This book review is part of my requirement in our Ph. D. ICS course, Missional Strategies. I forgot the deadline for submission. I have to check it later.

The Book

Tucker, Ruth A. 1983. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

Summary

Ruth A. Tucker’s book provides a thorough biographical account of Christian mission history. It tells the tales of significant figures from the early church to the present, covering the evolution of missions. Additionally, movements are emphasized, along with theological and cultural difficulties. The author offered her thoughtful appraisal, recognizing the shortcomings and applauding the achievements of missionaries over time. Tucker pushes readers to reflect on the changing nature of missions and the problems facing a globalized world today, as well as to learn from the past.

Analysis and Evaluation

The book is divided into four parts. Though I find the first two parts boring at times, there are key insights in the last two parts that I appreciate the most. Tucker’s portrayal of missionaries as flawed yet dedicated individuals resonated deeply, highlighting the human side of mission work. I admire her honest examination of the mistakes and cultural missteps that have occurred.

As already mentioned above, the book’s greatest strength is its biographical approach, which brings life to the history of missions. By focusing on individuals rather than merely presenting facts and dates, Tucker allows readers to connect emotionally with the struggles and sacrifices of missionaries. The inclusion of women and lesser-known figures is particularly noteworthy, as it broadens the traditional narrative that often centers on male missionaries. Tucker does not shy away from addressing the darker sides of missions, including the impact of colonialism, cultural insensitivity, and failures that have marred the mission movement. This balanced approach gives the book credibility and depth, acknowledging that missions have been both a force for good and a source of controversy.

However, one potential weakness is the sheer breadth of the book, which at times can make it feel overwhelming. Covering such a vast timeline with so many individuals means that some stories receive only brief attention, leaving the reader wishing for more detail in certain areas. Additionally, Tucker’s writing style, while generally engaging, can occasionally become dense, particularly when dealing with theological debates or complex historical contexts.

Personal Response

Concerning key insights, I find three of them very relevant: social justice, specialization, and the use of new technologies.

Social Justice

An intriguing scenario of a world in distress, with no clear consensus as to whether Marxism or Christianity offers practical solutions, was presented in Part 3. The topic of social justice gained popularity. Identifying with the impoverished and acknowledging systemic evil are fundamental elements of this notion of justice, with the latter being regarded as its strongest point. As a result, social justice—which reflects the biblical command to care for the poor, disenfranchised, and oppressed—has emerged as a crucial element of mission strategy. This strategy entails taking part in several community development initiatives, including those related to healthcare, education, economic empowerment, and human rights activism. Missionaries are now often trained to understand systemic issues like poverty, inequality, and exploitation, and to work alongside local communities to create sustainable solutions. This shift demonstrates that missions are no longer solely about conversion but are deeply committed to transforming lives by fighting injustices that hinder human flourishing. The integration of social justice into mission work not only enhances the credibility of missionaries but also opens doors to communities that might otherwise be resistant to purely evangelistic efforts.

It is understandable for many people not only in Europe but also in developing countries to find this ideology very appealing at a time when mission work was associated with imperialism and colonialism. However, if missionaries follow this line of thinking, I think one specialization that is required is to obtain a basic understanding of economic theories particularly those provided by the Austrian school.

Specialization

Adding to the idea of specialization in missions, Tucker identified that this trend was prompted by technological, political, social, and religious challenges during the twentieth century (p. 284). Of course, she was talking about specialization in medicine, translation work, and other related fields:

The missionary specialties that became most associated with the new missionary ‘heroes’ of the mid-twentieth century were those centered around medicine, translation and linguistic work, radio, and aviation. These specialties were often closely tied to one another, all dedicated to the goal of world evangelization (p. 365).

Furthermore, a remarkable change happened in the missionary profile during the same period. Women missionaries increased in number. They were better educated and “they often brought with them a specialty – and the latest technology – to advance the gospel” (p. 285).

The Use of New Technologies

In Part 4, after describing the power shift from the West to the developing countries that calls for new mission strategies, Tucker mentioned “tentmaking” and also a similar advantage of the ‘new missionary’ in terms of their greater eagerness to use the latest technology (p. 440).

If missionaries during the middle of the 20th century utilized cutting-edge technology, in what way missionaries in the 21st century should make use of key technologies of the fourth Industrial Revolution as part of mission strategies in the increasingly interconnected world?

It is undeniable that the emergence of new technologies has revolutionized mission strategies, enabling missionaries to reach more people and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Digital tools such as social media, online platforms, and mobile apps allow for virtual discipleship, online Bible studies, and digital evangelism, making it possible to connect with individuals in restricted or hard-to-reach areas where traditional missionary presence may be impossible. Technologies like satellite communication, GPS mapping, and data analytics also aid in strategic planning, allowing mission organizations to identify unreached areas and effectively allocate resources. Furthermore, the use of technology in training local leaders and missionaries through online courses and webinars has democratized education, enabling indigenous believers to receive theological education and leadership training without leaving their home contexts. In this new era, technology serves as a powerful tool that amplifies the reach and impact of missions, breaking down geographical and cultural barriers and allowing the Gospel to transcend traditional boundaries.

Overall, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of Christian missions. Tucker’s biographical approach makes it accessible and engaging, while her critical eye ensures a balanced perspective. The book is a valuable resource for understanding the complex legacy of missions, offering both cautionary tales and inspiring examples.

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