Missionization in the post-colonial world

Abstract

Missions and missionization have usually been associated with modern colonialism. This article argues that a re-reading of the past by means of a `productive anachronism' may show that both missions and missionization are still relevant in the post-colonial and globalized world. Drawing examples from Brazil and elsewhere it, also shows how the relations between prophetism, conversion and missionization may vary and how an emphasis on continuities may permit a very different view of global and post-colonial Christianity than that which focuses on rupture, conversion and resistances. The article also attempts a re-reading of the classical distinction between `world religions' and `local (or traditional) religions'. It argues against those who contend that globalization flows exclusively outwards from the central powers as well as the essentializing conceptions that presume a defining nucleus to each religion.

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