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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 138 min read

Do Christian Missionaries Impose Their Culture on Others?

Historical Context of Missionary Work


The history of Christian missions is a complex and multifaceted narrative spanning centuries and continents. Early missionaries' efforts were driven by the Great Commission, where Jesus instructed His disciples to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This mandate has inspired countless Christians to spread the gospel message worldwide.


However, the historical context of missionary work also reveals instances where cultural imposition occurred. In the early centuries, as Christianity spread through the Roman Empire and beyond, it often encountered and sometimes clashed with local customs and traditions. The Apostles themselves faced such challenges, as seen in Acts 15 and Galatians 2, where early church leaders debated the imposition of Jewish customs on Gentile converts. These biblical accounts highlight the need for sensitivity and respect for cultural differences in the missionary endeavor. However, I will repeat the following a few times for a repetition for emphasis. We respect customs and cultures, but we do not in any way accept any into the Christian faith that clashes with the Word of God. We do not water down the Word of God to align it with customs and cultures. Rather, customs and cultures must adhere to God's Word.



The Challenge of Cultural Sensitivity


Christian missionaries, by necessity, bring their own cultural backgrounds with them. This can lead to unintentional cultural imposition if not carefully managed. The early church addressed these issues directly. In Acts 15:19, James advised, "Therefore, in my judgment, we should not trouble those among the Gentiles who turn to God." This principle underscores the importance of not imposing unnecessary cultural burdens on new believers. We note, however, in the very next verse (15:20) that they were Scriptural requirements, "but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood." We do not water down the Word of God to align it with customs and cultures. Rather, customs and cultures must adhere to God's Word.


Despite this biblical guidance, the history of missions includes examples where missionaries were seen as imposing Western culture. These actions have sometimes led to accusations that missions served as a prelude to colonialism and cultural domination. Critics argue that missionaries weakened native cultures, paving the way for Western economic and political exploitation. While there is some truth to these claims, it is important to recognize the diversity of missionary experiences and the intentions behind their work.


Examples of Respect and Cultural Preservation


Contrary to the stereotype of missionaries as cultural imperialists, many missionaries have demonstrated profound respect for local cultures. Henry Venn, a 19th-century missionary strategist, emphasized that the "marked national characteristics" of the church would be its "perfection and glory." This vision encouraged the development of indigenous churches that retained their cultural identity while embracing the Christian faith. Again, we do not water down the Word of God to align it with customs and cultures. Rather, customs and cultures must adhere to God's Word.


Missionaries have often been at the forefront of linguistic and cultural preservation. For example, James Legge and Robert Morrison dedicated themselves to studying Chinese culture and language, producing works that respected and preserved local traditions. Similarly, William Carey, known as the father of modern missions, translated the Bible into several Indian languages and worked tirelessly to promote education and social reform in India.


In Latin America, José de Acosta documented the cultures and languages of indigenous peoples, while in Africa, Jacob Grigg and John Smith played crucial roles in preserving local languages and customs. These efforts highlight the significant contributions of missionaries to cultural preservation and the respect they often showed for the peoples they served.



Addressing Misconceptions and Stereotypes


The stereotype of missionaries as cultural imperialists is not only factually inaccurate but also unjust to the diverse and complex history of missions. While some missionaries may have inadvertently imposed their culture, many others have worked to respect and preserve the cultures they encountered.


It is also important to recognize that the stereotype of Christianity as a Western religion is outdated. The centers of gravity for Christianity have shifted significantly over the past century. Today, the largest and fastest-growing Christian populations are in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This shift reflects the global nature of Christianity and the indigenization of the faith in diverse cultural contexts.


The narrative that native cultures were easily overpowered by Western influence is also misleading. Indigenous cultures often demonstrated resilience and adaptability, incorporating elements of Christianity into their own cultural frameworks. The history of missions includes stories of mutual influence and cultural exchange rather than simple domination.



Biblical Principles for Missionary Work


The New Testament provides clear guidelines for missionary work, emphasizing respect for local cultures and the importance of voluntary conversion. Jesus’ approach to ministry was marked by compassion and respect for individuals' cultural backgrounds. He often engaged with people from different cultural and religious contexts, such as the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) and the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). However, Jesus never watered down the Word of God to align it with customs and cultures. Rather, customs and cultures must adhere to God's Word.


