How were missionaries able to convert native populations?

Question

What made it possible for Christian missionnaires to convert natives of America, Africa and Asia to another religion despite the fact that they already had beliefs and gods ?

Answer 1

That's a great question. The Christian missionaries certainly had a business plan and executed it to precision in terms of marketing, psychological programming, and in many cases violence. Part of the strategy was to convince the natives that they were more advanced, closer to and knew the "real" God, and in a lot of cases arriving from seemingly nowhere was construed as beings of enlightenment and godliness. Natives were convinced that they would perish if they didn't follow the true God. Furthermore, the missionaries brought books, dressed up, had gifts and were backed up with guns. Throughout history, missionaries have been in many cases used to help convert and colonize along the colonial-military establishment, and this is evident in many places around the world. I could expand on this, however, it's important to be concise. Feel free to research more about this in terms of specific missionary and colonial expeditions.