Art as a Pathway to God: A Historical-Theological Study of the Jesuit Mission to China in the Late Ming and Early Qing Dynasties (1552-1773)
- Format:
- Dissertation
- Year:
- 2020
- University:
- Asbury Theological Seminary
- University URL:
- Thesis type:
- Doctoral Dissertation
- Place published:
- Wilmore, Kentucky
- Language:
- Abstract:
To carry out their mission and evangelization, early Jesuit missionaries used various practices that included making, facilitating, and using Biblical-themed painting, sculpture, and church architecture. The purpose of this study is to highlight and investigate the significant role of art in Jesuit mission efforts in the late Ming and the early Qing Dynasties (1552-1773). The research analyzes the Christian-themed art in the history of the pre-Jesuit contact China and the initial European Jesuit motivation of using art in mission. It also examines how the European Jesuits developed their practice of art and architecture within their historical contexts and how some Han and other ethnic peoples in China responded to the Gospel presented through religious art. New Christians accepted the Christian Gospel, replaced Buddhist or Taoist images and objects with Christian art, and some even became painters of Christian-themed art. Chinese Christian men and women patrons sponsored such art and church architecture as acts of piety. A unique aspect of the Jesuit mission featured some churches exclusively built for women, unseen anywhere else in the same historical period. The focus of this study is primarily the history and theological themes and meanings emerging out of Jesuit art and architecture and how art and architecture played significant roles in local people’s ways of knowing God and living out a Christian life. This research attempts to give a balanced attention to both European and Asian Christians, Christian men and women, Han and ethnic minorities, and the intellectuals and the ordinary Christians in the discussion. Primary sources from archeological materials and written texts suggest that Jesuit mission and evangelization valued Christian-themed art. Art also acted as a way to sustain the Christian faith and devotion in the post-conversion epoch. This research examines art in the global and local contexts of synthesis and cultural change.
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- Where (Locations):
- When (Centuries):
- Worldcat URL:
- Other link:
- Number of Pages:
- 358
- ISBN:
- 9798664726114