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Christianizing South China

Mission, Development, and Identity in Modern Chaoshan

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Offers an insightful study of the indigenization of Protestant churches in the Chaoshan region
  • Corrects many myths surrounding the incompatibility of Christianity and Chinese culture
  • Gives a fresh look at Chaoshan Christians' search for upward mobility and gender equality

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiv
  2. Christianizing Maritime Chaozhou-Shantou

    • Joseph Tse-Hei Lee
    Pages 1-14
  3. The First Group of Chaoshan Biblewomen

    • Ellen Xiang-Yu Cai
    Pages 15-36
  4. Christianity and Needlework Industry in Chaoshan

    • Ellen Xiang-Yu Cai
    Pages 81-103
  5. Christian Activism in 1950s Chaoshan and Wenzhou

    • Christie Chui-Shan Chow, Joseph Tse-Hei Lee
    Pages 123-142
  6. Christianity and the Peng Lineage

    • Weiqing Hu
    Pages 143-164
  7. Back Matter

    Pages 165-172

About this book

Christianity flourishes in areas facing profound dislocations amidst regime change and warfare. This book explains the appeal of Christianity in the Chaozhou-Shantou (Chaoshan) region during a time of transition, from a stage of disintegration in the late imperial era into the cosmopolitan and entrepreneurial area it is today. The authors argue that Christianity played multiple roles in Chaoshan, facilitating mutual accommodations and adaptations among foreign missionaries and native converts. The trajectory of Christianization should be understood as a process of civilizational change that inspired individuals and communities to construct a sacred order capable of empowerment in times of chaos and confusion. 

Reviews

“Lee’s volume is a valuable contribution because of its thoughtful reconceptualization of the particularist approach.” (Joshua Dao Wei Sim, Exchange, Vol. 48 (1), 2019) “In keeping with his well-established research record, Joseph Tse-Hei Lee has produced yet another flashlight into the history of China's Christian communities. Christianizing South China explores the Christianity exhibited in the Chaozhou-Shantou region in southern China and its propagation into the Chinese interior and into the global trading network where Chaoshan Christians featured strongly. Professor Lee's book will be a welcome addition for anyone interested in Chinese Christianity.” (Lars Peter Laamann, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK)

“Anyone with an interest in the history of Chinese Christian communities will find Christianizing South China to be an invaluable addition to their library. The regional focus on Chaoshan churches allows the reader to come away with a greater appreciation of the ways in which Chinese Christians contributed to local society and culture.” (John R. Stanley, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, USA)

Editors and Affiliations

  • Pace University, New York, NY, USA

    Joseph Tse-Hei Lee

About the editor

Joseph Tse-Hei Lee is Professor of History and Executive Director of the Confucius Institute at Pace University in New York, USA. His previous works include The Bible and the Gun: Christianity in South China (2003), Marginalization in China (2008), China’s Rise to Power (2012), and Hong Kong and Bollywood (2016). 

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Christianizing South China

  • Book Subtitle: Mission, Development, and Identity in Modern Chaoshan

  • Editors: Joseph Tse-Hei Lee

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72266-5

  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham

  • eBook Packages: Religion and Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2018

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-72265-8Published: 06 April 2018

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-10178-7Published: 19 December 2018

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-72266-5Published: 23 March 2018

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XIV, 172

  • Number of Illustrations: 1 b/w illustrations

  • Topics: Religion and Society, History of China, Politics and Religion

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 89.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access