Mission and Development: God's Work or Good Works?

Description

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 per cent of the world's population professing religious belief, religion has been largely excluded from consideration of those seeking to achieve 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?

Matthew Clarke is Associate Professor and Head of the School of International and Political Studies, Deakin University, Australia.

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 '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