Historia de la Iglesia Moderna 4.1

Name: Historia de la Iglesia Moderna 4.1
Uploaded: 2019-06-15T18:59:44.000Z
Duration: 3 h 42 min 36 s

Introduction to the Session

Overview of the Class

The speaker expresses gratitude for the day and acknowledges God's goodness, setting a positive tone for the session.

This is the fourth session in a series exploring modern church history, highlighting its interesting nature and encouraging student participation.

Both in-person and online students are welcomed, emphasizing inclusivity in learning.

Important Announcements

Students will have a break during July to catch up on any outstanding work before returning on August 3rd for a new module.

Encouragement is given to review their platform space and download grades to stay updated with their progress.

The speaker notes some missing assignments from previous modules, urging students to check their submissions and communicate any issues via email.

Addressing Academic Responsibilities

Communication and Support

Students are encouraged to reach out regarding any pending tasks or assignments through a specified email address while communication issues are being resolved.

There’s an invitation for students who missed modules to take them online during July, with additional recorded modules available for extra credit.

Exploring Modern Church History

Focus on the 20th Century

The session aims to cover significant events from the 20th century up until what is referred to as "the unfinished era" of church history.

A reminder that church history continues beyond this study; all participants are part of this ongoing narrative.

Contextualizing Historical Changes

The speaker emphasizes rapid changes occurring in today's world compared to previous centuries, marking it as unprecedented in historical context.

Globalization and the Dynamics of Modern Missions

The Globalized World

The speaker discusses the concept of a globalized world, likening it to a "global village" where one can reach almost any part of the planet within 24 hours.

This globalization allows for the possibility of spreading the gospel to all nations, emphasizing that reaching people anywhere in the world is now more feasible than ever.

Historical Context of Mission Waves

Reference is made to Andrew Wong, a Chinese pastor and missionary based in Sydney, who outlines three waves of missions throughout history.

A brief recap is provided on the first wave of missions initiated by William Carey, known as the father of modern missions.

First Wave: William Carey’s Influence

William Carey (1761-1834), a humble shoemaker turned missionary, dedicated around 40 years to mission work in India.

Carey's efforts led to the establishment of missionary agencies aimed at sending missionaries primarily to coastal cities and commercial ports.

Development During First Wave

The first wave saw significant advancements such as dictionaries and grammar development for translating scriptures into languages spoken by unreached peoples.

Notable movements included those from Halle University in Denmark and Moravian missionaries, which significantly impacted Protestant missions.

Moravian Missionary Movement

The Moravians are highlighted for their impressive missionary outreach; they sent one missionary for every 60 members—a remarkable ratio not matched since.

This statistic underscores an extraordinary commitment to missions during this period, suggesting potential for similar future endeavors.

Legacy and Challenges Faced by Early Missionaries

William Carey inspired many through his writings advocating for proactive measures in evangelism among unreached populations.

Missionary Movements and Their Impact

The Rise of Mission Agencies

The inspiration for missionary work was driven by the Holy Spirit, leading to persistent efforts to reach the unreached. The Baptist Church in England played a pivotal role by establishing a missionary agency that sent missionaries to India.

Over 25 years, the number of missionary agencies grew significantly, with at least 25 agencies sending individuals into the mission field from England alone.

A strong foundation based on prayer and financial support was established among Christian churches to sustain missionary efforts, highlighting that missions have always been integral to church history.

European Influence in Early Missions

The first wave of missions (1792-1910) was dominated by European churches, which made significant sacrifices to send missionaries across various regions including the Pacific Islands and Africa.

Maps illustrate how the gospel reached coastal areas of major continents; many missionaries faced severe challenges such as malaria, resulting in high mortality rates shortly after their arrival.

Radical Commitment of Missionaries

Many missionaries arrived in Africa prepared for death, often packing their belongings in coffins. This radical commitment exemplified their dedication and served as a challenge for future generations.

By the end of the first wave of missions, there was a misconception that most regions had been evangelized; however, this marked only the beginning of further missionary endeavors.

Hudson Taylor and Interior Missions

Hudson Taylor emerged as a key figure advocating for reaching inland populations during what is known as the second wave of missions. He emphasized targeting large populations within Asia that remained untouched by Christianity.

