Mission and Development : God's Work or Good Works?

This title offers a constructive appraisal of the relationship between secular development and Christian mission, demonstrating the opportunities and problems associated with the work of faith-based organisations. This book considers the implications, consequences, opportunities and constraints faced when mission and development endeavours coincide. This is explored from various perspectives, including that of history, theology and those involved in mission work and missionary organizations. Despite eighty percent of the world's population professing religious belief, religion has been largely excluded from consideration of those seeking to aid development in poorer countries. Moreover, the work of missionaries has often involved the provision of basic welfare services that in many parts of the world predate the interventions undertaken by 'professional' secular aid workers. Are missionaries doing development work or is development a critical aspect of mission?