Date of Award
Spring 2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)
College
Barnett College of Ministry & Theology
Department
Department of Christian Ministries and Religion
Primary Advisor
Professor Nick Wallsteadt
Second Advisor
Dr. Melissa Archer
Third Advisor
Dr. Zachary Tackett
Abstract
The heritage of the modern missions movement (beginning in the late eighteenth century) is rooted in Western colonialism. It is the argument of this thesis that the practices of colonization have been inadvertently transferred into the praxis of short-term mission trips (which have become a key vessel through which missionary activity in the United States is conducted). The stance of mission trips implementing the practices of Western colonization is argued based on their assimilation and partnership throughout colonization, with examples that evidence these practices are engaged modernly. I have termed the implementation of colonial practices in modern missions as “neocolonial missions.” A reversal of the theological method of neocolonial missions is provided through the intersection of anthropological, biblical, and theological studies. Finally, I offer praxis to conduct short-term missional work that incorporates into its theological method a cultural awareness of missional history and the modern impact Western colonization has had on missions. All of this is done in hopes of de-colonizing missions from the West to bring about the deep and wide expansion of the Christian faith that is characteristic of the gospel.
Recommended Citation
Clerge, Katina V., "DE-COLONIZING WESTERN MISSIONS: A THEOLOGICAL METHOD TOWARD FAITHFUL, CHRISTIAN EXPANSION" (2021). Masters of Theological Studies. 21.
https://firescholars.seu.edu/mats/21