Apparently, extreme missionary work has not yet gone out of style nor have the serious consequences for participating. Christian missionary Steve Campbell, a Maine native, was arrested in Brazil and now faces potential "genocide" charges after trying to spread the word of God to a remote indigenous tribe.
The Brazilian government's Indigenous Affairs Department, FUNAI, is investigating whether Campbell knowingly crossed into the southern Amazon jungle territory of the ancient and protected Hi-Merimã tribe. The contact reportedly may have occurred while Campbell was busy evangelizing a neighboring tribe with his wife and two children.
Preaching to the Wrong Choir
The Hi-Merimã is one of a few dozen isolated communities in Brazil that have largely avoided any contact with the outside world, making them particularly susceptible to modern diseases given their limited immunity. The serious charges Campbell is now facing stem from the government's aggressive efforts to protect these remaining tribes from extinction.
"If it is established in the investigation that there was an interest in making contact, using his relationship with other [tribespeople] to approach the isolated [Hi-Merimã tribe], he could be charged with the crime of genocide by deliberately exposing the safety and life of the Merimãs," explained FUNAI's general coordinator Bruno Pereira.
The Mission of a Missionary
The Greene Baptist Church, where Campbell is a member, has characterized the family's work as helping "with medical, mechanical and countless other ministry opportunities" in remote areas while also spreading the gospel to tribespeople willing to hear them out.
But critics see this as just another case of a Christian missionary going rogue and putting innocent lives in danger. After all, it was only a few months ago that another missionary was killed by members of an equally remote island tribe in the Indian Ocean. Despite being explicitly warned against contacting the hostile tribe, John Allen Chau went to their island attempting to spread the word of God. His body was never recovered.
Chau's diary made clear his belief that the importance of missionary work trumped man-made laws regarding indigenous tribes. This revelation sparked some evangelicals to label the approach "reckless and unjustifiable," while others praised Chau's faith and courage.
Proselytizing with a Side of Genocide
Both of these cases raise an all-important question of whether missionaries have any business spreading God's word in regions that have never seen the light of day. Of course, some faith leaders insist that missionary work is, by definition, bringing light to the uninitiated. Virginia's Del Ray Baptist Church pastor Garrett Kell went as far as to suggest Chau's death could be God's way of lighting a global missionary fire:
"Is it possible that God might be working to bring them the message of forgiveness for killing the missionary as well as healing from the injustice done to them generations ago? Could God be plotting a reunion of forgiveness in months, years, even centuries from now that will magnify His mercies before the world?"
Others counter that no amount of divine love will protect indigenous people (who, by the way, have their own ancient religious traditions) from contagious diseases their bodies are not equipped to fight. These critics also argue that Christian missionaries must examine the ethics and utility of forcing their religion onto others and consider the potentially disastrous ramifications of doing so.
Where do you stand?
101 comments
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Judge
Nobody died. He can not be charged with genocide, not even manslaughter, that is precrime.
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Judge
The moderators here won't approve my posts because is not in line with their believe sys. I said nothing against policies here, they violate freedom of speech
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William Waugh
Bout every six months or so somebody concludes the system is out to get them. My experience here is that colorful language may get deleted. Never have i heard of deletion due to content. Have you contacted admin directly or did you reach this conclusion all on your lonesome...........bring on the enlightened content. I got an alternative point of view response waiting in the wings.
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Judge
William, the sys is not out to get me, you presume. Was no colorful language, I'm a judge. Was not deletion of post, but not approved due to content. I didn't contact admin because now I have a law suit in hand, no point in contacting them. Spiritual forces won't let the truth out, that is what happened. You must be a moderator that read my post because you have an alternative point of view response to something that was not posted...only the moderators saw it
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William Waugh
Really you sound a bit paranoid. Im in bumfgct Kentucky. Dont moderate anything. Just have ears that hear. .....i may be wrong on this but i thought the moderator was an algorithm. If its not working properly it should be able to be tweeked as issues arise. No intent here. Just open source knowledge. Are you so shallow you would attempt to damage a positive organisation to satisfy your own interpretations. I would suggest directly contacting admin. and together chart a course forward. Im surr most times a rewording is all that is required.