Taylor's approach likened early waves of missions to ocean waves gradually penetrating deeper into continents. His vision aimed at expanding outreach beyond coastal cities into interior regions.

Establishment of New Mission Agencies

Amidst numerous challenges, Hudson Taylor founded an agency called "China Inland Mission," which successfully sent over 6,000 missionaries throughout its history.

Existing agencies struggled to shift focus towards interior missions due to previous assumptions about global evangelization coverage; however, new emphasis arose from God’s calling within the church community.

The Role of America in Second Wave Missions

As America solidified its status as an independent nation post-revival movements like the Second Great Awakening, it began playing a dominant role in this second wave starting around 1865 until approximately 1980.

The Importance of Learning from Church History

Lessons from Past Missionary Experiences

Many negative and difficult experiences faced by missionary agencies highlight the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes.

The church today struggles with issues that were already addressed in early centuries, emphasizing the need for awareness of historical conflicts and resolutions.

Contextualization in Missions

Hudson Taylor is noted as a pioneer who adopted Chinese clothing and customs to better connect with the local population, despite facing resistance.

His approach to contextualization involved living like the locals, which was instrumental in effective mission work.

The Second Wave of Missions

A significant movement among university students led to over 100,000 students dedicating their lives to global missions during the second wave.

Approximately 20,000 university students were sent into missionary fields worldwide, particularly from the United States.

Eric Liddell: A Missionary Athlete

Eric Liddell's inspiring story is highlighted; he left a promising athletic career to serve as a missionary in China.

A video about Liddell’s life will be shown, showcasing his dedication and impact on missions.

Expansion of Evangelical Reach

The second wave of missions saw an extensive reach across continents, challenging earlier beliefs that the Great Commission had been fulfilled.

Despite some thinking it was the end of missions, God continued raising individuals willing to spread the gospel further into uncharted regions.

Eric Liddell's Early Life and Athletic Achievements

Born in 1902 in China as a son of Scottish missionaries, Liddell attended school there until age five before moving back for further education.

He excelled athletically at Edinburgh University and became known as Scotland's fastest runner with Olympic potential.

Commitment to Faith Over Fame

Despite his athletic success and recognition as a possible Olympic medalist, Liddell prioritized his Christian faith and commitment to evangelism over sports fame.

Eric Liddell: The Olympian Who Chose Faith Over Fame

Early Life and Olympic Decision

Eric Liddell, a devout believer, refused to run on Sundays during the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, leading him to withdraw from his specialty event, the 100 meters.

Prior to the games, he trained for the 400 meters instead. On the day of the final, he received an encouraging note referencing a biblical verse about honor and success.

The 400 Meters Final

Inspired by the message and running from an outside lane away from favored American runners, Liddell executed a strong sprint strategy.

He faced challenges but ultimately won the race, breaking both Olympic and world records with a time of 47.6 seconds.

Missionary Work Over Athletics

Despite his athletic fame, Liddell's true passion lay in missionary work; he returned to China after his Olympic success.

He expressed contentment in his decision to prioritize serving others over pursuing glory in sports.

Life as a Missionary

In China, Liddell became a teacher and coach for children while also being ordained as a minister during his first missionary term in 1932.

As World War II escalated and conditions worsened due to Japanese aggression, he continued serving despite increasing dangers.

Internment and Legacy

In 1943, Liddell was interned with other missionaries but took on leadership roles within the camp despite scarce resources.

His last letter revealed concerns about overwork amidst deteriorating health; he had an inoperable brain tumor that contributed to his death on February 21, 1945.

Impact and Recognition

His final words reflected complete surrender to God. His legacy includes selflessness exemplified when he gave up his chance for freedom for a pregnant woman during internment.

A memorial stone was erected at Edinburgh University honoring him with scripture emphasizing strength through faith.

Cultural Representation

The film "Chariots of Fire" (1981), which contrasts Liddell's life with Harold Abrahams', highlights themes of faith and conviction that defined Liddell’s athletic career.

Reflection on Faith and Decisions

Eric Liddell's story inspires many believers today who are called to pursue their faith even amid hardship or sacrifice.

