Final answer:
Christian missionaries contributed to the development of cultural anthropology through their efforts at conversion and assimilation, documentation of indigenous cultures, and unintentional shaping of colonial policies. However, their work also reflected ethnocentric biases that influenced early anthropological thought, leading to an oversimplified view of cultural evolution from 'savagery' to 'civilization'. Modern anthropology seeks to redress these issues with more culturally sensitive and responsible practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Christian missionaries have had a substantial impact on the development of cultural anthropology. By establishing churches and schools in colonies and attempting to convert and assimilate indigenous populations, missionaries played a significant role in the dissemination of European culture. Early missionaries often documented indigenous cultures as part of their efforts to convert them to Christianity, thereby contributing to the early body of anthropological work.
In certain cases, missionary records provided useful information for anthropologists to understand and assess indigenous ways of life. However, this involvement in colonial efforts often meant imposing European values and disrupting local traditions. Missionaries' ethnocentric views on polygamy, ancestor veneration, and indigenous customs reflect the complex relationship between evangelism and cultural transformation.
As criticized by influential anthropologists like Franz Boas, the earlier anthropological accounts from an ethnocentric perspective upheld a narrative of cultural evolution from 'savagery' to 'civilization', largely ignoring the unique developmental trajectories of each culture. Boas emphasized that cultures change due to interactions with others, showcasing a dynamic rather than linear progression.
In modern times, anthropologists strive for culturally sensitive approaches, acknowledging the effects their work can have on communities. They may contribute positively, exemplified by their role in training health workers to be culturally sensitive during the Ebola outbreak, as noted by the World Health Organization in 2015.