The Liberal Movement and Missions

Abstract

In an article recently published in this Journal,' passing allusion was made to the relation of theological liberalism to missions. It was said that the revival of missionary spirit in Protestantism which marked the eighteenth century was within pietistical circles. For the missionary achievements of the nineteenth century, the churches described as orthodox have been almost solely responsible. The missionary problem which we face at the beginning of the twentieth century is still felt to be a problem in which conservatives mainly can be expected to take interest. Liberal ecclesiastical bodies have sustained missionary endeavor in but slight degree. The liberal element within the so-called orthodox churches has often found itself out of sympathy with the missionary policy of these churches. It has frequently been excluded from the counsels of the churches in missionary matters. It has as frequently excluded itself. Zeal for missions has been popularly regarded as one of the marks of the reactionary or else ecclesiastically minded portion of the various denominations, and one of the glories of the conservative element in the church as a whole. Hostility to missions, lack of sympathy with the aims, dissent from the methods of those eager in this propaganda have been almost a party badge of so-called liberal Christianity. These facts are in themselves interesting. They account for the aversion which many earnest supporters of missions feel toward liberalism and the anxiety with which its progress is viewed. They account for the fact that some liberals, though kindled to enthusiasm in certain efforts for the welfare of nations, as for example in medical work, education, international peace, yet would never suffer that enthusiasm to be interpreted as an interest in foreign missions.