perpetuate a narrow and problematic narrative. Missionaries often frame regions like Africa as "dark" and "needy," reinforcing stereotypes and creating a narrative of saviors versus the helpless.

While religious values can positively influence development, they are often applied in ways that are detrimental to the communities involved. The colonial mindset that justified the civilising mission still influences many practices today.

To achieve effective development, it is crucial to engage with neutral organizations that respect local cultures and values.

Positive engagement requires open, constructive dialogue, and a commitment to cooperation without imposing external values.