For 1000 years after the Crucifixion the apostles and…
““For 1000 years after the Crucifixion the apostles and their bold followers had fervently spread the message of Christ. Then some kind of indolence had set in. Why had the Great Commission stopped? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he, William Carey, could go to some tropical island like Tahiti and convert the heathen? “Oh, Tahiti!” he enthused to his students, regaling them with the facts that lured him there. “Four hundred square miles of lush, green paradise. Cold weather and hot weather are unknown. Breadfruit, bananas and coconuts hang everywhere for the eating. Bays and lagoons are choked with fat, lazy fish. And most important, lads, there are thousands of pagans! Pagans! Oh, they are most fastidious. They bathe three times a day. They are polite, yet as ignorant of the ten commandments as beautiful tropical birds...””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He critiques the stagnation of missionary work, urging renewed zeal and creative outreach to new cultures.
In simple terms: Missionary work has become complacent; needs fresh energy.
Key Takeaway
Revitalize purpose with innovative approaches.
Themes
mission
culture
motivation
Mood
inspirational
critical
Type
educational
motivational
When to use this quote
- church planning
- cross‑cultural missions
- educational seminars
Key Concepts
religious outreach
historical cycles
colonial critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can missions respect cultural integrity?
- What modern methods can inspire genuine engagement?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on conversion can ignore local autonomy.