The Second Wave of Missions: Hudson Taylor and the Interior of China

Introduction to Key Figures

The discussion introduces key figures in the second wave of missions, including Eric Leader and Hudson Taylor, who recognized the need for missionary work beyond coastal regions.

It highlights that while coastal areas were being reached, there remained a significant need for outreach in the interior of continents.

Historical Context

The Opium War between the United Kingdom and China is mentioned as a pivotal event that opened up missionary opportunities in China.

This conflict allowed hundreds of missionaries to enter China during this second wave, marking a revolutionary period for Christian missions.

Hudson Taylor's Missionary Approach

John Taylor's biography reveals his strong belief that the Great Commission is not optional but an order to be obeyed.

After converting, he dedicated years to preparation, studying medicine and Mandarin, emphasizing living by faith as essential for his mission work.

Establishment of Interdenominational Missions

Taylor founded the first truly interdenominational missionary society focused on reaching China's interior, breaking away from denominational constraints.

His contextualization efforts included adopting local customs such as dress and food to better connect with Chinese people.

Challenges Faced During Missions

The Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901), a violent anti-foreign movement in China, resulted in significant loss of life among missionaries.

Approximately 50,000 Christians (both Catholic and Protestant), including 130 Protestant missionaries and their children, lost their lives during this tumultuous period.

Legacy of Hudson Taylor's Work

Despite challenges like the Boxer Rebellion, Taylor’s ministry led to substantial growth; around 18,000 Chinese were baptized over five decades.

He established hospitals and orphanages while training many missionaries who continued his legacy after his death in China.

Conclusion: Impact on Future Missions

Hudson Taylor: A Radical Missionary

Early Life and Calling

Hudson Taylor was born in 1832 to James and Amelia Taylor, a Methodist couple who prayed for their newborn to serve in China.

After a transformative conversion experience, Taylor dedicated years to preparing for missionary work, learning medicine, Mandarin, and deepening his biblical knowledge.

Arrival in China

Upon arriving in Shanghai, one of the five treaty ports opened to foreigners after the Opium War, Taylor made a radical choice by adopting Chinese clothing and hairstyles.

His decision faced skepticism from fellow Protestant missionaries who viewed him as unconventional; he criticized them for being too worldly and focused on English business interests.

Missionary Work and Independence

Despite language barriers, Taylor ventured inland with Joseph Atkins to distribute Bibles along the Huangpu River.

In 1857, after resigning from the Chinese Evangelization Society due to financial issues, he became an independent missionary relying solely on God for support.

Challenges and Advocacy

While back in England recovering from illness, Taylor translated the Bible into Chinese and recruited more missionaries.

He expressed concern over England's indifference towards China's spiritual needs in his writings, urging Christians not to remain passive while many perished without knowledge of Christ.

Vision for Missions

Taylor envisioned a special organization aimed at evangelizing China's interior by recruiting 24 missionaries—two for each of the 11 unvisited provinces plus two for Mongolia.

Overwhelmed by doubts about sending people unprotected into dangerous areas but driven by compassion for lost souls, he ultimately surrendered his fears during a pivotal moment at Brighton beach.

Establishment of the China Inland Mission

The mission established by Taylor had unique characteristics: no guaranteed salaries or fundraising requests; missionaries would rely entirely on divine provision while adopting local customs.

In 1866, he led a group including his family and young recruits from London to join existing workers in China. By 1876, this organization constituted one-fifth of all foreign missionaries there.

Expansion Efforts

As part of expanding efforts under increasing criticism from veteran missionaries regarding sending single women into remote areas, Taylor remained undeterred.

By late 1884 through prayerful commitment, he successfully recruited additional missionaries despite facing tensions with leadership councils over his methods.

Legacy and Impact

Despite health challenges leading up to a breakdown in 1900 due to relentless work demands combined with faith-driven commitments; his influence inspired many Westerners toward missionary service.

His approach taught future generations about cultural immersion's importance within missions while demonstrating courage amidst adversity.

Conclusion: Enduring Influence

Cultural Investment and Evangelization

Importance of Cultural Investment in Evangelization

The speaker emphasizes the ongoing relevance of cultural investment for evangelization, inviting opinions on its importance.

