Fifteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

The author critically assesses the usefulness of the missio Dei concept for the Christian Religion. The author thinks that it has become a chameleon; too broad to be conceptually meaningful. From a decolonial perspective, it has become an empty signifier which can be filled with different meanings. In this way it has become a means of control for the ecclesiastic and educated elites to further their own interests in mission and missiology, though at times done unintentionally. A content and contextual analysis of ecumenical and denominational theological documents, one can see how the term has become instrumental in controlling the epistemology of mission. The outcome of the critical discourse analysis of the concept, shows very little need for positive use of such a term.