They did it for Christ’s sake: An appraisal of the missionary movement in Africa

Abstract

Die sendingbeweging in Afrika het ’n besondere invloed op die lewe van die mense van die kontinent gehad. Die sendelinge se optrede is vroeër oorwegend positief beoordeel. Hulle opoffering om die evangelie na verafgeleë nedersettings en lande te bring is as heldedade beskou. Die huidige beoordeling is egter veel meer krities. In sommige gevalle word sendelinge selfs uitgekryt as die skurke van Afrika, verantwoordelik vir baie van die probleme wat die kontinent teister. Dit is egter noodsaaklik om hulle optrede opnuut te waardeer en die onselfsugtige opofferings wat hulle ter wille van Christus gemaak het in ag te neem. Wannneer hulle optrede op ’n verantwoordelike wyse beoordeel word, is dit duidelik dat baie van hulle deur die liefde van Christus gedring is, ten spyte van heelwat foute wat gemaak is in die proses waarin hulle Christus se heerskappy verkondig het.

The missionary movement in Africa had a profound influence on many aspects of the life of the people of the continent. Previously, the endeavours of the missionaries were largely regarded as positive. Their sacrifices in bringing the Gospel to remote villages and countries were regarded as heroic. Presently, the mood has swung to a much more critical evaluation. In some instances, they are even described as the villains of Africa, responsible for many of the problems the continent faces. A new appraisal is necessary, taking into account their selfless sacrifices for the sake of Christ. A responsible evaluation will bear in mind that many were inspired by a love for Christ, even though many mistakes were made in the process of proclaiming Christ’s Lordship.