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pcfield
I think you are right Judge, I had one I submitted and then double flashed into oblivion. Guess you can not bring up Native american history, even when you are a native!
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Judge
I believe the missionary acted in good faith...according to the Christian faith, he acted on the Great Commission put forth by Jesus Christ, who said in Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom WILL be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Nations means ethnic groups. That is a prophecy, WILL BE PREACHED, and no matter how we want not this to happen, it will happen, because the future is already there. People can be possessed by God, act and don't even remember what they did. If the demons can posses a person, why not God? with the person's permission of course. We are all made of many, but who is on your throne? For sure is not you the Ego. Your culture conditioned you westerners to believe that the death of the body is the end, a "bad" thing, the animal view. All religions believe in an afterlife, and in the ancient world, believe in reincarnation was also universal, you so called ministers here should know that. There is a great amount of evidence for reincarnation in the East. Christianity kind of lost that, but the Jews and some Christian groups still have it. John the Baptist was Elijah, who "came again" is the term used. So who are you to tell that God won't send those spirits of the natives back or keep them in Heaven after the death of their bodies ?Human race is degenerate because we go against the survival of the fittest, the nature, we cure disease and those people pass on their genes. As countless religious figures, philosophers and now even science tell us, this so called reality is just an ILLUSION, past, present and future are all there, and those who got enlightened, out of Plato's cave (I'm sure you saw The Matrix, it is the modern version) keep telling you that this is not the real life, it is a temporary, school like state, and the perfect, real life follows after the death of this body (avatar). Just make sure you get to the right place :) Note that the cave people label them "crazy", take that from an old soul.
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Katharina Spurling-Kaffl
Why would the minister even belief they don't know God? Isn't God everywhere and definitely to find in nature???
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pcfield
Yes, this statement is true Katharina, but there are many gods as history has taught us and many were blood-thirsty deities who wanted their followers to kill for them. Who knows for sure if they killed him because of duty or fear or purposely to keep them from outside influences. Perhaps, they have been visited by scrupulous men in the past and were damaged greatly and have sworn no other strangers shall step foot on their home.
I wonder what "America" would look like today if the Natives had done the same to those who came here on that fatal day? When acceptance and compassion was later rewarded with death and stealing of their lands. Besides being forced to live by treaties, later broken, accept a strange god, stop speaking their language, being raped and indoctrinated, then sent to live in desolate areas called "reservations" managed by the Government. Another socialist endeavor that failed bringing poverty to a new level and brought hopelessness to proud, compassionate peoples of this nation. Who's determination to get their land back, to live in freedom and yes avenge their murdered peoples. Just as the christian invaders pillaged, raped and murdered, so they in-turn followed suit. Thus the slogan, "A good Indian is a dead Indian." Why didn't the "Eye for an eye.." in the Good Book go for them too? Just saying...
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Rod Gesner
Unfortunately most of Christianity is of the opinion that Only thru Jesus can one be forgiven and allowed into heaven...( A result of the Early Orthodox Church Making this Proclamation 200 years after Jesus died; to Force All To Come to them for Saving their Souls...) This compels them to Prostelitize and Commit acts of Evangelical Afterlife Terrorism (The act of Intimidating someone to Join Your Faith by threatening them with Eternal Hellfire and Damnation) it is also a Form of Extortion as Once They have you They Tithe You as Well.. Which led to acts like "Beat the Indian' out of Displaced native Children forced to attend catholic and other Mission Schools.. as recently as the 60's n 70's in Canada... However MISSIONARY WORK CAN BE AN EDUCATION FOR THE MISSIONARY AS WELL... My grandparents were Desciples of Christ Missionaries in South Africa in the late 50's early 60's.. While They did Preach and Teach; and Fight apartheid by helping some Leave To go to university to return and Help their own people. They also Learned from the natives.. While teaching a group; My grandmother was telling a parable about a man have conflict with his Neighbour Leading to Further strife within the village.. "so the man got Down on his Knees and Prayed to God for Peace, Forgiveness and Understanding With his Neighbour'... "But Miz Smith?" Are we not ALL a Part of GOD? a man asked. She replies"Why Yes, we are all part of God".. then Should not the man get down on his knees to his Neighbour and Beg his Forgiveness and make his Peace With him? it Seems that Many spend To much time Talking to Big Daddy in the Sky; But Not Treating The Spirit in Man With Respect This is What Too Many Christains Seem to Forget.. No Matter What We Call God.. No Matter what Someone Else Believes. . Thier Soul is Equal and They and their Beliefs Should Be Treated with EQUAL Respect. As far as this Foolish mans Arrogance and Misstep into Potential Genocide? ALL Missionaries attempting to Reach out to Foreign Natives should Be required to Watch the movies "Mosquito Coast" and 'Medicine Man" with Sean Connery... Not a Happy ending for Either one; But Eye Opening as to the Results of Modern mans affects on native cultures.
