Forming Chinese Christian identity : South China Anglicanism, 1849-1951

Abstract

Hundreds of studies in Chinese Christianity have emerged in the past few decades, exploring an ever-increasing number of themes in particular periods and places. However, the sheer volume of case-studies has made it difficult to discern any common pattern in the broader history of Chinese Christianity. This thesis demonstrates how identity theory in Psychology enables one to transcend the confusion. Focusing on South China Anglicanism from 1849 to 1951, the paradigm of identity formation assimilates different periods that tend to be studied separately while drawing together themes that follow divergent developments. Identity formation recognizes change over time in Chinese Christianity, rather than viewing it as a static object. Each historical period played a particular role within a wider narrative. Instead of studying the relationship between Chinese Christianity and nineteenth-century missionary encounters, early twentieth-century republican nationalism, and mid-twentieth-century war and revolution in isolation, this thesis highlights how each period contributed to the progressive formation of Chinese Anglicanism. Moreover, identity formation recognizes that Chinese Anglicanism was multifaceted and shaped by various agents and circumstances. Instead of focusing on a single area, this thesis examines all aspects of South China Anglicanism while indicating their interconnectedness. This includes how the church was defined in its canons and constitutions, how it perceived of itself in relation to other churches both nationally and internationally, how it sought to serve the community through social welfare, and how church members articulated their faith at the individual level in both urban and rural settings. These facets were affected by political upheaval, social unrest, finances, missionary policy, Chinese Christian innovation, and region, among others. Drawing these diverse strands together not only enables one to see South China Anglicanism in its full complexity, but also reveals the common ground. It was on this basis that South China Anglicans in 1951 tentatively resolved on an identity that simply emphasized trusting Jesus, serving the community, and remaining connected with the worldwide Anglican Communion. Ultimately, this thesis invites further studies in World Christianity not to shy away from ambiguity and complexity, but instead to embrace it through identity theory, and in so doing, rediscover not only what is unique to particular regions and denominations, but also that which unites the Church.