world christianity 3 disciples of all nations 2

World Christianity 3World Christianity 3

Disciples of All Nations 2Disciples of All Nations 2

AuthorAuthor

Philip JenkinsPhilip Jenkins. A native of England. . A native of England. Distinguished Professor of History and Distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies at Penn State University. An Religious Studies at Penn State University. An EpiscopalianEpiscopalian

IntroductionIntroduction

All too often, statements about what “modern All too often, statements about what “modern Christians accept” or what “Catholics today Christians accept” or what “Catholics today believe” refer only to what that ever-shrinking believe” refer only to what that ever-shrinking remnant of Western Christians and Catholics remnant of Western Christians and Catholics believe. Such assertions are outrageous today, believe. Such assertions are outrageous today, and as time goes by they will become ever and as time goes by they will become ever further removed from realityfurther removed from reality

- Jenkins, p. 3- Jenkins, p. 3

The era of Western Christianity has passed The era of Western Christianity has passed within our lifetimes, and the day of Southern within our lifetimes, and the day of Southern Christianity is dawning. The fact of change Christianity is dawning. The fact of change itself is undeniable; it has happened, and will itself is undeniable; it has happened, and will continue to happen.continue to happen.

- Philip Jenkins, p. 3.- Philip Jenkins, p. 3.

Number of Christians by RegionNumber of Christians by Region2000 versus 20252000 versus 2025

310

460

633

640

555

225

313

360

480

560

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

North America

Asian

Africa

Latin America

Europe

millions

2000

2025

Percentage of Christians by Percentage of Christians by RegionRegion

20252025

12%

18%

24%

25%

21%

North America

Asia

Africa

Latin America

Europe

Growth of Christianity in AfricaGrowth of Christianity in Africa

8.760

360

633

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Year

mil

lio

ns

Data from: Sanneh, p. 14 and Jenkins, p. 3

As Christianity moves South, we are As Christianity moves South, we are witnessing according to Ghanaian scholar witnessing according to Ghanaian scholar Kwame Bediako, the “renewal of a non-Kwame Bediako, the “renewal of a non-Western religion”Western religion”

The Myth of Christianity as a The Myth of Christianity as a “Western” Religion“Western” Religion

Only one of the five ancient Patriarchates of Only one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Church was in the Westthe Church was in the West ConstantinopleConstantinople AntiochAntioch JerusalemJerusalem AlexandriaAlexandria RomeRome

Map courtesy of the Friesian School, “Rome and Romania, 27 BC – 1453 BC” at www.friesian.com/romania.htm

The Myth of Christianity as a The Myth of Christianity as a “Western” Religion“Western” Religion

Christian missionaries fanned out from its Christian missionaries fanned out from its Near East heart into all the known continents: Near East heart into all the known continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia Europe, Africa, and Asia

Spread of ChristianitySpread of ChristianityFirst Five CenturiesFirst Five Centuries

1616thth Century: Century:Christianity’s Christianity’s Dark Hour?Dark Hour?

1616thth Century: A Dark Time for Century: A Dark Time for Christianity?Christianity?

Christianity declining in Asia after the Christianity declining in Asia after the Mongols invasion and the destruction by the Mongols invasion and the destruction by the hordes of Tamerlanehordes of Tamerlane

Christianity declining in Africa from Christianity declining in Africa from increasing pressure from Muslims:increasing pressure from Muslims: 1450’s:1450’s: Christian State of Nubia (Sudan) taken Christian State of Nubia (Sudan) taken

over by Muslimsover by Muslims Early 1500’s:Early 1500’s: Muslim jihad (“a systematic Muslim jihad (“a systematic

campaign of cultural and national genocide”) campaign of cultural and national genocide”) nearly wipes out Christian state of Ethiopianearly wipes out Christian state of Ethiopia

1616thth Century: A Dark Time for Century: A Dark Time for Christianity?Christianity?

The Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine The Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453Empire fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453

Muslim rule continued to expand under the Muslim rule continued to expand under the Ottoman Turks until 1680’s, pressing on the Ottoman Turks until 1680’s, pressing on the frontiers of Germanyfrontiers of Germany

Muslim pirates regularly raided the coasts of Muslim pirates regularly raided the coasts of northern and western Europe, taking tens of northern and western Europe, taking tens of thousands of Christian slavesthousands of Christian slaves

Map courtesy of the Friesian School, “The Ottoman Sultans and Caliphs, 1290-1924 AD” at www.friesian.com/turkia.htm

ChristianChristianEuropeanEuropeanExpansionExpansion

Christian European ExpansionChristian European Expansion

1492:1492: Columbus crosses the Atlantic and Columbus crosses the Atlantic and discovers the “West Indies,” inaugurating discovers the “West Indies,” inaugurating Spanish colonial adventureSpanish colonial adventure

1497:1497: Vasco de Gama arrives in Calicut, India, Vasco de Gama arrives in Calicut, India, inaugurating the Portuguese trading empire in inaugurating the Portuguese trading empire in the Eastthe East


Reasons:Reasons: Improvements navigation, ship construction, naval Improvements navigation, ship construction, naval

weaponryweaponry Increasing familiarity of fisherman with the Increasing familiarity of fisherman with the

Atlantic seasAtlantic seas Curiosity about unknown regionsCuriosity about unknown regions

Rediscovery of Claudius Ptolemy (100-170 AD) Greek Rediscovery of Claudius Ptolemy (100-170 AD) Greek astronomer in Alexandria, Egypt, Roman Empire: astronomer in Alexandria, Egypt, Roman Empire: calculated the diameter of the globecalculated the diameter of the globe

Pope Pius II’s (1405-1465) Historia Rerum Ubique Pope Pius II’s (1405-1465) Historia Rerum Ubique Gestarum (said Africa could be circumnavigated)Gestarum (said Africa could be circumnavigated)


Reasons:Reasons: Lucrative trade in spice and silks then dominated Lucrative trade in spice and silks then dominated

by Venice and Genoa and taxed by the Muslimsby Venice and Genoa and taxed by the Muslims An “internal dynamism” in the European psycheAn “internal dynamism” in the European psyche The simple desire to share the gospelThe simple desire to share the gospel

Jan 1492: Ferdinand of Argon and Isabella of Castile Jan 1492: Ferdinand of Argon and Isabella of Castile defeated last Muslims remaining in Granadadefeated last Muslims remaining in Granada

Christian European ExpansionChristian European ExpansionSelf-Interest and the GospelSelf-Interest and the Gospel

The desire to share the gospel often mixed The desire to share the gospel often mixed with self- interest:with self- interest:

““to serve God and His Majesty, to give to serve God and His Majesty, to give light to those who were in darkness, light to those who were in darkness, and to grow rich, as all men desire to and to grow rich, as all men desire to do.”do.”

- - Bernal Diaz del Castillo 1492-1584, Spanish Bernal Diaz del Castillo 1492-1584, Spanish soldier and historian, on why he went to the Indiessoldier and historian, on why he went to the Indies

Christian European ExpansionChristian European ExpansionSelf-Interest and the GospelSelf-Interest and the Gospel

Cortes:Cortes: Exhorted his soldiers to seek fame and fight like Exhorted his soldiers to seek fame and fight like

the ancient Romansthe ancient Romans Charged them to show courage as soldiers of Charged them to show courage as soldiers of

ChristChrist Insisted they pray to St. Peter and St. James before Insisted they pray to St. Peter and St. James before

battlesbattles ConquistadoresConquistadores wanted the Indian women wanted the Indian women

they took as concubines to first be baptizedthey took as concubines to first be baptized

New SpainNew Spain

Spain versus PortugalSpain versus Portugal Late 1400’s, 1500’s:Late 1400’s, 1500’s: Catholic Spain the greatest Catholic Spain the greatest

power in Europepower in Europe Catholic Portugal, a rivalCatholic Portugal, a rival 1493:1493: Pope Alexander VI drew a line through the Pope Alexander VI drew a line through the

