christianity

  • What is meant by “Christianity beyond its European captivity”?

    • Liberation of historical and cultural ties to Europe as a result of colonization, missionary activities, and cultural dominance 

    • Also exists in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, has taken on diverse cultural expressions and perspectives

    • Must acknowledge the contributions of non-Western theologians, churches, and believers

    • Not associated with the “Orient” 

  • Is Christianity an “Asian” religion?/Defining “Nestorian” Christianity

    • Defintion: Two distinct persons: the human person Jesus and the divine person of the Son of God 

    • Historical and cultural connections with Europe overshadow Asian roots of Christianity so not seen as an “Asian” religion

  • Samuel Hugh Moffett: “The Church began in Asia. Its earliest history, its first centers were Asian. Asia produced the first known church building, the first New Testament translation, perhaps the first Christian king, the first Christian poets, and even arguably the first Christian state. Asian Christians endure the greatest persecutions. They mounted global ventures in missionary expansion the West could not match until after the thirteenth century”

    • Refers to “West Asia” what we typically call the Middle East

    • St. Thomas in India 52 AD → established 7 Christian communities and baptized/appointed leaders, regarded as the patron saint of India 

  • Acts of Thomas = Renunciation of the world, abstention from sexual activity, Human’s free activity toward spiritual rebirth, Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection absent

  • Christian structures found throughout Asia, makes sense considering path of Silk Road

  • Johannes Blumenbach’s origin of the word “Caucasian”

  • Why did “Nestorian” Christianity disappear in Asia? 

    • Rise of Islamic conquests in the Middle East

    • Mongol invasions 

    • Isolation and marginalization due to geographical distance and cultural barriers

    • Over time, assimilation with other cultures combined with pressures of persecution

    • Missionary activities from other Christian traditions (Roman Catholic) 

  • What is the Nestorian Stele?

    • Monumental slab erected during Tang Dynasty, detail beliefs of the Church of the East, described arrival of Christian missionaries 

    • Provides information about interaction of Christianity with Chinese culture → illuminates the religious tolerance of the Tang Dynasty and its openness to foreign ideas and religions 

  • READING: What is Sugirtharajah’s basic argument about the Bible and Asia? Can you give an example?

    • Argues that the Bible has been appropriated and interpreted through Western-centric lenses, neglecting its diverse cultural and historical contexts in Asia 

    • Marginalization of non-Western cultures and voices

    • Colonial powers used Christianity as a tool for cultural hegemony and social control

    • Decolonize and diversify the study of the Bible 

    • Promotion of readings that prioritize social justice, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment of marginalized communities 

    • Use the Bible as a living text that speaks to contemporary concerns and struggles in Asia

  • Why is the Book on Mysterious Peace and Joy an argument for a distinctly “Asian” Christianity?

    • Explores the concept of peace and joy from a Christian perspective, drawing heavily from an ancient Chinese text

    • Demonstrates how Christian concepts such as peace and joy resonate with and enrich Asian worldviews 

    • Concept of non-motion as a way to block biases of reality 

    • By highlighting connections, advocates for a more culturally relevant expression of Christianity in the region 

    • Explores potential for dialogue and mutual enrichment between Christianity and Taoism, more inclusive and pluralistic understanding of Christianity in Asia 

    • Highlights deep roots in Asian cultures, traditions, and spiritual themes