Did Jesus Christ Really Come to China?

Abstract

It is a well-known fact that Jesus Christ was not born in China nor did he ever visit there. But these simple facts posed a problem for the missionaries and the Chinese literati during the time of the old China mission. The practical problem of the prohibition of polygamy and the theological problem of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ constituted the greatest obstacles for the Chinese. The attempts of the French Jesuit Joachim Bouvet, to elaborate a contextual and intercultural theology for China are well-known under the name of Figurism. Matteo Ricci's method of mission was based upon accommodation, i.e. adaptation to the existing conditions in China and taking into account the Chinese culture and tradition. Ricci and the first Jesuits in China were very cautious about displaying the crucifix. The intensive association with Chinese scholars promoted a learning process by the Jesuits, who realised that there was also profit to be gained from accommodation.