New WorldNew World All discoveries to the West – to SpainAll discoveries to the West – to Spain All discoveries to the East – to PortugalAll discoveries to the East – to Portugal Warned that the American Indians were not “sub-human,” Warned that the American Indians were not “sub-human,”

and could make their own decision to accept the faithand could make their own decision to accept the faith Spain and Portugal each granted extensive power over the Spain and Portugal each granted extensive power over the

Church for evangelism (excluded papal intervention)Church for evangelism (excluded papal intervention)

Mexicas and IncasMexicas and Incas Three groups of Native Americans in the New Three groups of Native Americans in the New

World:World: Two highly centralized states, both a few centuries Two highly centralized states, both a few centuries

old and rapidly developing:old and rapidly developing: MexicasMexicas ( (AztecsAztecs) in modern day Mexico, capital ) in modern day Mexico, capital

Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico City). Language Nahuatl Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico City). Language Nahuatl (oral and written)(oral and written)

IncasIncas in Tawantinsuyu (modern Peru), capital Cuzco. in Tawantinsuyu (modern Peru), capital Cuzco. Language: Quechua (oral)Language: Quechua (oral)

Broad geographic range of peoples far less Broad geographic range of peoples far less politically and technically advancedpolitically and technically advanced

Mexicas and IncasMexicas and Incas

Possessed wealth in gold and silverPossessed wealth in gold and silver Had towns of amazing splendors with palaces Had towns of amazing splendors with palaces

and templesand temples Highly organized social system: no Highly organized social system: no

alcoholism, common property, collective alcoholism, common property, collective organization and prescribed ritual behaviorsorganization and prescribed ritual behaviors

Mexicas and IncasMexicas and Incas

Multiple GodsMultiple Gods Some the tutelary deities of conquered / absorbed Some the tutelary deities of conquered / absorbed

peoplespeoples Tonantzin: mother goddess of the MexicansTonantzin: mother goddess of the Mexicans Dominant God of both: the SunDominant God of both: the Sun

Required continuous human sacrificeRequired continuous human sacrifice Primary purpose of warfare was to obtain victims for Primary purpose of warfare was to obtain victims for

the Sun sacrificethe Sun sacrifice

Spanish ConquestSpanish Conquest

Conquest of the New World rapid:Conquest of the New World rapid: 1492:1492: Columbus discovers the “West Indies” Columbus discovers the “West Indies” 1504:1504: Diocese of Santo Domingo in the Caribbean Diocese of Santo Domingo in the Caribbean

Hispaniola establishedHispaniola established 1515:1515: Cuba conquered Cuba conquered 1519:1519: Cortes conquers Mexico (henceforth “New Cortes conquers Mexico (henceforth “New

Spain”)Spain”) 1532:1532: Pizzaro invades Peru Pizzaro invades Peru

Spanish ConquestSpanish Conquest

Reasons for rapid conquest:Reasons for rapid conquest: Aztecs (Mexicas) psychologically unprepared for Aztecs (Mexicas) psychologically unprepared for

Spaniards; their king Montezuma welcomed them Spaniards; their king Montezuma welcomed them as the legendary figure Quetzalcoatlas the legendary figure Quetzalcoatl

Montezuma seized and Aztec nobility massacredMontezuma seized and Aztec nobility massacred Subjugated American Indian tribes sided with Subjugated American Indian tribes sided with

SpaniardsSpaniards Small pox outbreak devastated the AztecsSmall pox outbreak devastated the Aztecs

Treatment of Native IndiansTreatment of Native Indians

There turned out to be little gold for the There turned out to be little gold for the SpanishSpanish

Indians forced into Indians forced into encomiendaencomienda system: system: group of Indians conscripted to work for a group of Indians conscripted to work for a

particular Conquistador in the minds or in the particular Conquistador in the minds or in the fieldsfields

