Comments on: Missionary Arrogance

By: Solidarity in Global Mission | Dining With Sinners

Solidarity in Global Mission | Dining With Sinners — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:29:26 +0000

[...] After the horrifying earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, the arrest of ten church members on a “rescue” mission in Haiti provides churches with a sobering reminder of the need for the American church to convey a humble attitude that takes time to learn from the people they serve. [see this post for more details] [...]

By: Michael Carpenter

Michael Carpenter — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:46:24 +0000

Thanks for stopping by Craig. I appreciate your perspective on this.

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:30:48 +0000

I love that thought. How arrogant we are to assume that the people not called us want us to do it our way. Knowing many missionaries and having been on a long term mission trip to Mongolia, I can say that the ignorance of knowing a specific culture that you try to work in is paramount to whether you are successfull or not. I know God's Word doesn't return void, but have we ever thought about actually picking that Word up and reading it before we start doing God's work? I wonder what would change if we did? PRAISE GOD.

By: MichaelCarpenter

MichaelCarpenter — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:09:22 +0000

You are probably right Lewis. You should of read the first two drafts (grin).

By: docmac45

docmac45 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:59:05 +0000

Michael, good thoughts. The word arrogance might be a little strong. I would say ignorance would be better or naïve.
As one who has worked disasters in the past, compassion is needed but compassion does not substitute for wisdom.

By: Michael Carpenter

Michael Carpenter — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:56:22 +0000

Thanks for weighing in James.

By: Michael Carpenter

Michael Carpenter — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:50:18 +0000

Right

By: James

James — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:41:31 +0000

I have followed this a little bit. Which for most of us, we only have the media showing us what is the reflection of the world's thoughts on this. Yes, the missionaries did go forth without much thought of the laws…Yet, we must not forget the media has been telling us there is nothing there…the government was deserted nearly. Chaos reigns….Now the government is trying to get a handle on things. So, what the heart said, was go…rescue…do something. Not the best plan,,,but better than 300 milion other folks have done. It is simple. It is not as the missionaries expected. So, the first thing they are accused of is being a potential Child theft ring….Gee,,,give me a break !! At the most they should be sent back to America and told to go through better channels. But, it seems that the world would have a trial. Interesting response to some middle america Christians trying to do what they through was best. Wrong way – Right motives……help them rather than condemn them….help them fulfill what they saw as a act of Christian compassion. Just my thoughts.

By: Wes Sharp

Wes Sharp — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:29:11 +0000

Okay Carpenter, I’ll bite once more.
How else would American Christians treat overseas “missions” than the same way they treat local missions? If at home we are not engaging the local culture by studying, yea even embracing it and those who live in it, why should we act differently abroad? If we’re right and they need to “get right” here, surely we’re right there as well! Right?

By: Ken

Ken — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:56:18 +0000

Compassion/sharing the gospel is a privilege as well as a call. That humility can help fight the "superhero" mentality, however good-hearted it is, that breeds this type of cultural arrogance. Respect and humility in the midst of a different culture goes a lot farther for the gospel effort there.