This title offers a constructive appraisal of the relationship between secular development and Christian mission, demonstrating the opportunities and problems associated with the work of faith-based organisations. This book considers the implications, consequences, opportunities and constraints faced when mission and development endeavours coincide. This is explored from various perspectives, including that of history, theology and those involved in mission work and missionary organizations. Despite eighty percent of the world's population professing religious belief, religion has been largely excluded from consideration of those seeking to aid development in poorer countries. Moreover, the work of missionaries has often involved the provision of basic welfare services that in many parts of the world predate the interventions undertaken by 'professional' secular aid workers. Are missionaries doing development work or is development a critical aspect of mission?
This title offers a constructive appraisal of the relationship between secular development and Christian mission, demonstrating the opportunities and problems associated with the work of faith-based organisations. This book considers the implications, consequences, opportunities and constraints faced when mission and development endeavours coincide. This is explored from various perspectives, including that of history, theology and those involved in mission work and missionary organizations. Despite eighty percent of the world's population professing religious belief, religion has been largely excluded from consideration of those seeking to aid development in poorer countries. Moreover, the work of missionaries has often involved the provision of basic welfare services that in many parts of the world predate the interventions undertaken by 'professional' secular aid workers. Are missionaries doing development work or is development a critical aspect of mission?
1. Introduction: Good and God: Development and Mission Matthew Clarke Part I: History and Setting 2. Washing Our Dirty Feet: Christ and Development Jonathan Ryan 3. Christian Mission at the Crossroad of Development: Biblical and Magisterial Perspectives Jacob Kavunkal SVD Part II: Theology of Mission and Development 4. Fiji's Methodist Mission and its Role in Development through Education, Agriculture and Self-Governance in the early Twentieth Century Kirstie Close 5. God i givim ples ya long yumi (God has given us this land): The Role of the Church in Building Pacific nations Matthew Clarke 6. The God Factor: Adventism, Medical Missionaries and ‘Development' in Papua New Guinea Brad Watson Part III: Case Studies: Mission Organisations and Development 7. The Micah Mandate: An Evangelical View Steve Bradbury 8. Palms Australia: Missionaries, International Development Volunteers and Beyond: Prophetic Wisdom for Cross-Cultural Engagement Roger O'Halloran 9. Blurring Mission and Development in the Mennonite Central Committee Philip Fountain 10. UnitingWorld: Partnership for Effective Involvement in Mission including Development Kerry Enright and Vicki-Ann Ware 11. Mission and the Wane of the Secular Gerhard Hoffstaedter and Matthew Clarke Index
Constructive appraisal of the relationship between secular development and Christian mission, demonstrating the opportunities and problems associated with the work of faith-based organisations.
Matthew Clarke is Associate Professor and Head of the School of International and Political Studies, Deakin University, Australia.
'This book offers a critical but constructive analysis of the
intersection between the 'good work' of development initiatives and
the specifically mission work of Christians and Christian churches.
Using both historical and contemporary case studies, from a range
of perspectives, the book gives a thoughtful, insightful and
appreciative assessment of this intersection, and especially of the
contribution of Christians and Christian churches and mission
organizations. 'Secular' development is waking up to the
longstanding and contemporary involvement of Christians in
development initiatives, and this book is thus a timely and
down-to-earth reflection.'
*Dr Andy Hartropp, Research Tutor (Development Studies), Oxford
Centre for Mission Studies, UK*
'This collection makes a valuable contribution to understanding
developments in Christian mission and the links between mission and
development activities, mainly in the Pacific island states. The
authors write from the perspective of mission organisations
associated with a variety of denominations about theology and
practice, historical and contemporary engagement with development
activities (including service delivery, community development and
political movements), the links and distinctions between mission
and evangelism, foreign and local churches, mission organisations
and donor agencies. They claim that Christian missions make
important and positive contributions to the achievement of
development objectives but also, importantly, recognise and explore
some of the contradictions and challenges.'
*Emeritus Professor Carole Rakodi, International Development
Department, University of Birmingham Director of the Religions and
Development Research Programme (2005-2010)*
'The relationship between religious practice and community
development needs to be better understood. This collection offers
revealing and timely insights into the complex and diverse ways
that development and Christian mission have interacted over the
last century.'
*Tim Costello, Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Australia*
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