Wives became the concubines of the Wives became the concubines of the ConquistadorConquistador Church was only able to prevent the Church was only able to prevent the encomiendaencomienda system from degenerating into system from degenerating into slaveryslavery


1511:1511: newly arrived Dominican Antonio de newly arrived Dominican Antonio de Montesinos preached in Santo Domingo and Montesinos preached in Santo Domingo and denounced treatment of natives:denounced treatment of natives: ““Are they not men?. . . You are all in a state of Are they not men?. . . You are all in a state of

moral sin … because of the cruelty and tyranny moral sin … because of the cruelty and tyranny you are inflicting on these innocent victims.”you are inflicting on these innocent victims.”

Dominicans appealed to Spain; code issued Dominicans appealed to Spain; code issued declaring Indians “free men” (although they declaring Indians “free men” (although they could be required to work, as all men must)could be required to work, as all men must)


1524:1524: first twelve Franciscan missionaries first twelve Franciscan missionaries arrived in Mexico, followed by twelve arrived in Mexico, followed by twelve Dominicans in Dominicans in 15251525 Began system to protect Indians by settling them Began system to protect Indians by settling them

around churches, trying to convert them with around churches, trying to convert them with colorful ceremonies and pious examplecolorful ceremonies and pious example

1537:1537: Pope Paul III issued bull affirming Indians Pope Paul III issued bull affirming Indians rights to liberty and propertyrights to liberty and property

1542:1542: Spanish government finally convinced to end Spanish government finally convinced to end encomiendaencomienda. At death of the each . At death of the each encomenderosencomenderos, , control of Indian household reverted to Crowncontrol of Indian household reverted to Crown


Indian population collapsed, by 1600 about 10 Indian population collapsed, by 1600 about 10 to 25% what it was in 1500to 25% what it was in 1500 PlaguesPlagues General disintegration of society, alcoholismGeneral disintegration of society, alcoholism

Creole (American born Spanish) and Mestizos Creole (American born Spanish) and Mestizos (mixed Indian and Spanish blood) (mixed Indian and Spanish blood) communities grewcommunities grew

Christianity in New SpainChristianity in New Spain

Mexicans showed a remarkable enthusiasm for Mexicans showed a remarkable enthusiasm for ChristianityChristianity Baptisms took place by the thousandsBaptisms took place by the thousands Begged to be allowed to build churchesBegged to be allowed to build churches Flogged one another remorselessly in penitential Flogged one another remorselessly in penitential

Good Friday processionsGood Friday processions Eager to learn Spanish and the crafts and arts Eager to learn Spanish and the crafts and arts

taught by the missionariestaught by the missionaries


Juan de Zumarraga (1468-1548)Juan de Zumarraga (1468-1548) Franciscan; 1533: first bishop of MexicoFranciscan; 1533: first bishop of Mexico Founded first seminary in the New World Founded first seminary in the New World

(although none ordained because of celibacy (although none ordained because of celibacy requirement)requirement)

Backed the friars trying to protect Indians against Backed the friars trying to protect Indians against the the encomiendaencomienda system system

Zealously tried to convert the IndiansZealously tried to convert the Indians Boasted of destruction of 500 pagan temples and 26,000 Boasted of destruction of 500 pagan temples and 26,000

idolsidols


Toribio de BenaveneToribio de Benavene One of the first twelve FranciscansOne of the first twelve Franciscans Known by Nahuatl name of Known by Nahuatl name of MotoliniaMotolinia “the poor “the poor

one”one” Taught the end of Aztec rule like the end of Taught the end of Aztec rule like the end of

idolatry in Egypt, and the Indians now the new idolatry in Egypt, and the Indians now the new Israel passing into the promised land of the ChurchIsrael passing into the promised land of the Church

Christianity in New SpainChristianity in New Spain Mexicans formed an endogenous form of Mexicans formed an endogenous form of

