This research proposal, collected from missionstudies.org, proposes to take a look into postcolonial theory and new research on women and feminist theology as applied to the practice of mission work. The author of the piece has taken this on because of the increase in studies about missions, and particularly the role of women. However, with this “new world order” there are changing events, thoughts, and movements; many of which applying to the mission work women have done. The author claims, “Women still face differences and ‘otherness’ to such an extent that the little we share, is diminished and overshadowed by these differences.” Since the effects of difference throughout the world can be so detrimental, what can be done to break down the barriers? This piece seems to assume that women are the perfect catalysts, being in both an insider and outsider position. A lot of this research proposal is spent explaining the background knowledge and plethora of ideas about this subject, which makes it much easier to understand than if only a simple explanation had been provided. There are 5 or 6 proposed questions in the “Research Areas” section that I assume will all contribute to the overarching project’s aim. Some of the questions are “How do we understand and re-interpret mission in the light of postcolonial theory and hermeneutics?”, “How can mission scholars through their theological work contribute to a positive valuation of difference in church and society?”, and “How do we read the Bible and other religious texts by means of a postcolonial, hermeneutics?” After this section, two different research aims are identified. One is to develop new paradigms of mission from the diverse female perspective in a post colonial world. The other is to encourage women to listen to each other about their experiences and challenges. This proposal, if accepted, will call on participants from missiological and theological institutions to take part in. This is assumed to be a very diverse group of people. For data collection, the author states, “In order to gather the material which is needed to carry out the research project, a call for papers and material which have not yet been published shall be released immediately.” I am not quite sure what papers or material is being referred to, but I am assuming this type of data will be organization (perhaps coming from the churches) or shallow opinions and beliefs if the people discussed above are being interviewed. There is a workshop mentioned, which I could see being similar to a focus group, working well with the latter data type.

Overall, the most impressive thing about this proposal is the preliminary information offered to the reader. However, I find myself knowing much more about the background details than the actual research study itself, which, in a way, seems to defeat the purpose of a proposal. This made is difficult to evaluate just what type of study was to be carried out. Nevertheless, it was an interesting read.

Heidemanns, K., & Van Schalkwyk, A. (n.d.). How to deal with difference? Creating new paradigms of mission from the perspective of women in a postcolonial world. Missionstudies.org . Retrieved March 11, 2017, from http://missionstudies.org/archive/4groups/women/project_description.htm