It was no objection to the apostles and their successors…
““It was no objection to the apostles and their successors, who went among the barbarous Germans and Gauls, and still more barbarous Britons! They did not wait for the ancient inhabitants of these countries, to be civilized, before they could be christianized, but went simply with the doctrine of the cross; and Tertullian could boast that "those parts of Britain which were proof against the Roman armies, were conquered by the gospel of Christ"—It was no objection to an Elliot, or a Brainerd, in later times.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Carey argues that missionaries should not wait for societies to become 'civilized' before evangelizing; they must bring the gospel regardless of cultural stage.
In simple terms: Missionaries should act regardless of cultural development.
Key Takeaway
Spread the gospel promptly.
Themes
missionary work
culture
evangelism
colonialism
Mood
determined
urgent
Type
historical
missionary
When to use this quote
- church planting
- cross‑cultural ministry
- historical missions
- modern outreach
Key Concepts
inculturation
religious outreach
Questions to Reflect On
- How can missionaries respect local cultures while sharing faith?
- Is immediate evangelism always ethical?
A Different Perspective
May overlook local traditions and cause resistance.