Met a Assemblies of God missionary on plane from D.C. to Bangkok ..?

Question

he told me all about the healing power of "laying on of hands" and then in the next breath scoffed at Thai Buddhism, confessing "how could anyone believe that nonsense." He knew almost nothing about Thailand, where he was ostensibly coming to help build a church.

Happened just this week. No kidding. He saw no hypocricy in that statement.

Don't missionaries go through some cultural sensitivity training?!

I live in Thailand. Trust me, he knew NOTHING

I never told him what my belief was. It was more interesting to listen to him.

quraq: yes, i did.

Answer 1

Consider the history of missionaries. The slavery, abuse, etc. From beating students on reservation schools for speaking an indigenous languae to killing people right after baptism so they can't relapse, missionaries have a sad history.
I'm not saying there arn't good ones out there, just that finding an *** is no surprise.

Answer 2

Some do ,some don't.
Do you believe everyone on a plane that tell you a story?
Did you tell him ,he needed to be more sensitive to others?I am Assembly of God we have missionaries in Thailand.
They are so busy buying your children out of prostitution,they don't spend much time caring about sensitivity.<><

Answer 3

Hmm...Brendan if I didn't know you better, I'd say you might have baited him into the conversation. I doubt a missionary would say that, especially to a life-long Atheist who is more than happy to introduce himself as such, but I could be wrong. I know I'd never say something like that.

And to answer your question, no, each church has it's own program, but there is no "sensitivity training" that is mandatory for mission trips.

Answer 4

I guarantee that he knows a lot about Thailand.

Answer 5

Sure you did, Brendon ... sure you did. You like to get a rise out of people - don't you ?