Up until the 1950s the subject of the missionary movement…
““Up until the 1950s the subject of the missionary movement was referred to as "missions" in the plural form. In fact, the term "missions" was first used in its current context by the Jesuits in the sixteenth century. But the International Missionary Council discussions in the 1950s on the missio- Dei convinced most that the mission of the Triune God was prior to any of the number of missions by Christians during the two millennia of church history. Consequently, since there was only one mission, the plural form has dropped out of familir usage and the singular form, "mission," has replaced it for the most part. Nevertheless, most churches and lay-persons hang on the plural missions. For that reason, and to make our point clear here, we will refer to it in this work from time to time while alerting believers to the coming change.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Mission is singular; the plural "missions" reflects human misunderstanding of divine purpose.
In simple terms: Mission is one, not many.
Key Takeaway
Focus on unified purpose.
Themes
theology
mission
unity
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
Church history:1
Goals:1
Mission:1
Religion:1
Plural Missions:1
Missions Plural:1
Mission Plural:1
Term Missions:1
Missionary Movement:1
When to use this quote
- theological study
- ecclesiastical practice
Key Concepts
religious doctrine
church history
spiritual focus
Questions to Reflect On
- How does singular mission shape church work?
- What are the risks of multiple "missions"?
A Different Perspective
Plural language may cause confusion in practice.