Missionary Myth Book Summary

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http://www.missionarymyth.com/

The Missionary Myth exists to expose the depth of child abuse in missionary boarding schools. It also explores the overlap of the residential school experience of indigenous people, particularly Native Americans. As a missionary kid (MK) raised in Africa, Vivian Palmer Harvey has directly experienced the realities of missionary life. In addition, her close friendships with Native American advisors, teachers and residential school survivors places her in a unique position to draw parallels.

Beginning with the author’s birth after her parents’ arrival in Africa and continuing through her young adulthood, The Missionary Myth tells the fascinating story of a child and her family on the mission field.

Later, the focus pulls back to show that boarding school abuse is one branch of a much broader problem. By tying together elements that lead to the exploitation of children and nations alike, the author reveals that the same belief system which requires missionaries to abandon their children to boarding schools also harms native peoples around the world.