what motivated missionaries to go to the congo?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_Missionaries
Scroll down to the sections called Anglican, Baptist, etc., and you will find lists of people who went to different countries as missionaries. Click on the appropriate links and you can read their stories. Motives vary from person to person.
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Why do missionaries go anywhere?
Please post your answer, and we'll be glad to critique it.
The motivation for missionaries to go to the Congo can be attributed to several factors:
1. Religious Conviction: Missionaries were driven by their religious beliefs to spread the teachings of Christianity and convert indigenous populations to their faith. They saw themselves as instruments of God's work and believed it was their duty to bring salvation to those they deemed "unenlightened."
2. Colonial Endeavors: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers, including Belgium, were expanding their colonial territories in Africa. Missionaries often worked closely with colonial administrations, as their presence could facilitate colonizers' control over the local population. The missionaries acted as intermediaries between the colonizers and the Congolese people, aiding in the spread of Western influence and values.
3. Humanitarian Concerns: Some missionaries were motivated by a genuine desire to help improve the living conditions of the Congolese people. They sought to alleviate poverty, provide education, and improve healthcare. Missionaries often set up schools, hospitals, and orphanages, offering basic services and support to local communities.
4. Exploratory and Adventure Spirit: The Congo, with its vast unexplored lands and diverse cultures, presented an enticing opportunity for adventurous individuals. Missionaries were sometimes driven by a sense of adventure, wanting to discover new places, encounter different cultures, and document their experiences.
To find more specific information or insights on this topic, you can consult historical texts, articles, or academic papers written on the subject. Primary sources such as journals, memoirs, and letters written by missionaries themselves could provide valuable firsthand accounts and perspectives.