6.23.2005

Missionary Positions

An article in the Bangkok Post this week detailed the expansion plans of an international school that is operating in Thailand. This one, Trinity International School, is 40% owned by a local bank, but the school is a member of the Association of Seventh-Day Adventist Schools and Colleges. According to Viroj Siriwattanakamol, the CEO of Trinity Education Co. Ltd., the school offers lower tuition fees than other Thailand-based international schools (of which there are dozens) because the “teachers are Seventh-day Adventists and willing to accept low salaries while carrying out their missionary work, which focuses on helping students achieve mental and physical balance.”

Frankly, I find the presence of such missionaries in Thailand to be more than a bit creepy. Their need – or mission - to convert the “heathens” in foreign countries such as Thailand strikes me as very perverted. Thailand is a lovely country with a peaceful vibe. Much of that serenity I attribute to the widespread practice of Buddhism among the populace. Why do so many Christian organizations feel like it’s their duty to set up operations in foreign countries in the attempt to convert others to Christianity? They seem to believe that they have some sort of monopoly on faith, charity, forgiveness and morality. I don’t think so!

The other disturbing aspect of this sort of missionary work is that it usually comes with stipulations. If Christians come over here to help underprivileged people out of the kindness of their heart, that is wonderful. But when they build schools for communities or provide food and medicine to the poor under the condition that the recipients must accept Christ as their savior (and repent from their previous “immoral” lifestyle), well, that’s when I think these seemingly sincere acts of generosity have suspect motivation.

5 comments:

John in Atlanta said...

Christianity, in it's pure form, can be a beautiful thing. Just like Buddhism and Islam. Unfortunately Christianity has been bastardized and is now something to be scorned and, yes, feared. Especially the form it has taken with the religious right in America. The Christianity they practice has very little to do with the teachings of Christ and everything to do with pure evil.

John in Atlanta said...

One more thought. If Christianity takes hold in places like Thailand and they manage to "convert" a large segment of the population, how long before the holy wars start?

Tom said...

You raise an interesting point. I might have to blog about this.. The concept of "Christianity being a beautiful thing" gave me an interesting thought. At least interesting to me..

But - to answer Bangkok Bertha's question, the Christians evangelize in other countries NOT for charity, but to spread their power and influence. It's a money game.

The vast majority of Christians are not very charitable people.

But.. for the record.. when I saw "Missionary Position" as the subject, I thought it was going to be all hot and juicy.. What a let down..

But that's just me.. I'm kind of disturbed that way..

John in Atlanta said...

To be more specific, I meant the concept of Christianity. Love your fellow man, don't kill, don't steal, etc. It's nothing more than good morals. You get my drift.

Tom said...

Yes, I get your drift. Religion states the obvious. I've blogged it.. :P