For many, the term ‘Christian missionary’ conjures up ideas relating to colonialism, slavery and Western cultural imperialism. Just two weeks ago, American national John Allen Chau was murdered by locals of the North Sentinel Island in the Indian Ocean, reportedly whilst on a mission to spread the gospel.

The Sentinelese are one of many isolated groups who exist without contact from the outside world, remaining relatively untouched by Western ideals of ‘modern civilization’. Their island is protected by the Indian government who have made it illegal for outsiders to enter. The murder of John Allen Chau has stirred discussion amongst members of the public with both Christians and non-Christians suggesting that the victim was wrong for attempting to make contact with the Sentinelese. Whilst Mr Chau’s methods may have been questionable due to their illegal nature in addition to the uncertainty concerning his true motives, his case raises wider questions regarding the great commission, cultural imperialism and our approach to building relationships with the ‘uncontacted world’ despite the risks involved.

Uncontacted Tribes

It is estimated that there are over 100 uncontacted tribes across the world, their highest concentration being in South America, West Papua and islands across the Indian Ocean. ‘Uncontacted tribes’ are defined as ‘tribal peoples who have no peaceful contact with anyone in the mainstream or dominant society’. The vast majority of uncontacted tribes are thought to have little immunity against common diseases such as the flu, thus making any contact with the outside world a potentially life threatening risk. In addition to this, contact with the outside world poses the risk of wiping away the unique sovereignty that such people groups exercise over their land, culture and way of life.

The Great Commission

‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you’ (Matthew 28.19). This scripture acts as a driving force behind many missionary’s desires to reach the uncontacted. Although death by the contraction of outside disease is a very real threat for uncontacted tribes, some suggest that the sharing of the gospel is a greater priority than the preservation of physical health and cultural independence. At the core of the gospel’s message is the idea of submission and surrender unto the will of God, thus making cultural adjustment a likely prospect. Nevertheless, the greater challenge lies in determining whether our responsibility and approach in preaching the gospel should differ in circumstances where doing so could result in the death of the hearers of the message through foreign disease.

Some food for thought

What do you think? Should Christians attempt to travel to uncontacted groups such as those on North Sentinel Island for the sake of sharing the gospel despite it being illegal and potentially life threatening for the deliverers and/or the hearers of the message? If so, how do we navigate the associated risks? If not, then does that mean that the great commission only applies in particular contexts?

Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.