The History of Christianity in Asian Countries

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Religions have been spreading across the globe for centuries as people seek salvation from any available source. Despite originating from West Asia, Christianity is often seen as a product of European culture and has a long history of challenging relationships in Eastern regions (Chia 2022). Examining its role in Asia throughout the centuries may reveal the core values that people strive for. Hence, this paper will explore the history of Christianity in Asian countries such as China, Japan, India, Syria, and Korea.

Main body

Constant wars between Rome and Parthia (Persian empire) made Christianity’s expansion from the west to eastern nations a complex process. Buffer states between the regions, such as Armenia, exhibited Christian influence as Rome and Parthia constantly fought to influence them to their side (Philip 1998). Evidence indicates that Christianity was greatly affected by campaigns such as the Crusades to take control of the Church of Jerusalem (Philip 1998). Subsequently, people within regions such as Syria exported their doctrines to their regions (Philip 1998). However, like with much of Christian history, Syria experienced disagreements still reflected in the modern Assyrian Church. Namely, Nestorius’ teachings on Christ’s double persona, the human and divine, caused a controversial split in opinions (Philip 1998). To this day, Christianity’s adoption in a modern middle-eastern context is riddled with controversies.

Unlike in the pre-Syrian territories, the first contact between Christians and the Chinese population could be deemed a good start. In the eighth century, the sacred Scriptures were presented to the ruler, who allowed the Church to be established (Chia 2022). Despite the initial success, Christianity was pushed away by Buddhists and Daoists, eventually becoming banned entirely (Chia 2022). Subsequently, the first registered Christian movement in Korea was started by Koreans, who introduced the other citizens to the Chinese Christian writings (Sunquist 2017). Similar to the late Chinese and somewhat Syrian experience, the movement was severely prosecuted for over a century (Sunquist 2017). The greater pattern of religious resistance and unacceptance continued throughout time.

The next step in developing Christianity among Asian countries has occurred during the colonial era. Being more technologically advanced than Asian communities, many European countries began to establish their rule over Eastern regions of the world (Chia 2022). This forceful entry was one of the primary reasons why Christianity was not accepted on a large scale, as local communities were distrustful toward invaders (Chia 2022). An example of a protestant mission in India can shed more light on history. Initially, Christians encountered prosecution from Hindus, similar to many other places (Sunquist 2017). Later, as protestants began dissipating their mission throughout colonized India, they faced many issues in this highly stratified nation, especially trying to reach higher castes (Sunquist 2017). Therefore, colonial history presents a similar picture to the earlier entrance of Christianity into Asia.

Next, the twentieth century was an opportunity for European countries that exhibited a strong presence in Asia to promote Christianity. However, the Church’s plans were abruptly halted due to the world wars and other conflicts that shook the entire world (Chia 2022). Prior to this conflict, horrendous actions and despair brought by Christian nations to Asians and Europeans alike left people with abhorrence and revolt towards foreign cultures (Chia 2022). The wars have only exacerbated the issue, highlighting the seemingly irredeemable differences between nations. Therefore, a certain pattern can be recognized in the West-East interaction in the context of Christianity, with many beginnings interrupted by political forces, ideological incompatibility, and painful history.

However, it is essential to consider the context of China witnessing a religious revival, a trend taking place for the past forty years. In this instance, Chinese protestants have increased significantly by almost 10% every year (McPherson 2018). Moreover, some estimates posit that China will have the largest population of Christians in the world by 2030 if current trends continue (McPherson 2018). However, it is crucial to consider that Christianity challenges the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) due to its atheist stance, and CCP is known to be the power dictating much of China’s political and social outlook (McPherson 2018). It is crucial to note the opposition Christianity faces in the nation as in the establishment of recent initiatives aimed at regulating and restricting Christian adherents’ operations (McPherson 2018). Overall, the religious-political interplay may eventually determine the outcome of this religious growth.

Despite its growth, many individuals adhering to religious beliefs such as Buddhism in India, Japan, China, and Syria believe Jesus was born a mortal man and is not divine. Shaking the foundation of Christianity using this narrative began in the Byzantine empire when Arians accepted the mortality of Jesus, leading to fractures in the Church (“The Council of Nicaea and Arianism” n.d.). Islamic and Buddhist believers consider Jesus a prophet similar to Buddha or Mohamed (“The Council of Nicaea and Arianism” n.d.). This understanding causes a major conflicting issue for Christianity. In the context of this disagreement, the Council of Nicaea gathered to settle the heated debate over Arian beliefs and the Passover or the Law of Freedom controversy (“The Council of Nicaea and Arianism” n.d.). This chapter in history reflects the many views that the early Church was still working to settle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christianity was largely unsuccessful in Asia due to the presence of local religions, opposition from rulers, and aggressive behavior from countries that were seen as Christian. Moreover, centuries of living under another religion made people resistant to change. The path towards the modern coexistence of different world views was laid with many sacrifices from Christians and non-Christians alike, who suffered continuously throughout history.

References

Chia, E. 2022. Asian christianity and theology inculturation, Interreligious Dialogue, integral liberation. Routledge, Taylor & Francis.

McPherson, M. 2018. Christianity in China. Council on Foreign Relations.

Philip, T.V. n.d. “Chapter 2: Christianity in Edessa.” In East of the Euphrates: Early Christianity in Asia. India: CSS & ISPCK.

Sunquist, Scott W. 2017. Explorations in Asian Christianity: History, Theology, and Mission. InterVarsity Press.

“The Council of Nicaea and Arianism.” n.d. World Mission Society Church of God.

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The History of Christianity in Asian Countries

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