Spread Of Christianity Research Articles

Christian Faith Formation and Spiritual Insecurity in Africa

As early as 1930s Audrey Richards hinted at the irony that the spread of Christianity in Zambia, against all its good intentions, instead of diminishing fear, rather increased spiritual insecurity among its converts. There is scholarly evidence that the detected spiritual insecurity in the early 20th century persists up to now. The triggers of spiritual insecurity in Africa are attributed to the breakdown of traditional relationships and mutual obligation, the belief in the influence of the spirits on people for either good or bad. Spiritual insecurity shows that some of the Africans are in dilemma of Christian and African spiritual worldviews thereby struggling to fully trust the Christian approach to spiritually related challenges. This article validates the view that spiritual insecurity in Africa though highly ignored, should be taken seriously. It explores how the Church can use its faith formation system to address issue causing spiritual insecurity in Africa. Data collected through qualitative literature review and observations is engaged using the hermeneutical theory to argue for a faith formation which addresses the fissure between words about God in statements of faith and spiritual insecurity among African Christians by clarifying Christian confessions, identity and reflection.

Relevance of Language Learning Evangelism and Education in the Spread of Christianity in Nigeria

This study explores the significance of language learning evangelism and education in the dissemination of Christianity in Nigeria. With over 500 indigenous languages, Nigeria presents unique linguistic and cultural challenges for evangelism. This paper examines how language proficiency enhances effective communication of Christian teachings, fosters community engagement, and promotes cultural sensitivity. By analyzing existing literature, conducting surveys, and observing evangelistic practices in diverse communities, the research highlights the positive correlation between language learning and the successful spread of Christianity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance of language learning education in the spread and growth of Christianity in Nigeria. The sampled group consisted of 540 mainline Christian churches, Pentecostal/Neo-Pentecostal Movement and Christian religious leaders. The methodology adopted in this study is, survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 540 respondents comprising 313 Mainline Christian Church Members, 192 Pentecostal/Neo-Pentecostal Movement Members and 35 Christian Religious Leaders, from which 230 respondents was determined using YARO YAMENT formula and was sampled through stratified random sampling technique. A 30 item questionnaire was used in collecting data constructed, validated and its reliability of 0.84 determined by using CRONBACH alpha formula. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions; whereas the null hypothesis was tested with ANOVA. The study found that, language learning education is a necessary requirement for cross cultural evangelism as well as successful penetration of Christianity to all the ethnic groups available in Nigeria and the study found that the 15 factors identified, were relevance of language learning education and has immensely contributed to the growth and spread of Christianity in Nigeria. It was recommended that language is the life of every human group in the universe. Recommendations include integrating language education in evangelistic programs to enhance outreach efforts. More so, there was a positive relationship between the spread and growth of Christianity and language learning education in Nigeria.

Kegiatan Ilmu Pengetahuan Berasaskan Islam di Johor dalam Era Imperialisme British, 1914-1941 Islamic Knowledge-Based Activities in Johor in the Era of British Imperialism between 1914 to 1941

The discussion in this paper focuses on Islamic knowledge-based activities in Johor from 1914 to 1941, during British imperialism. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that knowledge activities in Johor are still ongoing due to the presence of Islamic-based educational institutions and the availability of authoritative scientific materials for the community at that time. This point is highlighted because throughout the period of British imperialism in Johor, there were things that threatened the position of Islam such as the spread of Christianity as well as issues related to social problems. This article covers the period between 1914, when the British General Counsel was accepted in Johor, and 1941, right before the Pacific War began. Efforts to intensify the knowledge activities were done in a structured manner among the Malay rulers, Islamic religious leaders, and the efforts of individuals in society. Research on documents from selected archives was made using qualitative methods through the analysis of certain documents. The documents were retrieved from the National Archives of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and the National Archives of Malaysia Johor Branch. The documents were analyzed to create a systematic and instructive debate based on the discipline of history. In addition, secondary scholarly sources such as journal articles, books, and theses were used to complement the narrative of the discussion. The research concludes that the presence of Islamic-related educational institutions, as well as the availability of authoritative scientific materials, strengthened knowledge activities in Johor despite the British expansion of imperialism policy.

