Imagine walking through the narrow streets of an old Middle Eastern city. The call to prayer echoes through the air, shopkeepers sell fragrant spices, and ancient churches stand as silent witnesses to a long and complicated history. As a Westerner, you stop to speak with a local about Jesus, but before you even begin, you sense suspicion. Why? Because for many in the Middle East, Christianity is not just a faith—it’s entangled with colonialism, empire, and foreign influence.
A Legacy of Distrust
The connection between Western Christianity and colonialism isn’t just historical trivia—it’s deeply embedded in the collective memory of Middle Eastern societies. From the Crusades to European mandates and missionary movements tied to imperial expansion, Christianity often arrived not as a message of peace but as a force intertwined with political domination.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, European colonial powers, such as Britain and France, controlled vast regions of the Middle East, often favoring Christian minorities. Missionary efforts, though well-intentioned, were frequently linked to colonial administration, creating the perception that Christianity was a “foreign” religion imposed by outsiders.
This legacy created deep-rooted associations:
Christianity = Western imperialism
Missionaries = Cultural and political agents
Conversion = Betrayal of national identity
Why This Matters for Today’s Missions
Even though colonial rule has long ended, its shadow lingers. When modern-day Western missionaries arrive, they often face skepticism. Many Muslims still view Christianity as a tool of Western influence rather than an indigenous faith with deep Middle Eastern roots.
Common objections include:
🚫 “Christianity is the religion of the West.”
🚫 “It was forced upon our people through colonization.”
🚫 “Missionaries are just modern colonizers in disguise.”
For missionaries, this means that even before sharing the gospel, they must overcome historical baggage. The challenge is not just theological but cultural and political.
Reclaiming Christianity’s Middle Eastern Roots
To shift perceptions, we must remind our Muslim friends that Christianity is not a Western import—it was born in the Middle East! Jesus was not European. The early church was Middle Eastern. The gospel spread first in places like Syria, Egypt, and Iraq long before it reached Rome.
Practical ways to emphasize this:
Highlight the indigenous Christian presence – Ancient churches and communities have preserved the faith in the region for centuries.
Use Arabic biblical terms – Words like Isa al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah) and Injil (Gospel) resonate better than Western theological language.
Live incarnationally – Instead of imposing foreign models, embrace local customs, dress, and hospitality to build trust.
Moving Forward: A Humble Approach
If colonialism taught the Middle East to see Christianity as a tool of the West, missionaries today must work to undo that perception with humility and love. Rather than coming as cultural outsiders imposing their worldview, they must walk alongside their Muslim friends as fellow seekers of truth.
Jesus himself modeled this approach—he entered culture, spoke the language of the people, and met them where they were. If we do the same, we can rebuild bridges and show that Christianity is not the faith of the oppressor, but the faith of the One who came to set all people free.
What are your thoughts? Have you seen these perceptions in your own ministry? Share in the comments!
The Basin and Towel 