God's interpreters : the making of an American mission and an African church / by Les Switzer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Switzer, Les, author.

Contributor:

Class of 1953 Fund.

Series:

Studies in Christian mission ; 0924-9389 v. 59.

Studies in Christian mission, 0924-9389 ; volume 59

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Missions--South Africa.

Missions.

Missions--United States.

Zulu (African people)--Religion.

Zulu (African people).

Zulu (African people)--Missions.

Imperialism--Religious aspects--Christianity.

Imperialism.

KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa).

Zululand (South Africa).

Christianity.

Missions, American.

Southern Africa.

Physical Description:

xvii, 251 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, [2024]

Summary:

"This study of the pioneer mission to the Zulu people differs from others in South African mission studies by offering a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between mission and church during the formatives stages in the making of an African Christian community, both in America and in British Natal. Critical scholars continue to view the Western mission enterprise as an adjunct if not a tool of colonialism or at best a clash of cultures between white mission powerbrokers and powerless black Christian acolytes. The author argues that they were partners from the beginning, and in this endeavor the Christian identities of the missionaries as well as the Zulu were changed forever"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction : the contexts of study

Christian narratives in pre- and post-revolution America

The American Board and the evangelization of the world

Laying the foundations of an American missionary culture

The peoples of pre-colonial Natal and the first American missions in South Africa

The American Zulu mission enterprise under British colonial rule

Daily life on American mission stations and outstations

Charting a ministry for mission and church.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Class of 1953 Fund.

Other Format:

Online version: Switzer, Les. God's interpreters

ISBN:

9789004541016

9004541012

OCLC:

1380459430