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marjorieminniebelle
As a member of Cristian Belief, you must DO NO HARM, the bible is very specific.
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marjorieminniebelle
Good day..I am a missionary that has lived with indigenous cultures that still believe that a plane is a big bird. Most tribes have a very strong belief in Spirit that protects them and the world they live in. When I am a part of this culture I dress as they do, hunt as they do and live as they do without interfering with their belief system or thgeir way of life, It is pure and ancient. To see their acceptance of a fellow human being without question is incredible.I learn so much about my own spirituality, humanity and the world that has been lost to so called civilized cultures when i open my mind and lose the arrogance that you need to put a name on everything. A bird is a bird, if I can catch it I can eat it, it is just a bird. I have seen a balance between nature and man so amazing that they understand each other. The most incredible sight that I have seen is a small child sitting by a crocodile without fear, the parents knowing their child is safe. I can only explain it as a Garden of Eden on earth
They do not need to give any form of life a name, it just is. To them the great spirit makes all decisions and is in their hearts every second of every day. They live their faith. I study them because I see how much we have lost.
I was sitting by a fire after a hunt and 2 natives grabbed me and put me into a canoe, all the canoes were filled with natives and we went almost have way to a neighboring island, and all the canoes from the neighboring island did the same. Their was a space of not more between us when i figured out we were at war. My first thought was I might as well just take my chances with the sharks but hen i saw a barge leaving each island, they were tied together and the Chiefs fought if necessary to the death but the Great Spirit would decide there fate, No loss of the life of the tribes. Our Chief won after hours of fighting hand to hand, the Chief from the other tribe fell to the barge unable to get up, our Chief scratched his head, grabbed his advasary by the arm, raised him from the barge, gave him a hug and kiss. The Great Spirit decided who was right and both were worthy of life
By disturbing their belief system, you split a belief, you cause conflict, war and death. LEAVE YOUR ARROGANCE AT HOME, YOU CAUSE MORE HARM THAN GOOD
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Kazume Arakaki Martin
There are MANY indigenous people living today who question the benefits missionaries bring and have brought. In Hawai’i, you can see it plain as day, missionary descendants own large parcels of prime real estate and powerful businesses who cater to their own profits and have been taking from the local indigenous population for generations. Taking their land and culture away and instituting a religious culture that is far and away from their traditional spiritual culture, leaving many disenfranchised and powerless. I praise the Brazilian government who seek to keep these tribes isolated (as the tribes wish) and keep a zealous, onslaught of historically patronizing bullshit from decimating a belief system that has keep them alive physically and spiritually. I’m sick and tired of these evangelizing zealots who see only their way as viable, when this way has harmed most of the indigenous populations around the world.
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Steven Gulledge
Such hatred to Christians, I believe the bible. I believe it to be the word of GOD. I believe in Acts 1:8. Jesus says to share to the ends of the earth. I see people ask who's God? Well it is my GOD and your GOD. Just because you do not believe does not mean it does not exist. It is amazing how unbeliever make it a sight a GOD. Your hatred will only blind you from what is true. GOD loves you and what to know you. Instead of looking for ways to put a Christian down, look to see if there is just a little bit of true in what we say. If you want to reply and fight of this issue, don't bother. I will not be baited into a debate on what I believe. I will have a conversation with you if you need answers if you have a question. GOD bless Keep on bragging on Jesus.
