Wednesday, 24 December 2008
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"Go Into All the World and Preach the Gospel..."
"All the world," Jesus said. No disclaimer after that, no words to offer us an out. I concede that in Matthew 10 he did tell us that "whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet," but the point is, he told us to try. So why does there seem to be a reticence among many Christians to do just that?
I'm reading a book about Nate Smith called Jungle Pilot. For those of you who have seen The End of the Spear, you're familiar with the story of Smith. He was part of a missionary team to Ecuador in the mid-1950's, and one of five martyred by members of a remote tribe. This book is largely taken from Smith's own writing, and as I read, I find myself surprised at his naivete and assumptions. To go through all that trouble and effort to help people who don't want your help or your message...it seems presumptive and foolish, especially after they were murdered.
What a difference fifty years makes, huh? Smith and I have both had similar Christian upbringings, so I realize that my reaction to the book is a product of this new society. When is it okay for Christians to be so timid about the Great Commission? Though I'm not advocating the forced conversions of the 15th-century Inquisition or making people sit through a three-hour sermon just to receive food and medicine (as more recent history has seen), I also don't think it okay for Christians to kowtow to the general assumption that we are better seen than heard...and sometimes, it's best if we're not even seen.
It seems we're afraid of offending someone by bringing news of Jesus into their village, as though it is some huge insult today to offer free Bibles to interested parties. And Heaven forbid we try to do those things in a nation under American occupation, for as the thought goes, "first you invade us and now you try to convert us." I empathize with that, I understand it...but is it right?
To think that way, I believe, is to adopt a defeatist, fatalist attitude. There will always be resistance, but there will always be acceptance too. To forgo taking Bibles or news of Jesus into a group of people who haven't received news of him is to deny those people the ability to make an informed decision.
Even to myself, I just came off as pretentious and narrow-minded, but perhaps that also is a product of the times. In the past year, two stories were being reported on by Detroit media. One was that footbaths were being installed on the campus of a Detroit university for the Muslim students to enable them to more easily prepare for their prayers. The second story was on a group of Christians who were told they could no longer gather and pray to Jesus in another university's academic mall. I'm all for freedom of worship...any worship...but why the double-standard?
Why is it okay if a Muslim approaches me to share his beliefs, but not if I try sharing mine? I wouldn't take offense at him, but would he at me? Perhaps not in this specific example, but if you take it into the general sphere of mission work...it is offensive. Even when done in the most benign, respectful, unobtrusive way, spreading the news of Jesus is frowned upon. I realize Christians haven't always done the greatest job of it, but historically, we haven't all been murderers and conquerors bearing a cross as a mere front. Many Christian missionaries have done an excellent job at Jesus' commission; actually, any Christian reading this, unless a direct descendent from one of the original apostles, is a product of some Christian missionary.
Tomorrow (or in 12 days, for the Orthodox Christians), 1/3 of the world will in some way acknowledge the birth of Jesus. He faced resistance, more than most missionaries, yet he didn't quit. He didn't look at the murdered prophets who went before him and assume that his coming would be too offensive or insulting. Jesus also didn't care that his message is rather narrow-minded. So I have to change my views on missionary work, and see the words of men such as Nate Smith as not being naive or presumptuous, but merely idealistic...in a good way.
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Comments (25)
Okay you clearly don't get it. Let me explain this concept to you, as best as I can because, as a Muslim and a Persian, I can say that you people have been trying to convert us for years.
The plain and simple truth is that we do not like it when people come to our countries and tell us that we are wrong. We are not happy when outsiders come in and condemn us for living the way we do. We are perfectly happy being who we are. We don't believe we are going to hell and we don't need you to tell us so.
I can only speak for Persians here and I have to say, we have a lot of pride in our culture and heritage. To us, when somebody who is not Persian comes to our homes and tells us that we are "bad people", it is insulting and degrading, as if you guys are looking down on us.
We are not savages so stop treating us as such.
Do you get it now?
I agree with miss goldenrod. We are commissioned to do this work regardless of the perception from the world at large. We are promised persecutions and such. It is time we dealt with it. I've been to several other countries and have seen the need for something more. In the absence of The Truth these people are resorting to wanton violence. If only one is saved it is worth it.
