Evangelism to remote tribes

[MK]

A few weeks ago I was watching some sort of documentary on National Geographic about a couple of tribes from remote parts of the world-- one from Africa, and the other from Brazil. These tribes didn't wear clothes, had their own cultural beliefs, no crime, etc. After showing and describing the cultures and lifestyle of these two tribes, the topic of evangelism was brought to light. The tribe in Brazil particularly, has been being "bothered" by Christian evangelistic groups, coming in and trying to impose their beliefs on these people, who have their own religion, and accompanying beliefs. The question was raised: Is it right for us to go in there and "share" the gospel with these people?

Our own Christian doctrines teach us that we must go out into all the ends of the earth, preaching Jesus, so that all may be saved. But the "politically correct" point of view says that we should let these cultures be, and not try to influence or change their way of life. It was brought up in the documentary that this tribe had not even any understanding or grasp of the fact that they lived in Brazil. All they knew was their little part of the jungle. They are happy. They aren't hurting anyone. They are civilized, and peaceful. They don't have the problems that our society has. Would that all change if we sent missionaries in there to "help" them?

I've been thinking about this a lot, and would like to see all your differing points of view.

[angie r]

I think we should be going in and preaching the gospel. I don't feel we should try to change their culture into ours. Jesus's love should fit any lifestyle.

[Mickey]

I think it could cause some serious destruction of their culture and community. Most (if not all) fighting in the world is based on differing religious beliefs...what happens when half the tribe believes that Christianity is the only truth and the other half doesn't? Why cause conflict, pain and suffering to a group of people who are doing much better than the rest of the world socially?

Maybe I'm not being objective, though, because I don't think anyone needs to be going to other lands attempting to convert people. I'm all for sharing your beliefs when the interest arises, but not going door-to-door or town-to-town or country-to-country to do it. JMHO.

[Jeff]

From a social perspective I don't think so.

From a christian perspective then yes.

[Linda/NE]

While I've been taught (and believe) that one needs to follow Jesus in order to attain salvation, I seem to remember also being taught that if cultures else where have no knowledge of Jesus they can still be saved. I guess I've always thought that salvation would be determined more on whether, after being aware of Jesus' teaching, you accepted or rejected them rather than whether you knew of his teachings or not. I personally don't think people can be held accountable for non-belief if they know no different.

Personally I feel if following Jesus was the only way to salvation then anyone who failed to bring Jesus' word to those who are uninformed would lose their salvation.

In this case, seeing they are 'good' people I really see no reason to infiltrate other beliefs on them. I honestly believe that how good you are as person plays a much more important part on your salvation than whether you are a Christian or not. JMO

[LadyKris]

I'm not a christian, but I believe that if you want to express you religion, do it with people who want to listen. If they don't want christianity in their culture, leave them be, but if someone expresses interest in it, then by all means, give them a bible or tell them what you believe, but do not impose it on them.

Now I know there are good christians out there, that really do mean well, it's just hypocrites and "Bible Tumpers" that really make me resent christianity. I grew up in a house that thaught free religion, If I asked my father about a religion I saw on T.V. (I watched the discovery channel and History channel when I was young instead of cartoons, to my fathers confusion, lol) he'd explain it to me or read up about it himself and then tell me. I grew up with the neighborhood children being Hindu's and their mother was very kind and would explain to me about their religion when I asked. I knew about christianity, because my mother was a christian though. When I started school I was really teased and bullyed because I wouldn't "swear to god" because I didn't beleive in god. I wouldn't stand up for the Pledge of allegence, and got teased because of that or becuase I'd check out books in the Library on different religions. Instead of a christian approaching me by being nice, I was attacked by christianity and that is why I never wanted anything to do with that religion. Later in life I met christians who were very nice, and who treated me well and didn't knock my religious beliefs, but I am still haunted by the teasing in school, just because I didn't conform or give in to christianity.
My point is that if you offend their beliefs their not going to be even open to the idea of christianity, they will resent it. You must approach in on their terms, and if their not ready, leave them be, save someone who is willing and open to christianity.
Ahh, just my 2 cents... sorry it's so long...