Going: where God is at work

Colonialism

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Boun giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on the journey. I’m your host, Jesse Pauly, a mission leader serving in Rome, and I’m here with Alessandro Di Leonardo, church planter in Cisterna di Latina, and Jenn Williamson, our missiologist who lives and works in Lyon.

Summary

The conversation explores the topic of missionaries and colonialism, discussing the ways in which missionary efforts were intertwined with the tragedy of colonialism. The hosts share personal experiences of adapting to different cultures and preferences. They also discuss the negative aspects of colonialism and the challenges of separating individual missionaries from the larger institutional efforts. The conversation highlights the need for nuance and acknowledges that missionary efforts were not always aligned with the true message of the gospel. The hosts also mention the importance of understanding historical context and the complexities of missionary work. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of contextualizing the message of Christ and avoiding cultural imperialism. They explore the need for personal transformation and repentance in missionary work, as well as the importance of stewarding privilege for the benefit of all. They also address the issue of white saviorism. The conversation concludes with a reminder of the Great Commission and the importance of continuing to bring the message of Christ to the world.


Takeaways

  • Missionary efforts were often enmeshed with the tragedy of colonialism, with the church and royalty collaborating to evangelize conquered lands.
  • Not all missionaries were colonizers, and some even stood up against hostile colonial governments to protect local communities.
  • It is important to differentiate between individual missionaries and the larger institutional efforts, as well as to consider historical context and the complexities of missionary work.
  • The conversation highlights the need for nuance and the recognition that missionary efforts were not always aligned with the true message of the gospel. Contextualizing the message of Christ requires understanding and speaking the language of the culture, without imposing one's own cultural norms.
  • Missionaries must be willing to undergo personal transformation and repentance, recognizing and addressing their own biases and prejudices.
  • Stewarding privilege involves using one's resources and influence for the benefit of others, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.
  • White saviorism perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the agency and dignity of those being served.
  • The younger generation is questioning the value and impact of missions, and it is important for missionaries to listen to their concerns and seek ways to repent and make reparations.
  • The Great Commission remains a call for all believers to bring the message of Christ to the world, despite the failures and mistakes of the past.


    • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Cultural Adaptation

    09:06 Transition to the Topic of Missionaries and Colonialism

    21:52 Contextualizing Christ: Speaking the Language of the Culture

    23:01 Personal Transformation and Repentance in Missionary Work

    25:07 Stewarding Privilege: Using Resources for the Benefit of All

    29:46 Challenging White Saviorism: Recognizing Dignity and Agency

    43:37 The Great Commission: Continuing to Bring the Message of Christ



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    Going: where God is at workBy Alessandro, Jenn, Jesse