Full 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.
Contents
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
