The Search for Chinese Christianity in the Republican Period (1912-1949)

The independent, sectarian drive toward a fiery, apocalyptic Christianity in early 20th century China was largely induced by political, social, national and environmental crises as well as personal distress. It also brought forth a popular religious response on a matching chiliastic scale. In creating mutually supportive communities amidst widespread chaos and uncertainty, in generating spectacular displays of Pentecostal power for the sick, the hungry and the feeble, and above all in proclaiming an imminent end of this troubled world and a complete, otherworldly deliverance for the faithful, the independent Protestant groups and revivalists that sprang up the Republican period had brought Christianity home to the Chinese.

Duke Scholars

Author Xi Lian Divinity School