Christian Social Activism and Rule of Law in Chinese Societies: : Yucheng Bai: Lehigh University Press

Christian Social Activism and Rule of Law in Chinese Societies

Description

Although Christianity has been a minority religion in Chinese societies, Christians have been powerful catalysts of social activism in seeking to establish democracy and rule of law in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and diasporic communities. The chapters gathered in this collection reveal the vital influence of Christian individuals and groups on social, political, and legal activism in Chinese societies. Written from a range of disciplinary and geographical perspectives, the chapters develop a coherent narrative of Christian activism that illuminates its specific historical, theological, and cultural contexts. Analyzing campaigns for human rights, universal suffrage, and other political reforms, this volume uncovers the complex dynamics of Christian activism, highlighting its significant contributions to the democratization of Greater China.

Chapter One: A Historical Overview of Chinese Christian Activism: Institutional Change toward Democracy
Fenggang Yang and Chris White

Section One: Republic of China on Taiwan
Introduction: Chinese Christian Activism in the Republic of China on Taiwan
Jonathan Seitz
Chapter Two: Taiwan Under Martial Law and Presbyterian Responses
Jonathan Seitz
Chapter Three: To Unite as One Body: The Presbyterians and Changing Identities in Taiwan
Magdaléna Rychetská

Section Two: Hong Kong
Introduction: Chinese Christian Activism in Hong Kong
Fenggang Yang and Chris White
Chapter Four: Religious Discourse, Social Participation, and Identity Construction of Hong Kong Protestant Christians from 1970 to 1997: An Analysis of Three Oral Histories
Wai Luen Kwok
Chapter Five: Contesting for Religious Freedom in China: The Case of Hong Kong Christian Social Activism from 2014 to 2018
Fuk-tsang Ying
Chapter Six: Identity Negotiation and Social Activism: Hong Kong Christians during the Umbrella Movement
Jenny McGi

Product details

Published	Jan 27 2023
Format	Paperback
Edition	1st
Extent	422
ISBN	9781611463255
Imprint	Lehigh University Press
Illustrations	8 b/w photos; 5 tables;
Dimensions	9 x 6 inches
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Anthology Editor

Fenggang Yang

Anthology Editor

Chris White

Contributor

Yucheng Bai

Contributor

Jeffrey Chiu

Contributor

Calida Chu

Contributor

George Dunn

Contributor

Bob Fu

Contributor

Kim Kuen Ip

Contributor

Wai Luen Kwok

Contributor

Tsz-him Lai

Contributor

Yan Liu

Contributor

Magdaléna Rychetská

Contributor

Jenny McGill

Contributor

Mark McLeister

Contributor

Timotheus Mui

Contributor

Shiho Murakami

Contributor

Jonathan Seitz

Contributor

Joshua Tan

Contributor

Carsten Vala

Contributor

Chris White

Contributor

Fenggang Yang

Contributor

Fuk Tsang Ying

Contributor

Xinzhang Zhang

The vastly outsized role of Christians in Chinese political and social activism has presented a persistent puzzle. This timely volume provides the most revealing and wide-ranging answer to date. Highly recommended.

Xi Lian, David C. Steinmetz Distinguished Professor of World Christianity, Duke Divinity School
Fenggang Yang’s and Chris White’s groundbreaking and provocative volume examines the modes and motivations of politically engaged Christian activism in the orbit of China. Drawing from an array of scholarly and activist perspectives, the fifteen chapters explore the historical and contemporary roles of Christian leaders as revolutionary fighters and constitution writers, parliamentarians and presidents, supporters of self-determination and prisoners of conscience. This book gives vital insight into how and why Christians have put their faith into action in shaping national debates, and it illuminates the soul-searching involved when Christians exercise an influential and effective role in the political sphere.

Chloe Starr, professor of Asian theology and Christianity, Yale Divinity School