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William Waugh
This is bout the way it is. When i observe a (christain) church gathering i think to myself, "What a wonderful opportunity to commune with each other that they have built. Bout time one walks up to me and opens their mouth; I'm am already gone.........ULC is not a christain group. It is pandenominational. Most here grasp the concept of, all religions celebrate a facet of the true universal reality. They all in essence describe the same one true god and no one belief system has a lock. Get over it.
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pcfield
I have noticed that there is a lot of condemnation toward Christians here, but hey where isn't there? So, yes we all should get over it and start living and speaking with understanding and love, not condemnation toward anyone or religion or belief system...that IS why we are a part of ULC right? It was created by a christian in the first place who accepted one's true heart desire to serve God in any manner they felt led without the years of schooling desired by "them", but like in all things, corruption tries to creep in and destroy anything that is called "good". Try to stop those thoughts and urging to judge, condemn in hateful speech and push your way upon another by forbidding those who are different from living and speaking their truth, with your own truth. Peace is our goal on earth is it not?
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William Waugh
I see a balance in process. Personally, I preferr not to be exposed to too much "basic" christianity. Been there done that. And plenty of mainstream churches to attach to. Espousing basic christianity here hits me as evangelism. No need to associate with an
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Paul
The perceived condemnation toward Christians is based on the idea that unless you believe as they believe, you are condemned and spiritually inferior. As a Wiccan and Pagan, I have no problem interacting, sharing and coexisting with other belief systems, but many of my most ardent Christian "friends" look down upon me and try to convert me, telling me I'm going to 'hell' (which we don't believe exist, by the way). Even among the different Christian denominations you have to admit there is an amount of animosity against each other for the same reason.
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Thomas J Horne
Corinthians 8:4-5 Our missionary brethren might want to read this section.
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GEORGE SJOSTROM
After reading this article and looking back over the time I have been with the ULC I have look back on my own missionary work that I have done here in the states where ever I have gone sharing and spreading the written word and my personal beliefs and prospective's with those willing to listen. While I do find from time to time that ULC minister are not as well received as other minister from other divisions of the christian community might be. The ULC does have its own monastery. I have yet to see anything other than a few online chats that offer anything in the way of a seminary school or schooling for the person that wants to become a practicing minister and I pray that one day that to will change here with in the ULC. Even simple on line program would be helpful something that would teach and give the student a certificate after. I feel bad for what reverend Campbell has to ordeal and wouldn't wish those type of charges on anybody. But being a Maine native my self I know from personal experience how over bearing some Mane natives can be. I'm not saying that I think he did any thing wrong intentionally nor am I taking the side of the Brazilian government in the matter. How ever I do understand the need for people to day that choose to hang on to their own religious beliefs weather they be christian or other wise. The christian belief isn't something that needs to be pushed on to other cultures and people like it was during mid evil times or as it was when during the early 1900's. it's something that should be shared with out obligation. when people meet me and find out that I'm a minister I to get that look we all get but that changes when they find out that were ever I happen to be standing or sitting at the time I claim as my church and welcome them in to it. I believe that god puts people on my path for a reason. I have a knack for being able to carry on conversations with total strangers and when I walk away many people would think the stranger and I were long lost friends.Such as the case of a woman I met in the local piggly wiggly just yesterday. I went down one isle a met her in passing and turned the corner and started up the next isle and there she was again and again all the way through the store than at the check out she approached me from behind and said are you stocking me or something? neither of us bought much more than we probably needed but my load was a heavy one and I had to pack every thing i bought in to my back pack that i use when I go on camping trips. as I was packing it in the pack she came out of the store and offered me a ride home. I gladly excepted and put my things in her back seat and help her with her thing as she packed them in the trunk of her car. I only live a mile fro the store and while we didn't know each other I'm sure she felt special for doing the good deed she had done I felt good because I had met someone new. I may never see her again and I might but looking back on everything I know it was god that brought us together in a time of need.
