Perspective
Christian Missions and Proselytism
The disaster in Asia earlier this year brought attention to Christian missionary organizations as they came to the aid of those affected by the tsunami. In the midst of this crisis that left over 170,000 dead and countless homeless, opportunity was given to bear witness to the love, compassion and gospel of Jesus Christ.
The mainstream media could not help but note the response of the Christian community to this need. But they did so with an interesting perspective that I believe is telling of a drift in our culture. Several news articles I read subtly portrayed the point made more obvious in an interview I heard on National Public Radio (NPR)*. The subject was the role of Christian mission agencies providing relief in disaster situations. Chief Operating Officer for Catholic Relief Services, Michael Wiest, said, “It is important that there be a line drawn between providing relief assistance and promoting Christianity.” According to Wiest, it is appropriate to provide humanitarian aid as a “good work” motivated by our faith. But to communicate our faith to those served is inappropriate. He described sharing of someone’s faith as proselytism.
NPR reporter, Bryan Naylor, says the witnessing relief agencies are using “lifestyle evangelism” to respond to the needs of people. If people are helped, and ask why the people are helping, they are open to sharing the Gospel. Naylor reports that some relief agencies are saying that is “inappropriate at a time when they are struggling to meet basic human needs.”
According to Webster’s dictionary, proselytize means 1. “to try to convert a person to one’s religion” or 2. “to persuade to do or join something , especially by offering an inducement.”
Proselytism has become, almost by definition, a negative word in our vocabulary. I agree that offering inducements in order to attempt to convert someone to Christianity is unethical. It is also ineffective. Offering medical care or other relief efforts with “strings attached” is not admirable activity. But I have not seen that to be the approach in the vast majority of Christian organizations.
What the mainstream media does not understand is that a Christian’s belief is not just a philosophical stand. It is not just a membership in a church or denomination. It is a surrendering of heart, soul, will and body to Jesus Christ as Lord. And although God uses believers to present the Gospel, it is His Spirit that convicts. We do not convert someone to Christianity. We can only present the truth of the gospel, and pray for the Spirit to touch the heart.
Christian organizations do provide for the needs of the poor as an expression of their faith. Although living out a faith expressed in love for our neighbors is part of our calling and responsibility as a life of gratitude to God, being willing and prepared to share our faith verbally when we are led to those opportunities is also a Christian’s duty and privilege. Having experienced this “indescribable gift” from God, should we be inhibited or ashamed to explain this to others?
I am thankful to parents, pastors, friends and teachers who presented the Gospel unashamedly as the Truth. They mentored me partly in the way they led their lives, but they also presented in words God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. Ultimately I am thankful to God for bringing me to faith in Christ through his Spirit. And I am thankful to those, including my spouse, who have nurtured me in my faith.
I want others to come to know Christ as their Savior and Lord. I believe God has called me to participate in His plan of redemption through the Luke Society, helping our ministry partners share the gospel throughout the world in deed and word. If following this call is termed proselytism, I am guilty.
*“When Providing Aid is a Matter of Faith.” Day to Day. NPR. 17 Jan.2005
Dr. Wrede Vogel