Let us not forget to partake of the same Bread of Life we are offering the starving world.
You make an interesting point. I hear people bring up the Great Commission all the time and try to tell people that we all need to be out on the mission field. While I agree and truly believe that there are some people that are called and need to be on the mission field, I think sometimes people forget that ALL THE WORLD includes right here at home. There are some of us that are called to work here in the United States. Then there are some of us that are called to work somewhere else.
That being said, I agree that we need to be bolder in our telling of Jesus but that includes in the way we are being seen by the world. I mean, you can talk all you want but if the way you live doesn't back up what you are saying then you aren't going to do anything. So there is a big element of just letting people see how you live you daily life and letting that match up with Christ as much as possible. Take St. Francis of Assisi for example. He put it this way; "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words". Sometimes, most times, actions speak much louder than words.
@desertrose2890@xanga - Thank you for responding, and I want to let you know that I do get it. I have people approach me about their faiths, telling me I'm wrong...and I do find that offensive. To me, it insults my intelligence and culture, so I can truthfully apply this fact to Christian mission-work.
As you articulate, I don't see how telling you you're damned to hell because you don't believe in my Jesus as being an effective approach, and I want you to know, I would try never to do that. Try...which means I wouldn't make an effective missionary; I'd be the one slaughtered in some Amazonian jungle for my big mouth! I suppose, when any person believes strongly in something, they really want others to experience it as well. My exuberance, I recognize, would make me not a good missionary.
So please, I mean no offense, and I respect you for your faith and culture. Whether right or wrong, when I think of attempts to convert Muslims to Christianity from a historical perspective, I think of the Crusades and the attempts of Christians to reclaim The Holy Land. Their methods were hardly Christ-like! Whatever their intent, I've always viewed such endeavors as arrogant and presumptive!
As I explained in the post, I don't believe a person of any faith should be afraid to offer their literature to "interested parties," though I agree it's a fine line as to who that definition may include. My ideas of proper Missionary work are to help people in need without other motives...but also not hiding the fact you're helping in the name of your God. If in the midst of a landslide, the family whose house you rebuilt asks you about the cross you wear, or why you're doing it, then a brief explanation ought to be enough to raise interest...or not. But help first...
You're probably aware of what the explorers to the Americas did to the native peoples: those who they couldn't "convert" they killed. If a tribe was in their "way", they would give the people blankets laced with smallpox, decimating the entire group. Other native peoples were enslaved...though few of those could last long when exposed to European illnesses. Yet these explorers called themselves Christians?
I do have a question for you, if you wouldn't mind. Your religion is very much on the rise, yet I don't see or hear of Muslim missionaries. So, from a numbers perspective.... Do you know what the cause of this is? Especially in areas of the world that aren't so connected via the internet/technology. I've always wondered...
@Crosseyed_Jesus_FreakTN@xanga - I agree completely. If the way we live doesn't line up with Scripture, we're failing. Which is where I feel missionaries either succeed or not. Our country certainly needs the help, and it's harder then in some remote area, because most Americans have a knowledge already of Christ, and therefore have already made their own assumptions. Unfortunately, their assumptions are founded upon the human-representations of Jesus, and that's the hardest part.
@croftperkins@xanga - I guess that's the point of my post and Christianity in general: that we've been given assignment. Many people throughout history have taken Jesus at his word, and news of him spread. I don't know if other religions have this commission given to them by their god to share...
It doesn't put us in a good place, does it? To have to go around telling people of another way of living, one that essentially doesn't offer much compromise in way of foundational beliefs? Why we have to do it with much tact, understanding, and respect of other people and their way of life.
We probably would be more effective missionaries if we read the Bible more. We've made the Gospel into a simple recitation of the ABC's. Zeal means nothing if you are standing on a foundation of sand. We've lost touch of sound doctrine and that has crippled our efforts to spread truth. Instead we've spread a false Christianity based on decisionism, legalism, and universalism.
The Truth of God's Word does one of two things, it either brings people to their knees in repentance for their sin or it pisses them off beyond measure and they turn and walk away. We shouldn't be surprised by these reactions.
