The Christianity Of Shidonghe Flower Lisu Among West Yunnan,1920-2015

Since the second half of the 19th century,Christianity has been introduced into many cross-border ethnic groups living in southwest China and northern Southeast Asia,resulting in the frequent occurrence of mass conversion to Christianity.Lisu is a typical case among China's minority groups,or in southwest China and northern Southeast Asia as well.This paper describes the origin of the Christian faith of Lisu people in Yunnan province,that is,the Flower Lisu living in west Yunnan who is the first Lisu group converted to Christianity.During the time between 920s to 1950s,the Flower Lisu's encounter and interaction with missionaries affiliated to China Inland Mission leads to the mass conversion to Christianity among the group,which has a profound impact on their own social culture.The ongoing impact is reflected in the daily life of Flower Lisu centered on Christian belief and practice.This paper with nine chapters are divided into four parts.The first part is chapter one,the introduction;The second part consists of chapter two,three and four.Based on the historical documents,describes Flower Lisu and CIM missionaries before their encounter and the stage they encountered,the west Yunnan,i.e.the political-economic condition and the distribution and interaction of different ethnic groups.Chapter five,six,seven and eight comprise the third part.Mainly based on my field work and the literatures of CIM missionaries,explores 1.why Flower Lisu in Cold Mountain converted to Christianity after their encounter with missionaries;2.the establishment of the Christian habit of the Flower Lisu guided by the CIM missionaries;3.the development of the ethnic identity of Lisu after their conversion to Christianity.4.how Lisu people pursue the "ultimate goal" of their self-identity,namely,"in the form of god delight" life.Chapter nine is the conclusion,which is the fourth part.