ChristianityChristianity Lady of GuadalupeLady of Guadalupe

1531:1531: poor Indian Juan Diego saw vision of Mary poor Indian Juan Diego saw vision of Mary on Dec 9, asking him to build a chapel in Tepeyac on Dec 9, asking him to build a chapel in Tepeyac in her honorin her honor

Tepeyac: site of temple to Tonantzin, Aztec “Mother of Tepeyac: site of temple to Tonantzin, Aztec “Mother of Gods”Gods”

Bishop de Zumarraga rebuffed himBishop de Zumarraga rebuffed him In fourth vision, Mary instructed Juan Diego to fill In fourth vision, Mary instructed Juan Diego to fill

cloak with flowers on hill at Tepeyac and go the bishop. cloak with flowers on hill at Tepeyac and go the bishop. On opening his cloak, the flowers formed an image of On opening his cloak, the flowers formed an image of Mary. The Bishop built the chapelMary. The Bishop built the chapel


1550’s: 1550’s: 8 dioceses the Antilles (West Indies other than 8 dioceses the Antilles (West Indies other than

Bahamas); 8 in Mexico, 3 in PeruBahamas); 8 in Mexico, 3 in Peru 200 Dominicans, 200 Augustinians, still more 200 Dominicans, 200 Augustinians, still more

FranciscansFranciscans 1600:1600:

7 million Indians were, in name at least, all 7 million Indians were, in name at least, all ChristianChristian


1630’s:1630’s: friars began to penetrate deep in the friars began to penetrate deep in the South American interior “wandering barefoot South American interior “wandering barefoot with cross and breviary, preaching, skull in with cross and breviary, preaching, skull in hand, reciting doctrine in rhymes, singing hand, reciting doctrine in rhymes, singing psalms to their own violin accompaniment, psalms to their own violin accompaniment, providing seeds for new crops, teaching new providing seeds for new crops, teaching new ways to build houses and bridges, and dying ways to build houses and bridges, and dying alone of sickness or savage cruelties.” alone of sickness or savage cruelties.” (McManners)(McManners)

PhilippinesPhilippines

PhilippinesPhilippines

1561-1562:1561-1562: Spanish expedition from America Spanish expedition from America crossed the Pacific to seize the Phillipinescrossed the Pacific to seize the Phillipines Five Augustinian friars accompanied expeditionFive Augustinian friars accompanied expedition

Half a million people baptized in the next 30 yearsHalf a million people baptized in the next 30 years EncomiendaEncomienda system introduced; began to degenerate system introduced; began to degenerate

into slaveryinto slavery Salazar, Dominican bishop of Manila in 1581 intervened Salazar, Dominican bishop of Manila in 1581 intervened

through Pope Gregory XIVthrough Pope Gregory XIV 1600:1600: half the population Christian half the population Christian

Japan, India, Japan, India, ChinaChina

Portuguese EmpirePortuguese Empire

Portugal built a commercial empire in the East, Portugal built a commercial empire in the East, holding ports for trading purposesholding ports for trading purposes

1534:1534: all 10,000 Paravas (fishermen in India’s all 10,000 Paravas (fishermen in India’s Coromandel coast) were baptizedCoromandel coast) were baptized in part to obtain protection of Portugal from in part to obtain protection of Portugal from

raiders in the northraiders in the north

Francis Xavier and the JesuitsFrancis Xavier and the Jesuits

Basque nobleman and friend of Loyola at Basque nobleman and friend of Loyola at University of Paris)University of Paris)

Conceived of an intellectual and moral crusade Conceived of an intellectual and moral crusade for men’s minds and heartsfor men’s minds and hearts

1542:1542: began missionary work in the far East began missionary work in the far East All local customs not directly contradicted by All local customs not directly contradicted by

Christianity to be acceptedChristianity to be accepted

JapanJapan

1549:1549: Francis Xavier arrived in Japan Francis Xavier arrived in Japan Adopted status of a Zen priestAdopted status of a Zen priest Strictly observed Japanese etiquetteStrictly observed Japanese etiquette

