An Impossible Act: Juggling Evangelism and Social Justice on Missions to Eastern China
Faculty Sponsor
Timothy Clancy, Gonzaga University
Research Project Abstract
Throughout the last three hundred years, countless American Protestants have traveled abroad to spread the good news of the gospel. Specifically, many have traveled to Eastern China, facing communism and political and social issues with the intent of allowing Chinese citizens religious freedom. These missionaries have voluntarily taken on additional roles in such as doctors, board members, diplomats to promote social justice. Although they were effective social justice workers, it appears very challenging to balance being a religious missionary and promoting social justice. This is reflected by the experiences of Protestants Peter Parker, M.D. and E.C. Bridgman of the 19th century and Nina Braddock of the 21st century. Solving large social issues generally involves unpopular revolutionary work, whereas conversion involves advertising appealing and inclusive ideas. I fear that as long as Protestant Christians go on missions to eastern China, they will struggle to balance spreading their faith and combating injustice.
Session Number
SS3
Location
Weyerhaeuser 304
Abstract Number
SS3-a
An Impossible Act: Juggling Evangelism and Social Justice on Missions to Eastern China
Weyerhaeuser 304
Throughout the last three hundred years, countless American Protestants have traveled abroad to spread the good news of the gospel. Specifically, many have traveled to Eastern China, facing communism and political and social issues with the intent of allowing Chinese citizens religious freedom. These missionaries have voluntarily taken on additional roles in such as doctors, board members, diplomats to promote social justice. Although they were effective social justice workers, it appears very challenging to balance being a religious missionary and promoting social justice. This is reflected by the experiences of Protestants Peter Parker, M.D. and E.C. Bridgman of the 19th century and Nina Braddock of the 21st century. Solving large social issues generally involves unpopular revolutionary work, whereas conversion involves advertising appealing and inclusive ideas. I fear that as long as Protestant Christians go on missions to eastern China, they will struggle to balance spreading their faith and combating injustice.