Paul's missionary journeys also provide a model for cultural sensitivity. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul states, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." This approach highlights the importance of biblically grounded adaptability and respect for cultural differences in missionary work. We know that Paul respected customs and cultures, but he did not in any way accept any into the Christian faith that clashes with the Word of God. We do not water down the Word of God to align it with customs and cultures. Rather, customs and cultures must adhere to God's Word.


The early church's decision at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) to refrain from imposing Jewish customs on Gentile converts further underscores the principle of cultural sensitivity. The Apostles recognized that the gospel message transcends cultural boundaries and that imposing unnecessary cultural burdens on new believers was contrary to the spirit of the gospel.


The Ethics of Evangelism


Ethical evangelism respects the autonomy and cultural identity of the individuals being evangelized. The methods of evangelism should align with the principles of love, respect, and voluntary conversion. Forced conversions or using material incentives to entice conversions are contrary to the ethical standards set by Scripture.


In modern times, ethical evangelism involves building relationships and engaging in meaningful dialogue with people from different cultural backgrounds. It means sharing the gospel in a way that respects and honors their cultural identity while presenting the transformative message of Christ.


The Role of Education and Social Services


Many missionaries have contributed to the betterment of the societies they served through education and social services. Mission schools, hospitals, and social programs have played significant roles in improving the quality of life for countless individuals around the world.


For instance, the educational work of missionaries like Mary Slessor in Africa and Amy Carmichael in India provided opportunities for many who were marginalized or oppressed. These efforts often went hand-in-hand with evangelism, demonstrating the holistic nature of the gospel that addresses both spiritual and physical needs.



The Danger of Contextualization


Contextualization is the process of presenting the gospel in a way that is meaningful and relevant to a particular cultural context. This involves understanding and respecting the cultural norms and values of the people being evangelized. While this sounds kind, respectful, and considerate, it is also dangerous. We do not bend God or his Word to mold them to fit the customs and cultures of people. If their customs and cultures are at odds with the Bible, it is the customs and cultures that must mold to the word of God. For example, some customs and cultures around the world allow for multiple wives, that is, polygamy. This is unbiblical and not acceptable.


Effective missionaries learn contextualization by learning the local language, customs, and worldview. They seek to present the gospel in ways that resonate with the cultural context while remaining faithful to the message of the Bible. This approach helps to prevent the imposition of foreign cultural elements, avoids violating God's Word, and allows the gospel to take root in diverse cultural soils.


The Impact of Indigenous Leadership


The development of indigenous leadership is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the church in any cultural context. Missionaries who prioritize the training and empowerment of local leaders help ensure that the church remains culturally relevant, biblically grounded, and self-sustaining.


Indigenous leaders are better equipped to navigate the cultural nuances of their communities and to present the gospel in ways that are meaningful and relatable, as well as biblically correct. The success of missions in many parts of the world can be attributed to the effective training and support of local leaders who have taken ownership of the missionary endeavor.



Responding to Criticisms Fairly


While it is important to acknowledge the mistakes and missteps of missionaries in the past, it is equally important to recognize the positive contributions they have made. Constructive criticism of missionary methods should be informed and fair, avoiding the pitfalls of stereotypes and caricatures.


Critics should consider the diverse motivations and actions of missionaries, as well as the complex historical contexts in which they operated. By doing so, we can have a more balanced and nuanced understanding of the history of missions and the ongoing efforts to share the gospel with all nations.


Evangelizing in Modern Times


True Christians today continue the tradition of evangelism, striving to fulfill the Great Commission in a manner that respects cultural differences and promotes voluntary conversion. The goal of evangelism is not to impose a particular culture but to share the transformative message of Christ in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all people. We respect customs and cultures, but we do not in any way accept any into the Christian faith that clashes with the Word of God. We do not water down the Word of God to align it with customs and cultures. Rather, customs and cultures must adhere to God's Word.


The UASV Bible translation, for example, seeks to provide an accurate and literal translation of the Scriptures that can be used in diverse cultural contexts. This approach aligns with the principle of presenting the gospel clearly and faithfully, allowing it to speak to people in their own cultural and linguistic context.



Conclusion


Christian missionaries, both past and present, face the challenge of sharing the gospel in a way that respects and honors the cultural identities of the people they serve. While there have been instances of cultural imposition, many missionaries have demonstrated a profound respect for local cultures and have contributed significantly to their preservation and flourishing.


By following biblical principles and being aware of cultural sensitivity, modern missionaries can continue to share the gospel effectively, building on the positive legacy of those who have gone before them. The goal is to present the message of Christ in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all people, allowing them to respond freely and voluntarily to the good news.


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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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