Religion Flashcards
How did missionaries help imperialism?
They were the eyes and ears of imperialism. They sent back reports which goaded public opinion and exerted pressure on governments.
What do Comarotts argue?
missionaries were the agent scribes and moral alibi of imperialism. Forced western models of development onto natives.
Why might it be argued french used religion as means of control?
Throughout 19th century they became more and more secular. Yet they kept religion strong in the colonise. Distant from propaganda in Europe very close to it abroad.
Why is it unrealistic to suppose that missionaries could force themselves upon societies?
Often they were first to arrive, they were unarmed they had to adapt and integrate with society.
Why is Hong Xiquan relevant?
He was christian who lead taping rebellion he was advised by an american preacher but then ultimately defeated by Chinese Gordon a devote christian.
Who did missionaries represent?
Often only there denomination and not there imperial nation. Britiain religiously neutral in 1860, France was catholic.
Papa new guniea
70% of 300 odd missionaries were from countries that never colonised them.
plurality of religious groups make it hard to?
find any clear imperial policy.
What does Porter argue
That the indigenous population had a lot of agency. They would only follow religion for its educational and health benefits. Or because it made them more free, argues that in india it made women more equal.
Why wasn’t literacy controlling?
Once natives could read they could read anything. This eventual created political awareness.
Missonaries promoted cultural change, what changed?
change was appropriated by indigenous who created self-aware polities who rejected colonisation. not cultural imperialism.