Amen, Miss Goldenrod! What a great post. As John Piper says, "There only three choices in regarding missions, Go; Send; or Disobey.” What a challenge it is to live our lives proclaiming the Gospel wherever God leads.
@Miss_Goldenrod - That's the whole point, though. I'm pretty sure that Christ himself said He was THE only way to heaven (John 14:6). And what good is a faith that gives life if we keep it to ourselves? I agree with you on all points. My challenge is to proclaim the Gospel in the Army where if someone evens thinks I am trying to convert them and they get offended, I can go to jail.
Great post - very thought provoking. The church I attend supports missionaries in Brazil and in Papua New Guinea, as far as overseas missionaries go. We also have a local missionary working among the Chinese in the Vancouver area (with good result). We are seeing alot of fruit of those endeavours, for which we can be thankful! But I agree that we also need to look in our own backyard. I wonder if it's a mistake to assume that most Americans/Canadians know about Jesus Christ? Sure - they see churches at most street corners and hear the word God coming out of alot of peoples mouths - but do they know the saving grace of Christ? We've asked this question alot in one of the Bible studies I attend. This Bible study is supposed to be an outreach and in the past we've had many women come through our group seeking to know God and their knowledge of Jesus was very limited. Our church also participates in our local food bank and soup kitchen, and the amount of people who don't know Jesus is staggering. I think as each generation passes, fewer and fewer people are told about Jesus - as can be seen in our society and its lowering of values in all aspects of life. Where once, a few hundred years ago church going was the norm, and businesses were closed on Sundays while people went to church - now, church going is not the norm etc., and less and less parents are telling their children about Jesus Christ choosing instead to let them "choose their own way".
So, I think, the missionary field IS inour own backyard and we'd do well to be more bold aboutfaith in Jesus Christ right here!
Permission. We always ask permission to share. Until we ask, we do not pursue the discussion.
There is no point to go beyond that is there? Our belief is that when God touches someone's heart to seek Him; that the TRUTH will be given to them.
That truth is: There is ONLY one way. That 'way' is through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God the Son.
Merry CHRISTmas!
@Miss_Goldenrod - Well thank you for the dignified response. I get angry when I hear about missionaries because I, as do most Persians, still view it as a condescending insult to our way of life. In fact, Persians are still mad that the Arabs came in and converted us to Islam when most original Persians were Zorastrians. We just have a lot of pride in ourselves and don't feel it necessary to have somebody else tell us what to do. Im glad you are able to understand how Non-Christians feel because missionary work implies that we are savages of some sort. Furthermore, some of the comments I have read here implies that Non-Christians are savages.
I think the way you have approached it is the most diplomatic of all. If the person requests more information, give it to them. Other than that, let me them be. Its a very simple solution and you are still spreading the Gospel to those who actually want to hear it.
You are right about one thing. Muslims do not really do too much missionary work yet Islam is on the rise, which really does not make sense. I don't know why either, but from what I have studied, my best guess would be that it has to do with the idea of the brotherhood. Muslims belong to a greater identity across the World, which is heavily stressed in Islam. People are born into Islam and become part of that worldwide brotherhood and it becomes a greater identity. People want to belong to something bigger than themselves, no matter who they are or where they live. So that is my best guess.
Merry Christmas!
@nicolevw@xanga - I think parents should let the children choose their own way. Religion should not be forced on children because they will never be "true believers". As Christians, shouldn't it be about quality and not quantity? Why would you want a generation of children made to be Christians and unhappy with it. Why not have children who actually embrace Christianity by choosing it themselves....
Great post!! I wish it weren't so hard for us to evangelize, even if it's not far away, just here at home!
@desertrose2890@xanga - well, I'm going to respectfully disagree with you. In your response to miss_goldenrod you wrote "People are born into Islam and become part of that worldwide brotherhood and it becomes a greater identity. People want to belong to something bigger than themselves, no matter who they are or where they live."
