Die sendeling: 'n Evaluering van die rol en betekenis van die sendeling

Abstract

The missionary, once honoured and respected, is currently criticized for their role and actions during their missionary work. The latter is often attributed to the belittling and ignoring of the culture, knowledge, and views of those under whom missionary work was accomplished. This article aims to provide an overview of the role and meaning of missionaries. The framework is to consider approaches to missionaries and also to state the author’s point of view on them. Two approaches in particular come to the fore. Crafford (1982) and Cronjé (1981)’s extensive works regarding the missionaries of the Dutch Reformed Church speak positively of the actions and influence of the former, especially in Africa. In contrast stands the point of view of Comaroff and Comaroff (1991; 1997) who, from their anthropological and postcolonial approach, make extremely critical statements about the missionaries in Africa, especially those working among the Tswana. Comaroff and Comaroff essentially view mission as control through power and question every possible aspect of the influence of mission, from cultural and religious influence to attire and architecture. The method followed here is to consider the prevailing implications of mission as presented by mission theologians. Therefore, opposing viewpoints are compared, and the author’s own viewpoint is presented. Post-colonial criticism is addressed, considered, and often answered. The conclusion is that there is still a need to take note of missionaries’ service and the spreading of the gospel and their positive influence in Africa specifically.