1600:1600: flourishing church in Japan: flourishing church in Japan: 300,000 believers out of 25 million inhabitants300,000 believers out of 25 million inhabitants 250 Japanese catechist; 3 ordained Japanese priests250 Japanese catechist; 3 ordained Japanese priests Strongest and largest community in port of Strongest and largest community in port of

NagasakiNagasaki

JapanJapan 1600:1600: Tokugawa Kyasu unified Japan Tokugawa Kyasu unified Japan 1606:1606: Christianity declared illegal Christianity declared illegal 1614:1614: edict issued against Christianity; policy edict issued against Christianity; policy

to destroy Christianity beganto destroy Christianity began 62 missionaries and 2000 Japanese converts 62 missionaries and 2000 Japanese converts

perished by torture, buried alive or crucified on perished by torture, buried alive or crucified on shore as tide came inshore as tide came in

1639:1639: no active missionaries left no active missionaries left

JapanJapan

Japan closed to West until Japan closed to West until 18651865, when 60,000 , when 60,000 Christians believers were still found to be Christians believers were still found to be present; 20,000 in Nagasaki.present; 20,000 in Nagasaki.

ChinaChinaMatteo RicciMatteo Ricci

1583:1583: Jesuit Matteo Ricci ( Jesuit Matteo Ricci (1552-16101552-1610) entered ) entered ChinaChina

Adopted dress of the Confucian literate elite of Adopted dress of the Confucian literate elite of scholars, philosophers, scientistsscholars, philosophers, scientists

Opened a “preaching house,” a philosophic Opened a “preaching house,” a philosophic school where teachers interpreted Confucian school where teachers interpreted Confucian textstexts

Taught mathematics, physics, astronomy; Taught mathematics, physics, astronomy; known for displays of clocks, telescopes, known for displays of clocks, telescopes, maps, booksmaps, books


Li Zhi (1527-1602) Chinese Philosopher: “He Li Zhi (1527-1602) Chinese Philosopher: “He is an altogether remarkable man. I still do not is an altogether remarkable man. I still do not know what he is here for. I think it would be know what he is here for. I think it would be much too stupid of him to want to substitute much too stupid of him to want to substitute his own teaching for that of Confucius. So that his own teaching for that of Confucius. So that is surely not the reason”is surely not the reason”


Wrote Wrote “The True Meaning of the Master of “The True Meaning of the Master of Heaven”Heaven” Confucian “Master of Heaven” (Confucian “Master of Heaven” (TianzhuTianzhu) and ) and

“Sovereign on High” (“Sovereign on High” (ShangdiShangdi) the same, a ) the same, a personal, unique and all powerful creator Godpersonal, unique and all powerful creator God

Catholic Christianity henceforth known as Catholic Christianity henceforth known as Tianzhujiao = Tianzhujiao = “the religion of the Lord of “the religion of the Lord of Heaven”Heaven”

At his death (1610):At his death (1610): 2000 converts, some of high-rank2000 converts, some of high-rank Jesuit mission highly regarded by ChineseJesuit mission highly regarded by Chinese

ChinaChina

1700:1700: calls began in Rome to censure the calls began in Rome to censure the “Chinese Rite”“Chinese Rite” Based on fears of a “peculiar” and independent Based on fears of a “peculiar” and independent

Chinese church arisingChinese church arising Papal legate came to Nanking and published a Papal legate came to Nanking and published a

comprehensive denunciation of Ricci. Chinese comprehensive denunciation of Ricci. Chinese were called atheistswere called atheists

Chinese Emperor angered; expelled all Chinese Emperor angered; expelled all missionaries who did not share Ricci’s viewsmissionaries who did not share Ricci’s views

ChinaChina

1742-1744:1742-1744: Pope Benedict XIV issued bulls Pope Benedict XIV issued bulls confirming denunciations of Jesuit methodsconfirming denunciations of Jesuit methods