Reasons for the Simplicity of the Burial Sites of Notable Figures (Kings, Saints) in Georgia

Throughout its development, humanity has created various types of burial places, and Georgia, with its long historical experience, is no exception. Archaeological excavations in our country have uncovered diverse burial practices, including tombstones, stone cists, burials in clay vessels, burial mounds, and more. The spread of Christianity brought changes to burial customs. In the Greco-Roman world, we find several forms of Christian burials, such as catacombs, sarcophagi, and crypts. The tombs of kings, dignitaries, and saints were often notably grand. Although Christianity has been present in Georgia since the 1st century, introduced in much the same way as in the Greco-Roman world, the graves of Christian kings and saints in our country were not marked by elaborate decoration. Instead, these burial sites were strikingly simple. This simplicity was intentional and influenced by specific reasons. In this article, we aim to explore and define those reasons.

The phenomenon of medieval “easter eggs”: types of artifacts, probable ways of their distribution and functions (based on finds from the territory of Belarus in the European context)

The paper is devoted to such type of artifacts as “Easter eggs”, also known in the scientific literature as egg-shaped rattles or pisanki. The study considers such problems as the provenance of these artifacts and their function and meaning. In addition to glazed ceramic egg-shaped rattles, imitation eggs made of other materials are considered as part of the same phenomenon. The artifacts from the territory of Belarus were mostly found in towns and do not have a specific context. The majority of the finds dates back to a later period in comparison with the neighboring territories of Old Rus’. The distribution and occurrence of egg-shaped objects in towns and villages corresponded to the period of active spread of Christianity and church building, which indicates that it will be more appropriate to consider these finds in the context of Christianity.

The Demise of the Early Church in North Africa: Teaching Lessons for the Contemporary Nigerian Church

This article explores the decline of the early Christian church in North Africa and its implications for the contemporary Nigerian church. By examining historical, sociopolitical, and theological factors that contributed to the disintegration of a once-thriving ecclesiastical community in 2nd – 7th Century, the study aims to draw meaningful lessons for present-day Nigerian Christians facing similar challenges. The research employs a historical-analytical methodology, utilizing primary texts from early church writings, contemporary scholarly work, and secondary sources to trace the transformations that led to the church's demise. The main argument posits that internal divisions, external pressures from rising imperial powers, and cultural assimilation played pivotal roles in the decline of early North African Christianity. However, key findings from the study reveal that, Christianity spread from Jerusalem to Africa especially North Africa before it later went to the Western countries. This dispels the false concept among Africans that “Christianity is a white man’s religion.” Secondly, while the early church in North Africa was confronted with internal challenges ranging from theological differences, cultural clashes to power tussles on the other hand, a combination of external factors, which includes the rise of Islam, political instability, invasions, economic hardship and state persecutions ultimately stroked the church and led to its demise. Finally, the demise of the early church in North Africa had profound implications. The loss of theological institutions, cultural richness, political power, religious freedom, economic prosperity, and social cohesion has left a lasting impact on the church in Africa. In light of these findings, the article recommends proactive strategies for the Nigerian church, including fostering unity in diversity among denominations, strengthening theological education, and emphasizing contextual faith practices. Ultimately, this study serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of hope for a vibrant Christian future in Nigeria.

Распространение христианства в Абхазии в позднеантичный и средневековый периоды по данным пространственного анализа памятников в ГИС

The article is devoted to the analysis of the spatial location of temples in Abkhazia and reconstruction based on the results of the ways of penetration and spread of Christianity in different chronological stages: the period of late antiquity and the first penetration of Christianity into the territory of Colchis (IV–V centuries); the period of maximum Byzantine influence in the era of Justinian the Great and the period that following it (VI–VII centuries)—the period traditionally considered the stages of the official adoption of Christianity in Abkhazia; and the period of the maximum flourishing of the Abkhazian kingdom. The analysis is carried out on the basis of a GIS created by the authors, according to field surveys, including 149 temples. The conducted spatial analysis allowed us to answer the questions of how quickly Christianity began to spread across the territory of Abkhazia, which areas turned out to be the most susceptible to the new religion. It was traditionally believed that Christianity entered Abkhazia with the Roman military, through the fortresses of the Pontic Limes, built along the coast. However, the analysis showed that the trade caravan routes were also an important way of spreading Christianity. For the same reason, we see several hotbeds both in the west of the republic and in the east. But in the center, where the Bzyb ridge blocks access to the main passageways, traditional religion has been preserved for longer, almost two centuries. This factor influenced the spread of Christianity in the subsequent period. In general, the Justinian period was characterized by a significant increase in the number of churches, on the one hand, the standardization of its external form, on the other, and on the third, the complication of the liturgical service, which was reflected in the more complex organization of the internal space of churches. In the subsequent period, these trends are intensifying. Separate architectural schools are emerging. Thus, the spatial analysis of both the location of temples and the distribution of certain architectural features in space reflect the processes of Christianization and development of the Church, which was not reflected in written sources.

