Aspects of the emergence of the chinese church from the missionary movement, 1900-1949

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to contribute toward an understanding of missionaries and missions of the west and the rising of the Chinese indigenous churches. There is a necessity to trace the historical protestant mission work since Robert Morrison in 1807. Through the inequality of treaties such as the Nanking Treaty of 1842, the door to missions was opened in China. Missions came in along with western colonialism and military force. The Chinese people and government built up their hatred and resentment of the west during this period. The Boxer Uprising was the beginning of an era of unrest and instability, which brought about greater government interventions that impacted the Chinese people. Missionaries and Chinese Christians were murdered and martyred. However, these tragedies did not stop missions from sending more missionaries. Chinese Christians and leaders opened their eyes. The new awakening started Chinese indigenous churches through a revivalist and spiritual emphasis. Speakers such as Ding Li-Mei, Wang Ming-Dao, David Yang, John Sung, Watchman Nee, and Calvin Chao were active during the period between 1925 and 1949. Indigenous churches like the True Jesus Church, Jesus family Church, Zei Li Hwey and Ling En Hwey came into being. This was a most challenging era in modem Chinese Church history. The results were great. Since 1949 and the "Liberation" the Chinese church has marched on without western missionaries.