Hope of a great new Christian church in China Hope of a great new Christian church in China destroyeddestroyed

A period of intermittent persecution and slow A period of intermittent persecution and slow decline begandecline began

IndiaIndia

In South India, the Nestorian Church of St. In South India, the Nestorian Church of St. Thomas remained from ancient timesThomas remained from ancient times Obtained bishops from Chaldean patriarchs in Obtained bishops from Chaldean patriarchs in

MesopotamiaMesopotamia Liturgy in SyriacLiturgy in Syriac Ignorant of the existence of the Pope or the Ignorant of the existence of the Pope or the

quarrels of the Reformationquarrels of the Reformation Greeted the Portuguese when they arrived in Greeted the Portuguese when they arrived in

15001500

IndiaIndia

1580:1580: Akbar (1556-1605), Mogul emperor and Akbar (1556-1605), Mogul emperor and philosopher king in northern India sent for philosopher king in northern India sent for Jesuits to debate before himJesuits to debate before him Father Jerome Xavier (great-nephew of Francis) Father Jerome Xavier (great-nephew of Francis)

wrote Christian apologetics in Persianwrote Christian apologetics in Persian Hopes to convert emperor turned out to be Hopes to convert emperor turned out to be

illusory: Akbar was working on a new religion illusory: Akbar was working on a new religion with Muslim, Hindu, Parsee, and Christian with Muslim, Hindu, Parsee, and Christian elements, with himself as a semi-deityelements, with himself as a semi-deity

IndiaIndia Roberto de NobiliRoberto de Nobili

1605:1605: Jesuit Roberto de Nobili arrived Jesuit Roberto de Nobili arrived Aim: win Brahmans for ChristAim: win Brahmans for Christ St Paul had “become all things to all men” to “win St Paul had “become all things to all men” to “win

some of them”some of them” Lived as a Hindu Lived as a Hindu sanyassisanyassi holy man for 37 years holy man for 37 years Learned classical Tamil and Sanskrit. Became master Learned classical Tamil and Sanskrit. Became master

of every aspect of Vedic learningof every aspect of Vedic learning Abstained from all possible forms of “pollution:” Abstained from all possible forms of “pollution:”

touched nothing that could defile, eating no flesh, one touched nothing that could defile, eating no flesh, one simple meal a daysimple meal a day

IndiaIndia Roberto de NobiliRoberto de Nobili

Posted on his hut that he was not a Posted on his hut that he was not a farangi farangi (= (= Portuguese, and/or crude the meat-beef eating, Portuguese, and/or crude the meat-beef eating, alcohol drinking barbarian from Europe)alcohol drinking barbarian from Europe)

Slowly began baptizing high-caste converts; Slowly began baptizing high-caste converts; by 1609, converts had reached fiftyby 1609, converts had reached fifty

Remained the “Roman Brahman” until his Remained the “Roman Brahman” until his death in 1656death in 1656

IndiaIndia

Nobili was criticized for adoption and Nobili was criticized for adoption and tolerance of Hindu customs by Jesuit Goncalo tolerance of Hindu customs by Jesuit Goncalo Fernandes, who served the lower caste Fernandes, who served the lower caste Christian community of the ParavasChristian community of the Paravas Debate over how Christian evangelism should Debate over how Christian evangelism should

work within the caste system was to remain an work within the caste system was to remain an enduring issue for Catholic and later Protestant enduring issue for Catholic and later Protestant missionariesmissionaries

AfricaAfrica

AfricaAfricaKingdom of the KongoKingdom of the Kongo

Ancient Coptic Christian and Ethiopian Ancient Coptic Christian and Ethiopian Churches continued to surviveChurches continued to survive

1482:1482: The The mindelemindele (= ships; literally, whales) (= ships; literally, whales) of the Portuguese sighted by the Kingdom of of the Portuguese sighted by the Kingdom of the Kongo in Central West Africathe Kongo in Central West Africa