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William Waugh
You are an ordained minister as of signing up. There are droves of info on ministering on the church website. ........a degree is only required when the individual offering a position requires it......go forth and do good works......let he who has ears, let him hear......remove the plank from your own eye first........you know the drill
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Keith Allver
Somebody must try to save the souls of these Pagans
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REVPastor CarolynBrusetti
ever one need to use common since wham tailing the god word . if one could cause harm than need to stop that what god what from us that the god I know he love al
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Greg
gen·o·cide Dictionary result for genocide /ˈjenəˌsīd/ noun noun: genocide; plural noun: genocides
the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nationI missed the part where the entire tribe died, if they did not die then it is not genocide, sounds like the government of Brazil is acting more ignorant then the tribe. Oh wait Brazil poisons their own water with trash and elected a so called president who ran on the platform that climate change does not exist. Face it their so called government is as much of a joke as well our current president is, and on that note, perhaps Brazil should build a wall to keep every one else out :D .
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Plarp
Sure. Because the Brazilian government isn't free to define genocide to include reckless or wanton behaviors and/or inchoate offenses.
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Walt Johnson
attempted genocide is just as bad. unless his IQ was 3 he knew what he was doing.
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Emanuel Shajhef Quinton
I'm not saying anything new here... but it should be common knowledge that before you contact any other civilization than your own you should learn about infectious diseases. It is not enough that you think you don't have any or that you have had your shots. As a military brat, before going to any country I and my family had to get all kinds of shots. Before you can even go to certain countries you have to have certain shots. You are even warned that as a non local not to even drink their water. So Why would missionaries go to places where they have not even heard of immunizations to spread the word of God? WHY? That is the same as when people intentionally spread HIV. You are are a walking bio-hazard.
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William Waugh
There is no issue that has not been encountered and addressed by Kirk Spock and Mccoy. ......and now, we have replicaters! ......for those that don't keep up with the news; high speed 3d printers using light rays on a supple medium. ........the only thing in Trek canon that should be avoided is WW3. Getting rid of Harcourt Finton Mudd,.....I mean Trump, would go a long way on that front!
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Virginia Feldman
Hasn't history taught us Christians ANYTHING??! We kill indigenous peoples when we go in, and leave---what? A religion that is as inimical to their spirits as to their bodies
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William
Regardless of your positions on religion or what one should or should not do in a religious context, the facts are you MUST respect the laws of the land, even if contrary to your beliefs or objectives...period.
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pcfield
Yep !
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Patty
I am so amazed by their negativity in almost every single item I read. I’m not even sure if this is a Christian website by the way people are talking . I’m not going to get in an argument with anyone here but here is way too much judgment. It’s like everyone saying just stay with in your little black and only talk to the people in your little black don’t go any further because only the people in your little black need help . I’m not necessarily saying it was good for him to go where he went. But the negativity whatever one wrote was off the chart.
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Kitty
I very much agree with your comment!! The average response for most stories I read here is surprisingly hostile/hateful for such a community. (In my humble opinion) However, this is a community of ministry of God, and not Christians. I myself am not a Christian and also assume the same of at least a few other ministers here.
It seems to me in my experience that negativity drives change more readily in people. So it’s important and a blessing that varied opinions give opportunity for us to considering points of view outside our own.
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Plarp
This is not a Christian website. This website offers certificates to be a Jedi.
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T Kosse`
Patty When you make the statement " I’m not even sure if this is a Christian website" You seem to have forgotten that this is a multi-religion, multi-faith-, multi belief website. Just as people seem to think that the United State of America is a totally "Christian" country, it isn't and it never was a totally "Christian" country long before the foreign people came and took and claim this country in the name of their King/Queen and their God. The native population had and still have their own spiritual belief and many who came later are of a multi-religion, multi-faith-, multi belief .
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T Kosse`
This isn't England or any other country, we do not have a "STATE RELIGION" .
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Eric Peck
The man made a mistake. The comparisons to child molestation and genocide are absolutely too far. Get a grip guys, he isn't Hitler or Pol Pot.
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Plarp
While his actions as of yet do not equal Hitler or Pol Pot, characterizing them with the phrase "made a mistake" is advocacy I wish you weren't willing to give.
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Eric Peck
My advocacy is as much for him as all of us posting. If the lord forgives why don't we? If the clergy can't lead in efforts of peace, understanding and forgiveness then who can? Also: The article did not state any natives were harmed as a result of the interaction. It is my opinion that one should commit murder as a prerequisite for an accusation of genocide.
