| Unfortunately, the study’s heavy emphasis
on social activism gives the impression that activism is the answer to
Mexico’s problems. The study advocates changing structures to end poverty,
injustice, oppression, and violence. While it mentions the role of converts
in transforming society, it does not give sufficient emphasis to evangelism
as part of the overall method of changing structures. Nor does it discuss
the liberating effect of conversion on unsaved individuals, their families,
and their communities. (The abused wife of an unfaithful, alcoholic husband
would experience a tremendous liberation were her husband to be converted.
The convert would also become a better member of society.) It will take
both activism and personal evangelism to deal with Mexico’s problems.
The study’s heavy emphasis on social
concerns and ministries also gives the impression that these are the primary
concerns of the Methodist Church of Mexico. While the church does have many
social ministries, it has many other facets, including a strong emphasis on
evangelism, as revealed by its present quadrennial theme, “Every Methodist
an Evangelist.” While this theme and the church’s goals for growth are
mentioned, information on how local churches are evangelizing would have
given more life and balance to the study.
Another problem with the study is that it
covers relatively little information on current Methodist work and
institutions in northern Mexico. It also leaves out one of the most
significant events in the recent history of Methodism in northern Mexico:
the revival that fell on the 1973 Annual Conference in Nuevo Laredo, gave
birth to John Wesley Seminary in Monterrey, and swept Northern Mexico.
The study would have been enriched by the
inclusion of descriptions of local church life and its role in the life of
the believer, the impact of conversion on the life of a “cultural Catholic,”
and life as a Protestant in a culturally Catholic society. These topics
would have provided a more complete picture of Methodism in Mexico, giving
United Methodist readers additional connecting points and encouragement to
become mission partners with the Methodist Church of Mexico.
The study guide provides interesting
supplemental information and some useful discussion starters. The Spanish
hymns suggested in the worship sections are helpful. Other suggested
worship activities are wanting.
In spite of these problems, Mexico:
Labyrinth of Faith is a valuable tool for understanding Mexico and
considering our role as partners in mission.
Jean Healan is a freelance writer, a librarian and a
former missionary. She and her husband, Randy, served for 10 years as
missionaries in Mexico and Costa Rica, first with the General Board of
Global Ministries, and later with The Mission Society for United Methodists. |
