Mission, Race and Colonialism in Malawi: Alexander Hetherwick of Blantyre

by Kenneth R. Ross

Overview

Mission, race and colonialism were three forces shaping Malawi’s history during the early years of the twentieth century. These three found a concentrated meeting point in the life of Scottish missionary Alexander Hetherwick, who led Blantyre Mission from 1898 to 1928. This book presents a fresh assessment of this towering figure in Malawi’s history, contesting the scholarly consensus that Hetherwick betrayed the early ideals of Blantyre Mission by compromising too much with the colonial system that was in force during his leadership. The book assesses the pervasive influence of colonialism, from which Hetherwick was not exempt, and traces the ways in which he resisted such influence through his relentless commitment to the interests of the African community and the inspiration he found in the emergence of the African church.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399517423
Publisher:	Edinburgh University Press
Publication date:	02/28/2025
Series:	Scottish Religious Cultures
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Kenneth R. Ross is Professor of Theology and Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Zomba Theological Universityin Malawi and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. His most recent monograph is Mission, Race and Colonialism in Malawi: Alexander Hetherwick of Blantyre (Edinburgh UniversityPress, 2023).

Table of Contents

Preface

1 Introduction 2 The Pioneer Missionary: Domasi Days3 The Right-Hand Man: Scott and Hetherwick4 The Mission Leader: Father Figure5 The Public Figure: Critic and Campaigner6 Malawi Visionary: Standing Up for Cinderella7 The Linguist and Bible Translator: Words Must Be Christianised8 The Mission Thinker: Priorities and Policy9 The Church Leader: Imagination and Reality 10 Missionary and Empire Builder? Tensions and Contradictions

Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

A very solid and nuanced work of scholarship. The themes explored in depth are of foundational importance for Malawian history.

Dana L. Robert

For the unprejudiced reader, there can be little doubt that Hetherwick's rehabilitation is done in a balanced and sympathetic way. Ross's arguments are compelling, based on extensive knowledge of the sources and of research in Hetherwick's correspondence and writings.

Studies in World Christianity - John M. MacKenzie

This study of Alexander Hetherwick fills a gap in our understanding of Malawi’s history. Anyone seeking to understand the interplay of mission, race and colonialism must read this book.

Billy Gama