Negotiations started. The Manikongo (= ruler) Negotiations started. The Manikongo (= ruler) Nzinga Nkuwa converted to Christianity and Nzinga Nkuwa converted to Christianity and was baptizedwas baptized


Christianity became established in the royal courtChristianity became established in the royal court Son, Afonso (1506-1543) reigned 40 years, furthered Son, Afonso (1506-1543) reigned 40 years, furthered

the spread of Christianity in the Kingdomthe spread of Christianity in the Kingdom Capital Mbanza Kongo renamed Sao SalvadorCapital Mbanza Kongo renamed Sao Salvador Afonso’s son Don Henrique sent to Portugal for Afonso’s son Don Henrique sent to Portugal for

education, returned as “Bishop of Utica and Vicar education, returned as “Bishop of Utica and Vicar Apostolic of the Kongo”Apostolic of the Kongo” Next Black bishop in Africa would not be appointed until Next Black bishop in Africa would not be appointed until

19701970


Baptism popular, conferring title of “Dom” or Baptism popular, conferring title of “Dom” or “Donna”“Donna”

Other sacraments uncommon because of lack Other sacraments uncommon because of lack of local priests or missionariesof local priests or missionaries

1645:1645: as Portuguese power waned, Society for as Portuguese power waned, Society for the Propagation of the Faith sent in Italian the Propagation of the Faith sent in Italian Capuchin friars, who were warmly welcomed Capuchin friars, who were warmly welcomed by the then Manikongo Garcia II (1641-1661)by the then Manikongo Garcia II (1641-1661)


1665:1665: invading Angolan forces killed the king invading Angolan forces killed the king and many of the king’s courtiersand many of the king’s courtiers Capital became desertedCapital became deserted Kingdom henceforth began to disintegrateKingdom henceforth began to disintegrate


The king in early 1700’s refused to make war on a The king in early 1700’s refused to make war on a rebel, saying:rebel, saying: “…“…it was continual warfare which had already destroyed it was continual warfare which had already destroyed

the kingdom, and also the Faith. Nor did the Kongolese the kingdom, and also the Faith. Nor did the Kongolese want any more troubles. They were already tired of being want any more troubles. They were already tired of being like beasts in the fields and wastelands: outraged, like beasts in the fields and wastelands: outraged, murdered, robbed and sold”murdered, robbed and sold”

Catholicism endured, sustained by efforts of the noble Catholicism endured, sustained by efforts of the noble laitylaity 1780’s: account noted well-kept chapels and schools, run 1780’s: account noted well-kept chapels and schools, run

by laity who could speak Portugueseby laity who could speak Portuguese

ReferencesReferences The Next Christendom. The Coming of Global The Next Christendom. The Coming of Global

Christianity.Christianity. Philip Jenkins. Oxford University Press, Oxford, Philip Jenkins. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2002. ISBN 0-19-514616-62002. ISBN 0-19-514616-6

A History of Christianity in Africa. From Antiquity to the A History of Christianity in Africa. From Antiquity to the Present.Present. Elizabeth Isichei. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Elizabeth Isichei. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI, and Africa World Press, Lawrenceville NJ, 1995. Rapids, MI, and Africa World Press, Lawrenceville NJ, 1995. ISBN 0-8028-0843-3 ISBN 0-8028-0843-3

A World History of ChristianityA World History of Christianity. Edited by Adrian Hastings. . Edited by Adrian Hastings. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapid MI, 1999. ISBN 0-8028-Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapid MI, 1999. ISBN 0-8028-4875-34875-3

Christianity. A Global History.Christianity. A Global History. David Chidester. Harper David Chidester. Harper Collins, New York, 2000. ISBN 0-06-251770-8Collins, New York, 2000. ISBN 0-06-251770-8

The Oxford Illustrated History of ChristianityThe Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity, Ed. By John , Ed. By John McManners. Oxford University Press, 1990. ISBN 0-19-McManners. Oxford University Press, 1990. ISBN 0-19-822928-3822928-3

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