Towards a mission hostility index

Initial explorations

Authors

  • Christof Sauer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59484/GJFX5370

Keywords:

Mission, conversion, hostility, restrictions, index, transnational comparison, World Watch List

Abstract

This article explores the feasibility of creating a mission hostility index based on the data of the World Watch List regarding discrimination and persecution of Christians. Using Jordan as a case study, clusters of questions on (1) social risk of individual Christian witness and (2) obstructions of collective Christian witness are found to be sufficient to establish such an index. Questions on (3) conversion and (4) anti-Christian activities have complementary value. Extensive critical considerations mark the way for further phases in exploring a mission hostility index.

Author Biography

Christof Sauer

Christof Sauer is part time Professor II at Fjellhaug International University College, Oslo, and Consultant for its Research Project “Religious Freedom and Religious Persecution.” The research on which this paper is based, was presented among others at the General Assembly of the International Association for Mission Studies in Sydney, Australia, in 2022 and at the symposium on “Mission and Religious Freedom” at Fjellhaug in 2023.

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Published

2025-05-16

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2025): Christian mission and FoRB

Section

Article Submissions

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)