Command or serve - what's the historical record?
	One of the most striking features of the film is the way Jemima Presadum, an Asian woman minister, calls into question assumptions about the church as a white, patriarchal institution. However, the film also suggests that things were different in the past. Does the church need to be apologetic for what happened in the past? Is it appropriate to judge behaviour in earlier periods by contemporary standards? Does the evidence support the negative assumptions that are given here? Older students could debate these issues with reference to the behaviour and attitudes of 19th century missionaries. It would be best to focus on a single area. China makes an interesting case study. Christian missionaries were accused of arrogance and were tortured and murdered during the Boxer Rebellion. Does this justify a negative assessment of 19th century Christian missions? Using a search engine, students could research information on the causes and course of the Boxer Rebellion, noting evidence that would support the claim that missionaries were often culturally arrogant. There is an interesting article on this subject at the Christianity Today website at:       http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/52h/52h031.html On the other hand, evidence of selfless devotion and respect for indigenous culture could be found, using a search engine, by browsing for material on Hudson Taylor/China Inland Mission, Gladys Aylward, Minnie Vautrin and Charles T. Studd, to name but a few. What is the general verdict of the evidence - arrogance or service?
	The work of the Salvation Army is founded on convictions held by its founder, William Booth, who lived at the height of a time of missionary work into 'darkest Africa'. He did not hesitate to talk about 'darkest England', referring to the enormous levels of poverty and ignorance that limited and blighted people's lives in our own country. Find out more about the Salvation Army today. Their reputation for social work is second to none, but there is no hiding their motivation, to bring people to know Jesus. In today's largely secular society, what role can religious organizations play in meeting social need?