Protestant Missions and European Empires: Allies or Adversaries?

TL;DR

The relationship between Protestantism and empire is complex, with missionaries facing challenges and compromises in their efforts to spread their religion. However, the missionary awakening of the late 18th century was influenced by events such as the American Revolution and the abolitionist movement, leading to a surge in Protestant missionary societies.

Transcript

• So welcome to this final lecture in my series on the early global spread of Protestantism, and in this lecture, we're finally going to turn to look head-on at the question that I've been dancing around all year, which is, is this really a story about religion? Or one about politics? About faith or power? Well, obviously it's both, but how does th... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 The relationship between Protestantism and empire is complex, with missionaries facing challenges and compromises in their efforts to spread their religion.
• 🚂 Missionaries during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries were driven by a combination of religious, economic, and political motives.
• 😮 The American Revolution had a profound impact on Britain's overseas empire and influenced the rise of the abolitionist movement, which in turn contributed to the missionary awakening.
• ✊ Collaborations between missionaries and imperial powers often involved a delicate balance between spreading Christianity and serving imperial interests.

Questions & Answers

Q: Did Oliver Cromwell's resettlement of Protestants in Ireland have a significant impact on the conversion of the Irish population?

Cromwell's resettlement of Protestants in Ireland was not primarily motivated by religious conversion. It was more about asserting English power and control over Ireland. Religious conversion was not a central objective of the resettlement efforts.

Q: Why were Chinese deerstalkers licensed to hunt in Formosa instead of European hunters?

Chinese deerstalkers were licensed to hunt in Formosa because they were closer geographically and more familiar with the environment. It was easier to recruit skilled Chinese hunters than to bring in European hunters from a greater distance.

Q: How did the relationship between missionaries and indigenous populations reflect cultural relativity?

Missionaries generally believed that their Christian beliefs were the ultimate truth and aimed to convert indigenous populations to their faith. They often overlooked the cultural relativity of their beliefs and assumed their own superiority without questioning their knowledge of God.

Q: Why did the missionary awakening of the late 18th century coincide with the American Revolution?

The American Revolution played a significant role in reshaping Britain's overseas empire and shifting its focus to regions like India, Africa, and Asia. The loss of the American colonies prompted a reevaluation of Britain's sins and obligations, leading to the rise of the abolitionist movement and a missionary awakening.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Protestant missions in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries were driven by religious motives, economic interests, and alliances with colonial powers.

• The example of William Bedell, a missionary bishop in Ireland, highlights the strained relationship between mission and empire as he faced opposition from both sides.

• In Formosa (Taiwan), Protestants collaborated with the Dutch East India Company to spread Christianity, which was also associated with trading alliances and territorial control.

• The German missionary Christian Friedrich Schwarz worked as a military chaplain in British India, navigating the balance between imperialism and his missionary work.