Differences in perspectives on the Christian revolution of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom in China

In terms of civilian casualties directly and indirectly caused by the war, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Movement was the largest war in world history in the second half of the nineteenth century and had a strong East Asian Christian background. This article adopts the ‘historical contextualism’ approach of the Cambridge School in the history of political thought, and through a comparison of the relevant views of Karl Marx, Max Weber and Kang Youwei, it reveals that this intentional omission comes from a specific combination of modernisation routes and modernisation political construction choices. In contemporary China, the study of Christian theory and the practice of church organisation still need to answer the question of the general public as to whether Christianity can bring about a better life, both materially and spiritually.Contribution: This article pointed out that three contemporaries, Marx, Weber and Kang, all evaluated the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Movement as a revolution of Christianity in China from the standpoint of ‘China’s need for modernisation’, but differed in their evaluation of the position and role of the religious reform factor in the process of modernisation in China. However, they differed in their assessment of the position and role of the Reformation factor in the process of modernisation in China. The article reveals that for Protestant Christianity in contemporary China, it is still necessary to carefully handle its relationship with the government and to satisfy the people’s real needs for a modernised material and spiritual life. Meanwhile, it sheds light on the issue of ‘heterocultural adaptability’ brought about by the expansion and spread of Protestant Christianity in East Asia, as well as on the question of whether Protestantism and Confucianism in the process of modern conversion can achieve peaceful coexistence.

The Interaction Between Japanese Buddhism and Christianity in the Meiji Period

Although initially fraught with tension, spanning roughly two decades, Buddhists employed various strategies to combat the spread of Christianity and uphold their traditional values. As the 1890s dawned, a new wave of Buddhists emerged, spearheading the reconstruction of Japanese Buddhism through processes of secularization and westernization in alignment with the currents of the Meiji Restoration. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between Buddhism and Christianity in Japan following the Perry Expedition. By scrutinizing the writings and orations of numerous Buddhist leaders spanning the period from the 1860s to the 1890s, this paper elucidates the multifaceted conflicts and interactions between Japanese Buddhism and Christianity. A nuanced analysis of their endeavors, reveals the evolving dynamics and strategies employed by both religions in navigating their coexistence in Japan's religious landscape, where both involuntarily made corresponding relative changes to be involved in social trends and Japanese traditions. This paper also discusses the cooperation and potential union between the two religions at the beginning of the 19th century, when New Buddhists received education in Western philosophy and examined Christianity. In short, the Buddhist-Christian relationship underwent a conversion from opponents to equal religion, even collaboratively enforcing social justice and care.

The Interaction Between Japanese Buddhism and Christianity in the Meiji Period

Although initially fraught with tension, spanning roughly two decades, Buddhists employed various strategies to combat the spread of Christianity and uphold their traditional values. As the 1890s dawned, a new wave of Buddhists emerged, spearheading the reconstruction of Japanese Buddhism through processes of secularization and westernization in alignment with the currents of the Meiji Restoration. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between Buddhism and Christianity in Japan following the Perry Expedition. By scrutinizing the writings and orations of numerous Buddhist leaders spanning the period from the 1860s to the 1890s, this paper elucidates the multifaceted conflicts and interactions between Japanese Buddhism and Christianity. A nuanced analysis of their endeavors, reveals the evolving dynamics and strategies employed by both religions in navigating their coexistence in Japan's religious landscape, where both involuntarily made corresponding relative changes to be involved in social trends and Japanese traditions. This paper also discusses the cooperation and potential union between the two religions at the beginning of the 19th century, when New Buddhists received education in Western philosophy and examined Christianity. In short, the Buddhist-Christian relationship underwent a conversion from opponents to equal religion, even collaboratively enforcing social justice and care.