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T Kosse`
You all seem to have miss the point, It's isn't about his religious belief, but the fact that these indigenous people had very little or no contact with the people from the outside world. And therefore they would have little or no immunity to any diseases, virus or germs that this imbecilic and arrogant person would exposed these indigenous people to. And just because you all seem to think no harm no foul that we should forgive him then you are just as bad as he is. I don't care if he did it in the name god, what he did to these indigenous people was dangerous and wrong!!!!!!!!!!
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ericdpeck@gmail.com
If it were you James accused of genocide, for which the penalty has been death, I would stand up for you. The man is guilty of having a conversation and harming no one. Being vengeful about a victim-less crime is nearly as reckless as the act itself.
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Mr Lister
So forcing a religious idealogy rather than a political ideology is not equal? Some would agree, but, based on the intention, at its most fundamental it is not. The idea of "believe as I believe or you will suffer" is abhorrent.
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Ed Selby
Brazil is 65% Catholic. The Catholic church has a deep tradition of mission work. I would be willing to bet that this tribe has, at one time or another, heard the Christian message and reached their own conclusions. This guy has the hubris to think his particular rendition of his particular belief is "better" than what the Catholic church brought, and what this tribe believes. I think what he did is pure arrogance, pride, and perverse colonialism.
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Plarp
Exactly.
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Joy
Christian missionaries have damaged every single indigenous population they have ever come across. It's time to stop. They want to do good? Then how about help education and hunger in our own darn country then!
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pcfield
I would like to see more done in our own country's communities look at what has happened from neglect by Christian churches. I have witnessed and read about some christian missionaries doing good toward others here and abroad and the opposite by the Catholic domination of other cultures, forcing them to change their "heathen ways" etc. with the approval of the government or ruler at the time. "For the salvation of their souls!" equaled a type of slavery and indoctrination into the new world order and religion. Much like it seems to be headed today...
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pcfield
I can only say it would be nice to have more of them do so here in the poor and disadvantaged communities instead of out of country. I am not able to say anymore I am being censored.
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Gavin Simpson
Is all the hatred on display in these comments really neccessary? If you are so quick to judge, how are you any different to the people or persons you so are judging?
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Jen
One person's hatred is another person's respectful and rational thinking, apparently...
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pcfield
You are so right! The "beast" of mankind really comes out in these areas of supposed conversations or comments. Negativity first, sensibility, compassion, understanding maybe someday? Perhaps fear of what IS Truth, is the main drive in these matters, it has been so from the beginning of time and in time, all will be known. Did we live in love or in judgement, peace or hatred, did we kill someone physically, emotionally or even by ruining their reputation with true or false witness? Whatever we choose to say or do affects more than just us personally. It vibrates throughout the earth and universe as a positive or negative energy, which do we want to create and live?
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pcfield
Whatever the motive of missionaries or anyone wanting to share their spiritual experiences with others is only truly known by themselves and the "God" of the universe, however one wants to or not identify by name. All choices have a consequence to pay. Judgement brings on judgement, forgiveness brings forgiveness, love brings love and example brings those who wish to copy/follow whether for good or evil. Negative energy spreads as fast as positive energy. We should choose wisely for the well-being of all in our Universe and beyond.
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redwolfuss
I agree with everyone here, what gives the missionaries their belief should be forced on these tribes and expose them to something they have avoided for years? Yet the discussion isn't mentioning the reality of these tribes...How did anyone know how to reach authorities to charge this person with contact? Do they have a telephone? If there is no contact with outsiders, how did he get arrested for something such as making contact?
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Lori
Good question. How ever it went down, I'm glad it did. People on a self-righteous mission are almost always wearing blinders. They see nothing but what has been drummed into their heads by previous generations that have been marching to the same tune. It's a very sad thing.
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Kitty
I imagine like we have trained forest rangers dedicated to keeping watch over our protected lands and handling business pertaining to such, Brizil would do something similar.
It would likely be similar to an orthodox Amish community deciding on a representative to contact and engage with society for dramatic needs outside their independent religious cultures untill the issue was resolved.
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Carl Elfstrom
Many of them see and hear God talking to them, but later realize it was just an acid trip ( and not a very good one ).