The Great Commission is presented as a non-negotiable mandate, highlighting the need for passion in spreading the gospel to those who are lost.

Prayer is underscored as a crucial element in supporting missions, especially when financial resources are limited.

Historical Context of Missions

The discussion transitions to historical figures like David Livingstone, noting his significant role during the second wave of missions focused on Africa.

Livingstone is recognized not only as an explorer but also as a missionary who brought Christianity to largely uncharted regions of Africa in the 19th century.

Impact of European Colonization

By the late 19th century, most of Africa was colonized by European powers; however, Livingstone's contributions were pivotal in mission work within this context.

Upon his death, Livingstone's heart was buried in Africa due to his deep connection with the continent and its people.

Missionary Efforts Beyond Africa

The voyages of Captain Cook opened pathways for both trade and Christian missions across various islands and regions.

In contrast to successful missions in Africa and China, efforts within Muslim-majority regions faced challenges due to existing religious structures.

Protestantism's Growth in Latin America

The 19th century marked significant growth for Protestantism in Latin America despite opposition from established Catholic dominance.

Tensions between conservative and liberal leaders complicated evangelistic efforts but ultimately led to openings for Protestant roots.

Immigration's Role in Spreading Christianity

A notable factor contributing to Protestant growth was immigration from countries like Scotland and Germany during the 19th century.

The Spread of the Gospel in Latin America

Overview of Mission Waves

The speaker discusses the approximate extent of the gospel's spread during the second wave of missions in Latin America, emphasizing its historical significance.

Transitioning to the third wave of missions, which began in 1934, focusing on deeper outreach compared to previous waves that targeted coastal and interior regions.

Third Wave Missions: Focus on Unreached Ethnic Groups

The third wave is characterized by a focus on "forgotten groups," including unknown and unreached ethnicities within countries where churches are growing.

Notable missionaries like William Cameron Townsend (1896-1982) recognized that despite church growth, entire minority groups remained untouched by the gospel.

Impactful Testimonies and Realizations

Townsend's experiences highlighted that even in areas with established churches, there were still significant populations lacking access to the gospel message.

A poignant testimony from Townsend involves an indigenous Kaqchikel asking why God does not speak his language, prompting a realization about linguistic barriers in evangelism.

Commitment to Reaching Unreached Groups

This question led Townsend to dedicate his life to studying and reaching out to these isolated ethnic groups, recognizing their unique cultural identities.

His background included a challenging economic upbringing and a Presbyterian foundation; he was inspired by missionary John Wood during his studies.

Historical Context and Future Modules

The speaker mentions offering additional modules on mission history in Latin America for students interested in furthering their education.

Understanding the Importance of Language in Communication with God

The Role of Language in Divine Communication

The speaker questions why God, being intelligent, does not communicate in their language, emphasizing the historical significance of written language as a means for divine communication.

Highlights the critical need for literacy worldwide to combat illiteracy and ensure that people can read and write, particularly in missionary work where teaching these skills is essential.

Commitment to Translation Work

Introduces Cameron's dedication over 13-15 years to translating the Bible into indigenous languages, showcasing his commitment to spreading the Gospel in native tongues.

Discusses how Cameron faced challenges from his mission organization regarding Bible translation but chose to focus on this vital task instead.

Founding Missionary Organizations

In 1934, Cameron helped establish an independent Protestant missionary organization focused on Bible translation, which became one of the largest globally.

Mentions Cameron's collaboration with Mexican President Lázaro Cárdenas to document and translate various indigenous languages during his time in Mexico.

Lifelong Dedication to Linguistic Diversity

Emphasizes Cameron's efforts in documenting hundreds of indigenous languages and highlights ongoing work needed for biblical translations today.

After spending 15 years with Guatemalan indigenous groups, he continued his mission by dedicating another 17 years in Peru and later Colombia for further translations.

Philosophy on Missionary Work

Quotes Cameron: "The best missionary is the Bible in the mother tongue," underscoring that it transcends cultural barriers and doesn't require breaks or vacations.