On the Spread of Christianity in the Fayum Oasis

Abstract One of the most intriguing periods of Egyptian history, associated with the spread of Christianity, is still poorly understood. Recent excavations shed more light on this process. During excavations conducted by the Centre of Egyptological Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the Deir el-Banat necropolis in the Fayum an unusual burial was discovered. It contained the remains of a young man who had been subjected to a cruel punishment: an arrow had been shot into his body and he was hanged by the neck. According to the tomb’s inventory and the shrouds found in the grave, the man lived in the fourth century AD, when the persecution of Christians by Roman authorities was particularly virulent. Although it is currently impossible to clearly determine the cause of such a severe violent death, some findings suggest that the execution was caused by religious conflicts. If so, this case is a rare illustration of the death penalty on religious grounds imposed on the ordinary inhabitants of the oasis during Roman rule.

Onesimus as a Brother: Implications of Christian-Islam Relations in Indonesia

Abstract The arrival and spread of Christianity along with the Dutch colonialism in Indonesia. This has an impact on the notion that Christianity is a colonial religion for “pribumi” Muslims in Indonesia. This article aims to offers the topic of Onesimus as Philemon’s brother in Paul’s letter to Philemon as a solution to conflict the religiousness between Christianity and Islam. The approach of this article is a postcolonial perspective, where building change from society tends to be positioned on the “two poles” or binary into a society that integrates with each other and rubs off between communities that are local, communal, and global simultaneously.

Manaz’s City: The Narrative of Manzikert in Ancient Armenian Texts

Manzikert, located in the southern regions of Armenia, has consistently held a significant place in the literature of various communities from ancient times to the medieval period. This importance is attributed to the multidimensional nature of Manzikert from geographical, political, and religious perspectives, as well as its comprehensive influence on the surrounding historical trajectory. The geographical analysis of the region encompasses the etymological extensions of names, revealing the linguistic complexity that has influenced the various ways Manzikert is named in Armenian texts, primarily as Taron. From a political standpoint, the history of Manzikert unfolds through the region’s feudal structure and the power balance between dominant forces such as Rome and Iran. The rise and fall of powerful feudal families, especially the Manawazean and Mamikonean dynasties, have shaped the political landscape of Manzikert. Undoubtedly, the significance of the city transcends the political realm; Manzikert embodies a centre for cultural and religious interactions between Armenian and Syriac traditions. This region emerges as a crucial centre for the south-to-north spread of Christianity in Armenia. Therefore, the aim of this study is not only to understand the political importance of Manzikert but also to explore its religious significance and discuss its relationship with Armenian Christianity.

From Criticism and Rejection to Sino-Western Communication: The Evolution of Zheng Guanying’s Understanding of the Spread of Christianity in China

From Criticism and Rejection to Sino-Western Communication: The Evolution of Zheng Guanying’s Understanding of the Spread of Christianity in China

The Appearance and Spread of Christianity in Antioch

This study explores the origins and expansion of Christianity in Antioch, a major metropolis of the Roman Empire known for its cultural and religious diversity. The paper examines the initial introduction of Christianity by Judeo-Christians during the diaspora, highlighting the significant role of key figures such as the Holy Apostles Peter, Paul, and Barnabas. It delves into the establishment of the first Christian community in Antioch, the successful integration of Gentile converts, and the city’s role as a pivotal center for the spread of Christianity to the Gentile world. The study also discusses the Council of Jerusalem’s decisions on the inclusion of Gentiles and their implications for the Christian mission. Antioch is portrayed as a melting pot where new religious ideas, including Christianity, thrived, contributing to the city’s transformation into a hub for the dissemination of the Christian faith. Article history: Received 03.05.2024; Revised 05.05.2024; Accepted 15.05.2024 Available online: 07.06.2024. Available print: 30.06. 2024

The Contemporary Ethno-Confessional Situation Among the Udmurts of Perm Territory

