I've seen many missionaries in action. I have the most respect for the Catholics, not because I have any great sympathy for their doctrine, but because their missionaries - in this country, at least - tend to stay for a long time, learn the language, become part of the community, and show some actual concern for the people. This is why so many are accused of being leftists.
The born-again evangelist crowd, with their shrieking, the movies, the bands, the staged "cures", the hints that converts may be sponsored for US visas (a BIG draw) are despicable.
In general, though, I would say that evangelism of any sort is evidence of religious intolerance. You can't be an evangelist unless you believe that what you believe is better than what someone else believes, and that others ought to abandon their beliefs and adopt yours. I can't see any justification for that sort of activity. Missionaries who have any concern for the people of the developing world should stick to aid work and win their converts by example. |
