A Defense Against Missions as Colonialism

A Defense Against Missions as Colonialism

From The Missions Show by Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford

April 5, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the critique of missions as colonialism and explores the differences between missions and colonial expansion.

How do you respond when people say that missions is colonialism? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott tackle the increasingly common claim that missions is inherently colonialistic with guest Will Maxson. Prompted by real-world examples and cultural trends, they explore why this critique has gained traction, even within Christian institutions. Maxson acknowledges that while missions and colonial expansion sometimes overlapped historically, the popular narrative often exaggerates or misunderstands that connection. He argues that Christianity’s missionary impulse is fundamentally different from colonialism, rooted not in coercion but in persuasion and respect for human dignity. They also examine difficult topics like the Crusades, cultural Christianity, and accusations of cultural erasure. Ultimately, they contend that authentic Christian missions do not destroy cultures but redeem them, affirming human agency and the image of God in all people. Key Topics Covered Why missions is often labeled as colonialism in modern culture Historical overlap—and key differences—between missions and colonial expansion The distinction between persuasion (evangelism) and coercion…

People in this episode

Hosts: Alex Kocman, Scott Dunford

Guest: Will Maxson

Topics covered

  • missions
  • colonialism
  • Christianity
  • cultural trends
  • human dignity
  • evangelism
  • historical events

Keywords

  • missions
  • colonialism
  • Christianity
  • cultural erasure
  • Crusades
  • human agency
  • transcultural religion

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