The Protestant missionary movements have for some time come under severe criticism. Writing from a Namibian perspective, Brendell and Prill demonstrate that the overall picture painted by the critics is often harsh. Most Protestant missionaries were driven by compassion for people who needed to hear the Christian Gospel. Of course, that does not mean that they were faultless. Their zeal for the mission of the Church did not prevent missionaries from making serious mistakes. One of these mistakes was the practice of paternalism, as the example of the Rhenish Missionary Society shows.
Table of Contents
- The Rhenish Missionary Society and the Formation of the Rhenish Church in Namibia (Anthony Brendell)
- Protestant Missionaries and Colonialism in Sub-Saharan Africa (Thorsten Prill)
Objectives and Key Themes
This book aims to provide a more nuanced perspective on the role of Protestant missionaries in Africa, particularly in Namibia, challenging overly critical narratives. It examines the motivations, successes, and failures of missionary work, focusing on the Rhenish Missionary Society and its impact on the formation of the Rhenish Church in Namibia.
- Missionary motivations and their complexities
- The relationship between missionary work and colonialism
- The impact of missionary paternalism on the development of the Namibian church
- The successes and failures of missionary endeavors in Namibia
- A balanced perspective on the legacy of Protestant missions in Africa
Chapter Summaries
The Rhenish Missionary Society and the Formation of the Rhenish Church in Namibia: This chapter delves into the history of the Rhenish Missionary Society's involvement in Namibia, tracing its influence on the establishment and development of the Rhenish Church. It examines the Society's methods, the challenges faced, and the eventual emergence of an independent Namibian church. The chapter likely explores the interplay between missionary objectives and the socio-political context of colonial Namibia, analyzing the successes and failures of the Rhenish mission in fostering a self-governing church structure. It will probably highlight key figures and events, showcasing the complexities of missionary work and its lasting impact on Namibian religious life.
Protestant Missionaries and Colonialism in Sub-Saharan Africa: This chapter offers a broad overview of the relationship between Protestant missionary activities and colonialism in Sub-Saharan Africa. It likely explores the diverse motivations of missionaries, ranging from religious zeal to broader imperial agendas, and examines the ways in which missionary work intertwined with and sometimes facilitated colonial expansion. The chapter will probably analyze critical perspectives that highlight the negative consequences of missionary actions, such as the disruption of indigenous cultures and the support of colonial power structures. However, it is also expected to present a more balanced view, considering the positive contributions of missionaries and the complexities of their legacy in the region. The analysis will probably encompass various case studies and perspectives to present a comprehensive understanding of this intricate historical relationship.
Keywords
Rhenish Missionary Society, Namibian Church History, Protestant Missions, Colonialism, Paternalism, Missionary Motives, African Christianity, Church Independence, Religious Transformation, Colonial Influence.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main focus of this book preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of a book exploring the complex relationship between Protestant missionaries, particularly the Rhenish Missionary Society, and the development of the Namibian church within the context of colonialism in Sub-Saharan Africa. It challenges overly simplistic narratives and aims for a balanced perspective.
What topics are covered in the book?
The book delves into the motivations, successes, and failures of missionary work in Namibia. It examines the Rhenish Missionary Society's role in forming the Rhenish Church, exploring the interplay between missionary objectives and the socio-political landscape of colonial Namibia. It also offers a broader perspective on the relationship between Protestant missions and colonialism across Sub-Saharan Africa.
What are the key themes explored in the book?
Key themes include the complexities of missionary motivations, the relationship between missionary work and colonialism, the impact of missionary paternalism on the Namibian church's development, the successes and failures of missionary endeavors in Namibia, and a balanced assessment of the legacy of Protestant missions in Africa.
What chapters are included in the book, and what do they cover?
The preview highlights two chapters: "The Rhenish Missionary Society and the Formation of the Rhenish Church in Namibia" focuses on the Rhenish Missionary Society's history in Namibia, its influence on the Rhenish Church's establishment and development, and the interplay between missionary goals and the colonial context. "Protestant Missionaries and Colonialism in Sub-Saharan Africa" provides a broader overview of the relationship between Protestant missionary activities and colonialism across Sub-Saharan Africa, exploring diverse motivations and the complex interplay between missionary work and colonial expansion.
What keywords best describe the book's content?
Keywords include: Rhenish Missionary Society, Namibian Church History, Protestant Missions, Colonialism, Paternalism, Missionary Motives, African Christianity, Church Independence, Religious Transformation, Colonial Influence.
What is the overall objective of the book?
The book aims to provide a more nuanced and balanced perspective on the role of Protestant missionaries in Africa, challenging overly critical narratives by examining both the positive and negative consequences of their actions and their lasting impact on the development of African Christianity.
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- Dr. Thorsten Prill (Autor:in), Anthony Brendell (Autor:in), 2019, Themes in African Church History. Missionary Motives, Merits and Mistakes, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/504860
