Missionaries and Modernity: Education in the British Empire, 1830-1910

In the 19th century, missionary societies established mission schools in the British Empire to convert non-Europeans to Christianity. The schools provided secular education, but it was seen as leading to a moral crisis and anti-British sentiments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

In the 19th century, numerous missionary societies established mission schools within the British Empire, driven by the belief that Christian morality was the highest form of civilization necessary for non-Europeans to become valuable members of the colonies under British rule. While the specifics varied across different colonial contexts, the overarching ideology behind these schools was to impart secular education to attract students. However, this approach created a paradoxical situation, as secular education was perceived to lead to a moral crisis and even anti-British sentiments.

This extensive survey of multi-colonial sites over a long period of time provides a clear depiction of the missionary paradox. Missionaries aimed to provide secular education to attract students, but this education was simultaneously seen as a threat to moral values and the British Empire.

The missionaries believed that secular education would expose non-Europeans to Western culture and values, which could potentially lead them away from their traditional beliefs and customs. They feared that secular education would undermine the moral fabric of the communities they were trying to convert.

At the same time, the missionaries recognized the importance of providing education to non-Europeans. They believed that education was a key tool for social and economic development and that it could help to improve the lives of individuals and communities.

To address the missionary paradox, some missionary societies adopted a hybrid approach to education. They provided secular education alongside religious instruction, hoping that the combination of both would help to promote moral values and the British Empire.

However, this approach was not without its challenges. Missionaries often faced opposition from local communities, who saw secular education as a threat to their cultural and religious traditions. They also struggled to find qualified teachers who could teach both secular and religious subjects.

Despite these challenges, mission schools continued to play a significant role in the spread of Christianity and the development of the British Empire. They provided a platform for education and literacy, which helped to empower individuals and communities and promote social and economic change.

In conclusion, the missionary paradox of providing secular education to attract students while simultaneously fearing its negative effects on moral values and the British Empire was a complex and challenging issue. Missionaries struggled to find a balance between their religious beliefs and the demands of colonial society, but their efforts to provide education and literacy had a lasting impact on the development of the British Empire and the spread of Christianity.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526174437