Holy Cross Professor Examines the Controversy Surrounding the 'Great Commission'

A recent survey has shown that the majority of churchgoing Christians in the U.S. are not familiar with the term the "Great Commission," though the concept underpins Christian missionary work across the world.

In an article for The Conversation, Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies at Holy Cross, traces the historical roots of the Great Commission and examines the growing divisiveness around the term.

"Converting others to Christianity raises a fundamental question about whether religious diversity is a reality to be celebrated or an obstacle to be overcome," said Schmalz. According to him, "the meaning of the Great Commission will continue to be a subject of debate as Christianity confronts a rapidly changing world."

To read the full article, go to The Conversation. The piece has also been republished by the Houston Chronicle and San Francisco Chronicle.