If two parents are Christians, their children are born into christianity and become part of the worldwide universal church of Jesus Christ and it becomes a greater identity. They will raise their children to believe in Jesus because it's so important to who they are! We teach our children the Bible stories, and take them to church and send them to a christian school and they will be raised in the faith, as we were as children. At some point in their late teens early adulthood they will either take the faith and truly make it their own, or they will reject it. No one is forcing them to be believers. You can't do that. But we all raise our children according to certain values. You don't have children and expect them to make right decisions about right and wrong because they don't have the intellectual capacity to do so. Neither can you expect a child to choose a religion when they're little, so when they're little, they do as mom and dad do, until they're old enough to make their own decisions. I was raised in the faith as was my husband, and many many of the people I know were too, and we're all extremely grateful that we were born into the faith and raised to know Jesus - our faith is strong and steadfast and is most definitely about quality,not just quantity! We don't have a generation of believers who are unhappy to be believers - we have generations of believers who are grateful for this privilege. I think I can speak for most "cradle Christians" on revelife who feel this way.
As a matter of fact, I think it doesn't matter what you are. If you're atheist, your children are raised that way, if you are Muslim your children are raised that way, if you are Buddhist your children are raised that way. If you are Hindu your children are raised that way ....... isn't that just the way it works anyways?
@desertrose2890@xanga - I also think that many Christians today do not think of non Christians as savages ....it's dangerous to assume that missionary work implies that. Christians want to share the good news of Jesus Christ to those who don't know of Him. We don't think they are "savages" just because they aren't christian. Just thought I'd clarify that.
Amen.
I like the emphasis on "all the world". As Christians, we have this glorified idea that being a "missionary" is one of the highest and best things once can do with their life. Really, I see every believer having that responsibility. It's not a job nor a title. It's not something you go and do but what you live. Is the Spirit of God in you? Then you are a missionary! Wherever you are at, whatever you do, you ought to be fulfilling the great commission. No one is exempt.
Based on some other comments:
I personally hate the idea of approaching someone and telling them they are damned to Hell. Actually, I think that is wrong. Who am I to say that to anyone? I see it as being a good salesman. This sounds sacrilegious, but that's what we are right? Completely sold out.
When a good carpet salesman comes to my door, he never looks in and says, "whoa, you have the most hideous carpet I've ever seen--I'm going to start ripping it up immediately!" He probably doesn't even say a word about it. What he does do is tells me about his amazing carpet and all it's benefits and how much he loves it. If I accept a small sample from him and test it out or accept an invite to his house to see what it's like in his home, I am then opening myself up to considering it. But it is the carpet that will ultimately make the sale. That's how I see Jesus too. His Spirit is the one that really does the "sales job". We are just reps who want everyone else to see what a great thing we have.
@nicolevw@xanga - Sure. I do understand and I believe that most of these missionaries have good intentions. The problem is that these intentions come across negatively to those who are on the receiving end of these missionaries. It comes across as condescending and condemning. That was my whole point. I really do believe people have the best of intentions but it does create misunderstanding in certain parts of the world, especially in places like Iran where people have a lot of pride.
ok well missionary work and thoughts on that subject haven't been my strong suit. I must admit I am well aware of going into all of the world include your own community thought. I have been given the opportunity to see two different types of churches: One was doing a great job at world missions, the other was doing a great job at local missions. Both were spreading the word of God.
As far as how to go about missions, yea i won't touch that. Its a bit beyond what i have thought about to make an informed statement. But miss goldenrod you did mention the college setting where muslims were allowed to wash their feet, and Christians weren't allowed to pray at the university mall. Here i feel that i am able to help shed some light.
The non-establishment clause, which is included in the first amendment, can help us know constitutional right are being violated. First of all the non establishment clause was written make sure that non universal church was formed in America. In others words to insure that a religion at no point in time will ever be forced on someone. Since then there have been several court cases used to interpret this line of thought.
Its best to think of neutrality when dealing with the establishment clause. Our government can neither support nor hinder religion with out good cause. For example a city can tell a church that building to close to a public neighborhood is not allowed. The reason for this is not to hinder religion but to protect the citizens against the loud noises and traffic that the church has the potential to bring.
In regard to the university mall, i'll assume that is in fact not a private college. This stated if Christians are not allowed to gather there, then no other religious group should be allowed to either. If other religious groups are allowed to gather there, then the university has violated the establishment clause by favoring one religion over another. Again this only applies if it is not private.
