Jesus and Nationalism in Republican China

Abstract

Abstract Historians recognize the twentieth century as an age of nationalism in the Majority World. During times of foreign dominance and internal division, nationalism often united the masses and ignited social reformation. At the turn of the twentieth century, various social movements emerged in the land now known as the People’s Republic of China, motivating young people in cities such as Peking and Shanghai to seek salvation for their country. In response to China’s crisis, Chinese Christian educators and theologians offered their perspectives on saving China by developing Christlike character. This study explores two key players: T.C. Chao (赵紫宸) and Princeton S. Hsu (徐松石). By comparing their views on China’s problems, nationalism, and China’s salvation, I present two strategies for contextualizing Christianity in Republican China: preaching the Social Gospel and promoting Christianity’s indigenization. Despite their courage and ingenuity, their contextual theology ultimately tends to domesticate Jesus and adapt theology to fit their cultural and societal agendas.