Pushing Boundaries

Explore the compelling narrative of 'Pushing Boundaries,' a groundbreaking book by Hugh Morrison, published by Otago University Press. This captivating paperback, sized 150 x 230 mm and spanning 340 pages, delves into the underexplored missionary activities of New Zealand's Protestant churches from the early 19th century to the eve of World War II. Unlike the well-documented stories of early missionaries in New Zealand, Morrison shifts the focus to the overseas missionary endeavors that shaped not only faith but also the cultural and social development of Aotearoa. This insightful examination reveals how colonial churches engaged with global missions, driven by theological motivations and a desire to contribute to a broader narrative. Morrison connects local missionary activities to significant historical themes, including gender roles, cultural exchanges, and the impact of education on society. 'Pushing Boundaries' is essential for anyone interested in New Zealand's religious history and its role in shaping the nation. This pioneering work offers a fresh perspective on how early settlers expanded their influence beyond New Zealand, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared heritage. Discover the intricate connections between faith, empire, and identity in this thought-provoking exploration of New Zealand's contribution to global missionary movements.

Author: Hugh Morrison Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm
Pages: 340
Publication Date: 19-02-2016

We know a lot about the early missionaries who came to New Zealand from 1814 and how Christianity developed through their complex interactions with M?ori. Less well known are the ways in which settler churches of Aotearoa New Zealand reached out to engage in missionary activity in other parts of the world. Pushing Boundaries is the first book-length attempt to tell the story of the evolution of overseas missionary activity by New Zealand’s Protestant churches from the early nineteenth century up to World War II. In this thought-provoking book, Hugh Morrison outlines how and why missions became important to colonial churches - the theological and social reasons churches supported missions, how their ideas were shaped, and what motivated individual New Zealanders to leave these shores to devote their lives elsewhere. Secondly, he connects this local story to some larger historical themes - of gender, culture, empire, childhood and education. This book argues that understanding the overseas missionary activity of Protestant churches and groups can contribute to a more general understanding of how New Zealand has developed as a society and nation.