US Missionaries in Iraq: "War for Souls"

[ithacan]

One part of post-war Iraq that we are not hearing about is the flood of US missionaries pouring into Iraq.

Tuesday, December 9, 2003

APPEAL FOR MISSIONARIES IN IRAQ AMID NEW BOMBINGS -- (revised)
At least 58 U.S. soldiers wounded, three Iraqis killed

By Stefan J. Bos
Special Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (ANS) -- At least 58 United States soldiers were injured and several Iraqis died in two bombings in Iraq Tuesday, Dec. 9, as Baptists pleaded for more missionaries to come and spread the hope of Jesus Christ amid ongoing violence.

<snip>

Despite the bloodshed, the Southern Baptist International Mission Board (IMB) announced Tuesday, Dec. 9, it wanted to send more missionaries to Iraq but added that a lack of financial resources and volunteers are making it difficult to realize these plans.

IMB representative Mike Creswell told Mission Network News (MNN) that his organization urgently needs 150 workers.
<more>
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s03120042.htm
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It's actually becoming a battleground among various US missionary groups:

WAR FOR SOULS

Southern Baptists must understand that there is a war for souls under way in Iraq, Brady said. Even as Islamic leaders try to tighten their grip on the country and its people, cult groups like the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses are sending hundreds of their missionaries into Iraq to spread their pseudo-Christianity.

http://www.imb.org/urgent/articledetail.asp?urgentID=57

The Iraq occupation is a missionary operation!! The Bushies are spreading the gospel of neoliberalism and "free market" capitalism, and their buddies in the "Christian" right are forcing Jeebus down Iraqis throats...

Does anyone seriously believe that this is the way to ensure stability in Iraq and in the region???

[Mikimouse]

1. I say. let them save their own souls first, then

they can worry about saving others. The groups you mentioned, especially the SBC have a great deal of work to do, for themselves, before they go proselytizing to anyone else. Bahhh, Phooey!

[sasquatch]

2. Well, the missionary's will have ample supply's for snake handling night

After that I hope these jackasses get fragged. No offense to someone that is doing actual missionary work in Iraq, not this spanish inquizition type conversion bullshit.

[hayu_lol]

3. Obviously, we should have sent in ...

the Baptists first, then the troops. When there is a shortage of lions, one has to make do.

[Dr.Phool]

7. Send more

At least if they're in Iraq, the won't be knocking on my door.

I made a sign for the front door that says, "All religious proseltyzers will be eaten by large dogs". My wife made me take it down.:evilgrin:

[sasquatch]

10. "MMPH"

I need one of those sign's:evilgrin:

[Lars39]

4. I'm glad you posted this; I didn't realize there were SB missionaries

in Iraq until last night when I stumbled across the 2003 Southern Baptist Convention Resolutions, dated mid June. I thought the Graham faux pau had put the missionary conquest on hold, but I guess they just went stealth. It IS a *holy* war, a crusade. :grr: I read what should be the unthinkable and tomorrow have to make nice with my Southern Baptist inlaws and missionary BIL & SIL, who are stateside from Oaxaca and think I'm hell bound for my liberal agnostic views. :nuke: :grr: :puke: :mad: :(

[_NorCal_D_]

5. Wow

:wow: This is awfully reminiscent of what the Spanish did to the Central American Indians-- conquer, subjugate, then convert. :puke:

[ithacan]

6. except the Central American Indians did not have

car bombs, mortars and other modern guerrilla warfare weapons...

I don't think the US will get to the "subjugate" stage.

[brainshrub]

8. First the sword, then the cross, then the carpetbaggers.

Same story. Always the same story.

[Loonman]

9. Like painting a target on yourself

What'd they expect? The coffeecake to be broken out?

[GreenPartyVoter]

11. Did you know

that some sects are sending missionaries to the USA because we've lost our way so badly? No Kidding!

As for the missionaries going to Iraq, I know they mean well but I don't think that's for the best for anyone. I've never been a fan of smacking someone upside the head with the Bible as a form of witnessing.

[ithacan]

12. the whole concept of missionary is pretty bad

that is, these people are poor heathen whose own religious or cultural beliefs are wrong, and ours are right...

This is not going to help win the hearts or minds of Iraqis, or the rest of the region...