Editor’s note: The following post arises from small group reflections from The Rise of Global Christianity, 1910–2010, taught by Dr. Todd Johnson at Boston University in the Fall of 2010. Led by doctoral students, the small groups discussed lectures given by Christian scholars in various disciplines, including significant changes that have occurred in global Christianity over the past 100 years.
On December 1, 2010, our class had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Dana Robert of BUSTH to lecture on Christian missions over the past 100 years. Dr. Robert focused on the concept of mission frontiers; not just in the sense of new places where missionaries have reached, but defined mission itself as a global frontier movement.
Our post-lecture small group was generally impressed by this approach to mission history in the 20th century as it was a new idea to most of us. We reflected on how useful the term “frontier” is; not simply in a mission context, but in anything that is in continual forward-motion. Dr. Robert highlighted how the usage of the term gradually morphed over the course of the 100 years; we found this ongoing redefinition of the term to be beneficial in understanding the dynamics and history of recent Christian mission.
As perhaps an extension of the frontiers discussion, one group member mentioned a recent article in Christianity Today that discussed dynamics of power and authority. Historically, it has been the power class—those in control—who had the privilege of writing history, often at the expense of the marginal voice. Now, however, the marginalized are increasingly obtaining more power and authority as their opinions are being called to stand out apart from the rest. This parallels Jesus Christ’s example of listening and reaching out to the poor and estranged. This caused us to ponder: Who knows what kind of reform today’s marginalized will bring? What voices are or will be the most prominent in the 21st century frontiers?
Gina Bellofatto, discussion moderator
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