Discusses educational reforms in Mexico that recognize local languages as primary mediums of instruction, promoting cultural preservation alongside biblical teachings.

Growth of Christianity Worldwide

Reflecting on significant growth within Christianity during the 20th century, especially among previously unreached populations like those in South Korea.

Notes how evangelical churches have proliferated significantly since colonial times despite initial resistance from established religions.

Growth of Evangelical Christianity in Latin America

Historical Context and Growth

In the 20th century, the Roman Catholic Church was the official religion, but by 1900, despite a small number of Christians, missionary efforts led to significant growth in evangelical Christianity in Latin America.

As of today, there are approximately 87 million evangelical Christians across various denominations in Latin America, showcasing impressive growth since the early 20th century.

The Story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1926 to missionary parents. Her upbringing instilled a strong desire for mission work within her.

While studying journalism at university, she met Jim Elliot. Both shared a passion for missions and began dating during their final year.

Commitment to Mission Work

In 1952, Elisabeth and Jim independently traveled to Ecuador as missionaries. They prayed extensively about their relationship before deciding to marry in Quito in 1953.

Their commitment to God's calling took precedence over personal desires for marriage or family life.

Translation Efforts and Initial Contact with Tribes

After marrying, they worked on translating the New Testament into Quechua as part of a broader missionary effort.

In January 1956, they aimed to make contact with the Huaorani tribe while establishing a camp near the Curaray River.

Tragic Encounter and Aftermath

On January 8, 1956, five missionaries were killed by Huaorani tribesmen during an attempted friendly visit. This incident garnered international media attention.

Following her husband's death, Elisabeth returned briefly to New Jersey but felt called to continue his work among the Quechuas with her daughter Valeria.

Living Amongst the Tribe

In October 1958, Elisabeth moved into the Huaorani village with Valeria and a young girl from that tribe who had previously been sheltered by them after losing her family.

Elizabeth Elliot: A Life of Mission and Faith

Early Life and Background

Elizabeth Elliot is highlighted as a dedicated woman who devoted her life to missions, beginning her journey in 1963 as a speaker and writer, fulfilling the mission God placed in her heart.

Born in 1926 in Brussels, Belgium, to missionary parents of the Belgian Evangelical Mission, she returned to the U.S. as an infant.

Known affectionately as Betty among family and friends, she grew up in a pious home that nurtured her desire for missionary work.

Education and Early Career

Elizabeth enrolled at Wolfson College with plans to become a Bible translator; she was involved in journalism and debate during her studies.

She met Jim Elliot at college; both shared a calling towards missionary work but faced uncertainty about their relationship's direction due to their individual commitments to God.

Marriage and Missionary Work

After graduating in 1948, Elizabeth attended linguistic training for Bible translation before moving to Brooklyn for further preparation.

In 1952, she and Jim independently went to Ecuador as missionaries; they married on October 8, 1953.

They began translating the New Testament into Quechua while also planning contact with the Huaorani tribe.

Tragedy and Continued Commitment

On January 2, 1956, five missionaries were killed by the Huaorani tribe after establishing initial contact; this event garnered international attention.

Following Jim's death, Elizabeth briefly returned home but chose to continue working with the Quechuas alongside her daughter Valerie.

Legacy of Faithfulness

By October 8, 1958, Elizabeth moved into the Huaorani village where she worked on language studies and Bible translations with those who had previously killed her husband.

She became well-known within evangelical circles through books and speaking engagements; by 1988 she started her own radio program called "Entrada al Gozo."

Reflections on Service and Sacrifice

The Legacy of Elisabeth

A tribute to a significant woman who passed away on June 15, 2015, emphasizing her commitment to serving others despite personal pain.

The discussion raises questions about the extent to which one can serve those who have caused them suffering, highlighting the complexity of human relationships.

It invites viewers to reflect on Elisabeth's greatest life choice and encourages engagement through comments and subscriptions for further exploration of similar themes.

Testimony of Faith in Missions

An excellent testimony is shared regarding missions, illustrating the faithful and true nature of Jesus seeking out individuals.

The narrative emphasizes God's love for humanity, even towards those responsible for the death of His son, showcasing profound themes of forgiveness and redemption.