Errand to the World: American Protestant Thought and Foreign Missions

by William R. Hutchison

In this comprehensive history of American foreign-mission thought from the colonial period to the current era, William R. Hutchinson analyzes the varied and changing expressions of an American "sense of mission" that was more than religious in its implications. His account illuminates the dilemmas intrinsic to any venture in which one culture attempts to apply its ideals and technology to the supposed benefit of another.

235 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1987

Reviews

[Carl Jenkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting points and thoughts from history, but way too dry.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

200+ years in 200 pages. Useful and brief overview of American missions.

[renping · Rating 5 out of 5]

update: reading this again for final paper and why is it it lowk good.....5stars now

Engages mainly with the thought from the leaders of missionary endeavors, rather than the lived experiences of those in the mission field itself. I learned a lot; unfortunately I am allergic to making intelligent comments in class so reading this was a horrific experience. But that has nothing to do with this well written book!

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A much narrower history of ideas than I'd realized, repeatedly circling back to a few essential binaries in the history of missions thought. Hutchison does a responsible job, but I can't say that it's scintillating reading.

[Matt Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Academic history of American mission, a tad dry at times, but with a perspective that is neither hagiographical nor polemical.