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Philip Ryan
Recklessly endangering the lives of others is morally reprehensible and it is a criminal offence in most countries for good reason. I suspect that much of this kind of evangelising has more to do with serving their own ego than any mission to preach The Word. Are they really serving their God, or do they really just want to obtain a position of privilege and power that serves only themselves? What strikes me as odd is how missionaries are keen to go to the underdeveloped parts of the world when there are many people, right on their own doorstep who are crying out for help and assistance. Perhaps giving practical aid to the poor and homeless isn't fashionable enough for them?
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hsw
“Missionaries” are people who meddle in the affairs of cultures they have been taught are inferior to their own. Different is not inferior. Someday maybe they’ll get that.
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Maiane santo santos
What a great context, i have never looked at it that way, interesting.
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John Owens
I wish missionaries would stay at home and tend to their own neighborhoods. I really am not crazy about do-gooders who go out looking for good to do. There are needy people at home. I helped one yesterday. I don't have to go to the Amazon or Borneo or Sumatra to help people.
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Carl Elfstrom
I often go to Amazon when I'm not on this site. I'm always busy looking over and revising my saved for later list.
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John Owens
I can't go there. Too much stuff. I can't get anything else done. It's worse than Walmart.
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Vicki Wiley
Nothing is worse than walmart.
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John Owens
LOL!
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Rev. Dr. Gordon Francis Blaney Jr.
I don’t agree with his actions or his words. While it’s important to spread the word of God to Christians, it’s also important to have respect and love for your neighbors. It’s not respectful or loving to expose your neighbor to a potentially dangerous or deadly situation all in the name of God. And while it’s righteous to offer psychological and physiological aid, it’s never righteous to minister for the sake of conversion; it’s a wonderful spiritual act to exchange religious or spiritual testimonies, but you shouldn’t go in with an attitude of you’re right and they’re wrong. It’s God’s, according to Christian dogma, right to judge the living and the dead.
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Greg Luciano
Dr. A most thoughtful post. And I agree with you. Also, there is enough hate , vitriol and disdain running through the fabric of our country. I don’t think we need to add to it, however “right “ we think we are.
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Ricky Dingman
THIS!!! So much THIS!!!. Christianity is NOT about judging others and SO MANY churches teach this kind of behavior.
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pcfield
I think it is because of miss-interpretation of where it is written about Christians of Christians, not non-believers. Christians are supposed to judge each other in that their words apply to their works/actions. "...For you shall know them by their works..."
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William Waugh
You know, I really cant get my head wrapped around a bunch of "missionaries" that dont know better. And take medical precautions. Are they that dense. What colleges did they graduate from. .........what fygking high school?
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Carl Elfstrom
I even knew one Evangelical missionary who used to sometimes take her hands off the wheel, raise them up, and talk in tongues while driving down the street in her "church" van. Of course, her husband was an internist, and made plenty of money to keep replacing them, when her god, who was driving, caused her to have a wreck.
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Kitty
Perhaps the tongues driver you knew was the indigenous invavader’s sister....
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SeekerOfTruth
How many vans? She should praise 'Him', who saved her:
That would be Nils Bohlin, the Swedish engineer and inventor responsible for the three-point lap and shoulder seatbelt, considered one of the most important innovations in automobile safety.
At the time of Bohlin’s death in September 2002, Volvo estimated that the seat belt had saved more than one million lives in the four decades since it was introduced. In the US alone, it saves about 11,000 people a year.
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T Kosse`
He may be able to replace her or someone car or property, but no amount of money on this earth can replace or give some his / her or their life back if she were to kill some one, while she is recklessly / dangerously speaking in tongue while driving. If he and she think god is going to protect them and other innocent people. Then they are are completely and totally delusional should have both their driver's license revoked for life.
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Catherine Ohrin-Greipp MSW
The arrogance of Christian missionaries toward indigenous peoples in the Americas, who believe that only their view of "god" is the correct one is totally ignorant, disgusting and o course, historical. What makes them believe that indigenous people don't have spiritual belief systems? Stay away missionaries, you do us no favors.We have had it with your kind of religion and hypocrisy. These folks need to clean up their own acts before they invade others homes.
