Missionary organizations are not only dedicated in spreading the gospels of Jesus Christ to the primitive tribes but also in directing change required in order for the tribesmen to survive through the indifference of the world. The missionaries feel sympathy toward those who are a few steps behind the modern society and thus devote their lives to assisting the tribes in primitive areas. They provide food, shelter, clothing, medicine and education in order to express their care for the tribes. While doing so, the missionaries preach the words of God and prove them through actions. Some missionaries were successful in living among the tribesmen and evangelizing them. On the other hand, some other unfortunate missionaries failed to do so and thus were expelled or killed. Nevertheless, the true, sincere hearts of the missionaries, determined to serve for human kind and for God, urge other hearts to do service toward the people who suffer and have not yet confronted with God. However, to some proportion of people, the successes of missionaries evangelizing the tribes are only seen as the destruction of the local cultures. Notwithstanding the fact that the missionaries have invested their lives for evangelism, they forced the tribes to live the way the Western society sees adequate, according to those who oppose to mission organizations. Therefore, they argue that missionaries are not preserving the traditional heritage in local areas but attempt stubbornly to convert the tribesmen into followers of God.
In my opinion, I do understand both standpoints on this issue and their foundation basis. I do see that the traditional heritage and culture of the primitive tribes had been disappearing with the missionaries appeared to them. However, the reason being is that the tribesmen have been imitating the way missionaries lived their lives in order to obtain favorable traits required for survival. In the world we live in today, tradition is maintained but not emphasized as strongly as it did in the history. It is almost visible to bare eyes that the world is becoming globalized and tradition is being put aside. We, too, allowed our cultures to be ‘destroyed.’ It is inevitable that, for survival, we acquire favorable characteristics from elsewhere. Hence, change occurs and thus our cultures and traditions are not conserved. Then, what is the point in accusing the missionaries for destroying the cultures of the tribes in the areas that we have not even heard about? After all, we, as civilized citizens, also have forgotten and disregard our own cultures. Then, why are we not blaming ourselves for destroying our own cultures? Instead of accusing and holding the missionaries accountable for destroying the cultures of the primitive tribes, it would be wise, for those who do not appreciate the work of the missionaries, to reflect upon the nature of human beings. That way, the work of the missionaries may not be accepted but will be understood.
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Jiwon,
You made a great first post. Not only did it reflect the depth you considered your response, but also it was very thought provoking.
"Then, why are we not blaming ourselves for destroying our own cultures?"
I think the reason we deny the destruction of culture that has been brought about by us is we do not want to acknowledge our faults. It is always easier to blame others than to blame ourselves. Whether or not we accept our faults, the truth still does hold true. At times, we are the reason for our own demise.
-Peter
Jiwon, I think your post is very interesting and brings a lot of controversial thoughts. I think the fact that you chose the word "destroying" is not an adequate word for this topic. I think that we can't necessarily destroy culture because culture, like you said, change as the world changes. But I don't think change necessarily equals to destruction. Yes, cultures have changed over the past, but we can still see in the world all the different and unique cultures. Korea with is perseverance, American with its freedom, and many other countries that have their own unique factors. I believe that the change that the world as a whole took was necessary but also globalization of the world made it also possible to the people see the evident fact that each and every culture is different and unique by becoming more knowledgeable about the other cultures that coexists.
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