Advice to an American Missionary — A Brief Reflection

In a letter to a Papal Volunteer who was on his way to Brazil, Merton offered some advice concerning being an American in another country and culture. All too often Americans step into another culture and arrogantly think that they know what’s best for the people. In my own denomination’s history the name change from missionary to mission coworkers, symbolised a partnership which respects the other culture rather than thinking that we know what’s best.

Take your time, get to know what is what, and above all, for heaven’s sake, adjust that American image. We of the U.S. have unfortunately placed too much trust in our mass media and we have the most fabulously unreal image of ourselves. We are living in illusion. — Seeds of Destruction, p. 238

Perhaps this is a lesson that we need to learn once more as the current administration continues its path of destruction on the national and international stage.