Another thought to consider is how the ruling was made that affect Christians praying there. Was it the time they selected? It could be a time where no religious group is allowed to pray. But there might be other times when they can gather at the mall and pray. The thing to look for is neutrality. That all religions are receiving the same treatment.
While I don't know what affected the muslim foot washing ordeal. I do know that just because they are not allowing religious to pray at a mall, but are accommodating a muslim practice does not mean they are favoring one religion over another.
If you dig hard enough I'm sure you could find a logical reason what might look like favoritism in that university.
it could be that they are accommodating a religion. Now does that violate the establishment clause? Its a bit deeper than my current knowledge. While i have some thoughts one this. I am not longer able to speak with informed knowledge. If you are able to give me more info on it, i would be happy to see if there is any more knowledge i can shed. My hunch, and it is a hunch is that it is coming down to accommodating a religion, and there the question needs to be raised, does accommodating a religion violate the establishment clause? Or would not accommodating the religion result in religious hardship? Our government gives us the right to believe what we will, but that does not mean they cannot regulate our religious conduct.
If clarification is needed, i can be more specific my consulting my text books that covered this material in much more detail.
sorry for the majority of which i'm sure i put to sleep
@unashamed316@xanga - Ahh...I think we have a lawyer in the crowd!
Thank you for the information; I'm not too certain on the particulars dealing with the Christians, except that it was a peaceful gathering. As for the Muslim students, I do know more details.
The university is a public institution, and most people know that Metro-Detroit is proud to be home to the largest population of people of Middle Eastern descent outside of the Middle East (great food...great food!) The poor students at this university had no place to wash their feet but the hand sinks. Not only was this horribly dangerous for them, but people complained that they had to wash their hands after someone washed their feet.
Based upon the safety concerns, I agree completely, but of course people are complaining now that this concession was made to students of a different belief system!
I respect Muslims and other religions for having set times to pray. My Christian denomination doesn't do this...and I think when done from the heart it shows a level of respect and esteem for the god served.
@desertrose2890@xanga - You're too sweet! I have to smile also at the "savages" comments! I had a Jordanian friend a while back, and we always joked about our different heritage (I'm mostly Irish, with some other northern European ethnicities). I would say that when my ancestors were living on dirt floors and drunk on ale and beer, his ancestors were writing on every imaginable topic, creating incredible art, and exlporing the globe while drinking coffee!
Humorous, but very much the truth. The ancient Babylonians and Persians, the Chinese, Japanese...historically much more advanced then any European. Then, the people living in the jungles like the Amazon? Sure, they don't wear much clothing and live without electricity, but I was watching the Travel Channel where this American adventurer wanted to spend a week on his own... Not only was he starving, sick from some parasite he picked up in the water, being eaten alive by every insect imaginable, and suffering from some disgusting foot-fungus, but he almost got killed by a panther which finally drove him to the Indian village. One populated by well-fed, unbitten, healthy people! So, not even they can be called savages in my opinion!
In some of my readings, I learned that Islam spread throughout much of the Southern Hemisphere via trade...Middle Eastern trade. Which means the religion, if not propagated, was merely spread by contact. Shouldn't that be the way? That people see something in us that makes them wonder and ask?
It's also interesting to read what you say about the brotherhood, which implies a sense of unity in Islam. I've often said that Christianity is divided mostly by itself. There are too many denominations that bicker and argue about truly inconsequential matters such as predestination, speaking in Tongues, female pastors! I shudder to think of the humanitarian crises in Iraq, Darfur, North Korea, etc that we aren't collectively doing enough to help. If we could only see that it's Jesus that matters, we might be able to fix a few things. But we argue...you've seen it here, I'm sure...and nothing get's done. Pathetic.
@Whistlepig@xanga - Excellent analogy!
Mark 16:15 Go into the whole world and preach the gospel, and Luke 4:18: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anoinyed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery to the blind,and to let the oppressed go free. The salvation scriptures: Rom. 9:9-10. these are my favorites Scripures to do ministry. I just need go Christians people to be in my inner circle, to help me, guide me, with my walk to the the work of the ministry. I am tired of so many haters trying to stop you from doing the work of God.