As early as the mid-17th century, Protestant and Catholic/Jesuit missionaries negotiated their way into the secluded empire of China. These first missionaries were largely Portuguese and predominantly Roman Catholic. During this age, many European Empires were beginning to transition from colonial expansion via conversion and missionary work to a more commercial approach.
This thesis proposes to answer the following questions: Why and how was French missionary work so important to international relations between France and China? In what ways did this missionary work alter Chinese society? Did the French missionaries pave the way for China’s future as a republic, and if so—how? What were the differences between France’s Catholic missionaries and France’s Protestant missionaries in China? Additionally, how might this missionary work compare to other notable examples, such as Spain’s missionary work in South and Central America? It is hoped that this thesis will be able to answer these questions, as well as any others that reveal themselves over the course of study.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Contextual Essay: The Society of Jesus
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aims to analyze the lasting impact of French missionaries in China, examining their role in shaping Sino-French relations and Chinese society. The research will investigate the methods employed by both Catholic and Protestant missionaries, comparing their approaches and assessing their influence. The study will also explore the broader context of French imperialism and missionary work in the region.
- The impact of French missionary work on Sino-French relations.
- The influence of French missionaries on Chinese society.
- A comparison of the methods and effectiveness of Catholic and Protestant French missionaries.
- The role of French missionary work in the context of French imperialism.
- Potential comparisons with other examples of European missionary work.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introduction lays out the foundation for the study, highlighting the arrival of French missionaries in China beginning in the mid-17th century. It emphasizes the unique position of France, interested in colonial expansion through both religious and commercial means, and the importance of missionary work in shaping early Sino-French relations. The introduction outlines the study's objectives to analyze the lasting impact of these missionaries, compare Catholic and Protestant approaches, and understand their influence on Chinese society and Franco-Chinese interactions. It also previews the methodology, which will incorporate on-site studies, museum visits, and a review of various primary and secondary sources.
Contextual Essay: The Society of Jesus: This section provides crucial background information on the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), their founding, and their overall mission. It details the order's commitment to education, cross-cultural communication, social justice, and proselytization, emphasizing their motto "Ad maiorem Dei gloriam" ("For the Greater Glory of God"). The essay traces the Jesuits' origins in 16th-century Paris, their subsequent approval by Rome, and the core tenets of their doctrine and organization, including vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience to the Pope. The essay sets the stage for understanding the religious context within which French missionaries operated in China.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
French missionaries, China, Sino-French relations, Catholic missionaries, Protestant missionaries, imperialism, colonialism, religious conversion, cultural exchange, Society of Jesus (Jesuits), 17th-19th century China.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this study?
This study analyzes the lasting impact of French missionaries in China, examining their role in shaping Sino-French relations and Chinese society. It compares the methods of Catholic and Protestant missionaries and explores the broader context of French imperialism and missionary work in the region.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the impact of French missionary work on Sino-French relations; the influence of French missionaries on Chinese society; a comparison of Catholic and Protestant missionary methods; the role of missionary work within French imperialism; and potential comparisons with other examples of European missionary work.
What is included in the "Table of Contents"?
The table of contents currently lists an "Introduction" and a "Contextual Essay: The Society of Jesus". Further chapters may be added.
What is the purpose or objective of this research?
The study aims to understand the long-term effects of French missionary activities in China on both Sino-French relations and Chinese society itself. It seeks to compare the approaches of Catholic and Protestant missionaries and to situate these efforts within the larger context of French imperialism.
What are the chapter summaries?
The Introduction sets the stage, discussing the arrival of French missionaries in China from the mid-17th century onward, highlighting France's unique position, and outlining the study's objectives and methodology. The Contextual Essay: The Society of Jesus provides background information on the Jesuits, their history, mission, and organizational structure, setting the religious context for the missionary work in China.
What is the methodology used in this study?
The methodology will incorporate on-site studies, museum visits, and a review of various primary and secondary sources.
What keywords are associated with this study?
Keywords include: French missionaries, China, Sino-French relations, Catholic missionaries, Protestant missionaries, imperialism, colonialism, religious conversion, cultural exchange, Society of Jesus (Jesuits), 17th-19th century China.
What is the significance of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in this study?
The Society of Jesus is highlighted due to their significant role in missionary work. The contextual essay delves into their history, mission, and organizational structure, providing crucial background for understanding the religious context of French missionary efforts in China.
What time period does this study cover?
The study primarily focuses on French missionary activity in China during the 17th-19th centuries.
What types of sources are used in this research?
The research will utilize a combination of primary and secondary sources, along with on-site studies and museum visits.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Michael Gorman (Autor:in), 2017, "Ad Maiorem Dei (Et Fransia) Gloria". The Lasting Impact of French Missionaries in China, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/378360
