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Positioning Missionaries in Development Studies, Policy, and Practice

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  • Smith, Jonathan D.

Abstract

This article diagnoses major causes of the uncomfortable relationship between missionaries and development scholars and practitioners, and it proposes new ways to clarify the relationship through shared reflection on sacred influences that shape global development. In the past fifteen years the turn to religion in development studies has altered how development scholars and practitioners perceive religious actors, opening up possibilities for renewed partnership. Yet the turn to religion in development has mostly disregarded missionaries. This oversight is partly due to the complicated historical relationship between Western Christian missionaries and development workers. Although missionaries have long participated in the work of development, present-day missionaries remain associated with coercive proselytization, or they are overlooked in literature on religion and development.

Suggested Citation

  • Smith, Jonathan D., 2017. "Positioning Missionaries in Development Studies, Policy, and Practice," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 63-76.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:90:y:2017:i:c:p:63-76
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2016.08.016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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