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Shudo Yakushin
Well said. Thank you.
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ET
This is no different than molesting a child or developmentally disabled person...innocent individuals. Missionaries are choosing a disruptive and dangerous path.
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Maiane santo santos
Spreading gods word, whose god? Not these people, these self serving people should give their heads a shake, do they really think their message is important to anyone, especially a group that has remained anonymous for a thousand years.
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Lionheart
He obviously needs psychological help like millions of others, but sadly it won’t be offered to him, and if it was he wouldn’t accept it.
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Carl Elfstrom
Just another schizophrenic having delusions of grandeur. I think the Blues Brothers put it best when they said "We're on a mission from God." I think I've seen that guy in meetings. He must be having a relapse. There's no telling what he's on.
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Eloise
I agree
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John Owens
I don't understand why these false prophets can't leave the heathens alone.
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Eloise
They are not heathens.
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warjna
@Rloise With all due respect: Dictionary.com defines heathen as "(in historical contexts) an individual of a people that do not acknowledge the God of the Bible; a person who is neither a Jew, Christian, nor Muslim; a pagan." By that definition, the Hi-Merima are heathens.
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Dave
As an individual who doesn't acknowledge the God of the Bible and am neither a Jew, Christian, nor Muslim, but not an individual of a people who are all heathens, I have no problem calling myself a heathen. It's good to be the King!
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Eddie Simmers
How can you say that? If no one know them, how can you make a judgement call on what they believe or what the practice? Just because they chose to live the way they do does not mean that they do not Worship God in their way. “Everyone must work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.”
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Ed Selby
Proud ass heathens, check in!
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James Henne
YO!!!!
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John Komorowski
Present!
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Sylvi Sterling
Lofið Odhinn og Freijah!
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John Owens
Obviously he thought they were, or they would not have "needed" his evangelizing.
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Dan Atatakai
To preach, a.k.a. forcing one's beliefs on another, is, imho, dishonest as well as unethical.
These folks have chosen to be isolated. Why don't these "evangelist missionaries" respect their wishes?
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William C Millhouse
As it is willed. So it is done
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Tom B
Dan...agreed...Peace...Tom
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JASON D BENDER
Meh...
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Rev. Rene
Mr. Bender, hardly Meh!!! Maybe a smallpox epidemic? Or any other so-called western civilized diseases would bring them the so-called word of God??? Perhaps this man of God can inject some syphillis? There is a real danger to these people, a danger of being subjected to " missionaries" who wish to "bring the word of God" to people who live in what amounts to another world. Think first, and then consider why the local governments put the areas and peoples out of bounds!!!
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Cindy Murten
Amen.
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Billy J Brown
Well said. Romans 13:1-2 says: "Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow." Laws in other countries are not made to be broken. Look at how many Native Americans died after first contact.
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Wesley Atkinson
If he really wants to help these tribes, he would have asked for permission and gone through whatever steps the local governments require. Sure it may take awhile, but they've waited this long, what's a few more months/years? He could have at least taken some precautions: wear a hazmat or thoroughly disinfect a bible or use a proxy.
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Stella
Excellent! I hope Brazil stands firm and maintains the charges against this zealot for genocide sending a strong message to all “missionaries.” These people need to mind their own business and leave native peoples alone. They seem to have no problem allowing their “god” beliefs to kill people. That is genocide of not only the people but their culture and language as well.
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altrsfrm2012
What an idiot! Obviously had no clue about peoples immune system. It's repeating itself, when missionaries came to the Native Americans and spread disease, that they had no defense against. The guy should be taken out of the gene pool, all together.
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In this case this man was trying to explain himself about the Lord our God. If he did not let them know he was going to preach to them Then he is in violation of there human rights. Number 1. Never mess with human rights, # 2 A person must have total respect for a Different culture, # 3 Always present yourself as a very modest person and respect all others ways that are with good intentions. God Bless you all and stay Godly. Just to let you know this does not seem to be anything like Genocide at all. That is my opinion on that.
It is written that Jesus told his disciples to be all things to all people, to gently share the gospel and show it by their words and deeds. Then they may believe if not by words only, but by deeds too.