From Colonies to the World: The History of American Religious Missions and Missionaries

This book traces the development of American religious missions from the colonial period to the modern era, offering a comprehensive exploration of the figures, movements, and cultural contexts that shaped the missionary enterprise. Through detailed historical analysis and vivid biographical sketches, the book examines how the American commitment to spreading the Christian faith evolved over time, adapting to new cultural and geopolitical landscapes. The narrative begins with the efforts of early missionaries like John Eliot, who sought to bring the gospel to Native American tribes in New England, and continues through the rise of the Great Awakenings, which fueled a surge in missionary zeal across the expanding American frontier. The book then delves into the 19th-century overseas missions that sent American Protestants and Catholics to the far reaches of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, highlighting figures like Adoniram Judson, the first American Baptist missionary in Burma, and Lottie Moon, whose advocacy reshaped Southern Baptist missions in China. As the story progresses into the 20th century, the focus shifts to the influence of the Cold War, decolonization, and the Second Vatican Council on global missionary efforts. The book explores how missionaries navigated the challenges of changing political climates, engaged in interfaith dialogue, and adapted their strategies to respect and collaborate with indigenous cultures. It also addresses the rise of indigenous Christian movements within the United States, emphasizing the shift towards empowering local leaders and fostering self-sustaining churches. Biographical chapters provide an in-depth look at influential missionaries, such as Mother Katharine Drexel, who dedicated her life and resources to the education of Native American and African American communities, and Francis Xavier Ford, whose martyrdom in Communist China symbolizes the trials faced by missionaries in hostile environments. The lives of these figures are woven into the broader history of American missions, illustrating their personal sacrifices, theological reflections, and the enduring impact of their work. The book also considers the role of American missions in the context of the global church, including the rise of the Global South as a center of Christian growth and the increasing use of digital platforms for evangelism. It highlights contemporary challenges such as religious pluralism, cultural sensitivity, and the need for a holistic approach that addresses both spiritual and social needs. Ultimately, From Colonies to the World presents the story of American missions as one of transformation and adaptation, where the desire to share the Christian faith has continually evolved in response to the complexities of an interconnected world. It invites readers to reflect on the legacy of these efforts, acknowledging both the achievements and the struggles of those who sought to fulfill the Great Commission. This exploration offers a nuanced understanding of how American religious missions have shaped, and been shaped by, the diverse societies they sought to reach, leaving a legacy that continues to influence global Christianity today.