Out of Ur’s post on missions in Japan has generated some heated commentary, led by Tony Jones.
I agree with much of the discomfort that’s been expressed in that commentary. A terrible disaster should never be thought of as an “opportunity” — much less should we seek or pray for such an “opportunity.”
Part of the problem is the “us vs. them” mindset of some kinds of missions. “This, perhaps, could be one of the ways the Lord pierces the darkness of Japan with His light,” said one mission leader from Japan. Wow — what a presumptuous and judgmental statement about Japan and its people! What a slap to the memories of the thousands of ordinary folks, families, and children, swept away by the Tsunami!
I know that the Church is better than this. We will grieve along with Japan, and send aid and workers, and, yes — share as best we can the hope that is found in Jesus Christ and pray that the Church might begin to flourish in a place where it has not historically found much purchase. We might even, in time, reflect on how God uses horrible, evil circumstances for good. But I hope we can do so as fellow human beings, motivated simply by the love of Christ.
One reply on “God and Japan?”
Hi David, found your site through Biologos.
A beautiful and much needed reminder from you here. It absolutely makes me cringe when victims of tragedies such as this one–infinitely precious in God’s sight as each of them is–are dehumanized as mere means to our theological and missional ends. “Us vs. them” thinking is a very large part of the problem, as you’ve pointed out.
How about, rather, “us together with them” working materially for the relief of those in distress and continued danger.