Abstract The article, which is based on both published sources and field expedition materials from recent decades, sets out to examine the confessional processes taking place in a small area in the south of Perm Territory that is settled by Udmurts, the foundation of whose religious tradition was the preservation of traditional beliefs. The author has conducted an analysis of the historical prerequisites for the formation of a multi-confessional community, characterised by both the preservation of traditional religion and the active spread of Islam and Christianity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The historical experience of this period has influenced the modern ethno-confessional situation. Today, each of the religious traditions observed by the community being studied has a different potential for development. Following the restoration of the system of prayers and institutions, traditional religion has played a vital role, both in the modern ethnic identity of the group as a whole, and in the local identity of the inhabitants of specific villages and hamlets. In their capacity as significant and major social events of the year, prayers occupy an important place in the contemporary ethno-cultural life of the Kuyeda Udmurts. At the same time, the symbolic nature of prayers, the loss of a developed system of ideas, along with the absence of outstanding confessional leaders are often the reasons for the absence of public religious life in some Udmurt villages, and for the lack of involvement of a significant part of the local community in contemporary confessional events. Christianity currently has significant potential to spread within the group individual strategies, as well as missionary work, are the main reasons for its active spread in recent decades. Islam has maintained its position in the same period.

Empress Theodora of Byzantium Through the Lens of Ancient Female Archetypes

This paper evaluates the historical reception of Byzantine Empress Theodora through the lens of her contemporaries and societal expectations. As Theodora was empress of the Eastern Roman empire during the spread of Christianity, she must be seen through the lens of biblical themes as well as through Roman literature. A prevalent Roman example for ideal femininity is found in Lucretia: a noblewoman who toppled the Etruscan kings with her honor. After she was violated, Lucretia chose to expose the perpetrator and end her life rather than live sullied. With such mythos surrounding a woman who chose her honor over her life, it is no wonder Theodora was received with shock. Theodora spent her early years as an actress, meaning she earned much of her living through sex work. Another strong Roman literary comparison comes in the form of Medea. Medea represented the antithesis to feminine ideals because she had murdered her kin. More than anything, familial duties rested upon a wife or mother in a Roman household, and a woman like Theodora who was, inaccurately, rumored to have orchestrated the death of an illegitimate child. Although the rumor is false, it represented a fracture between Theodora and the expectations her society had for her. Finally, in her Christian contemporary, Mary Magdalene, Theodora was viewed as redeemed. Just as Mary did in the Gospel of Luke, Theodora went from "sinful woman" to queen and a dedicated wife. She embodied the story of redemption that is so often told in Christianity.

The Indigenization Strategies of Catholic Painting in Early 20th Century China

The spread of Christianity to China initiated a process of indigenization, particularly evident in Christian art. This study explores the indigenization of early 20th-century Chinese Christian paintings through literature reviews, case studies, and comparative research. The analysis covers four forms of primary research. First, it explores the indigenization of Christian concepts, tracing their development from the introduction of Nestorian Christianity in the Tang dynasty through the establishment of Fu Jen Catholic University in the Republican era. Matteo Ricci’s implementation of the “Ricci Rule” during the late Ming dynasty, subsequently expanded by Celso Costantini, played a crucial role in the indigenous adaptation of Christian painting in China. The second facet focuses on the Beijing Catholic School of Painting, led by Chen Yuandu, a group that innovated Chinese Christian art by integrating local artistic expressions with traditional depictions of saints, assimilating symbols from Chinese literati painting, and preserving time-honored Chinese painting techniques. The third facet examines the strategy behind Christian painting methods. Fourth, this study discusses how the Fu Jen School faced varied reception and evaluations from domestic and international audiences under the complex social currents of the Republic of China and how the artists reflected the national spirit and artistic responsibility in their narrative paintings. Fundamentally, the practice of Christian painting at the early 20th-century Catholic School is not only an innovative artistic endeavor but also a significant case of cultural exchange between East and West and religious localization.

Prostitution og oprejsning

In this article, I conduct a diachronic cultural-historical analysis of the phenomenon of prostitution in pagan and Christian antiquity. My prime focus is how the spread and consolidation of Christianity in the Greco-Roman world effected the social attitudes towards prostitutes and their prospects in terms of social and spiritual rehabilitation. I begin with an introduction to the issue of prostitution in pagan roman antiquity, highlighting some of the social, legal, and economic aspects pertaining to it. I then examine the perspectives on social and spiritual rehabilitation in The Shepherd of Hermas and the stories of the repenting prostitutes, Mary of Egypt, and Pelagia of Antioch. Finally, I discuss and sum up the differences between the pagan and Christians attitudes towards prostitutes and their rehabilitation

The Church Museums’ Evolution of the Idea and Methods of Missionary Work in China: A Study of Tsinanfu Institute

The Church Museums’ Evolution of the Idea and Methods of Missionary Work in China: A Study of Tsinanfu Institute