| Marxism was first introduced into China in the late nineteenth century by Christian missionaries, but it did not become a popular trend of thought and a political ideology until after the October Revolution in Soviet Russia. In 1921, the Chinese Communist Party was born, and Communism as a social political movement picked up momentum. Its influence expanded rapidly among the Chinese intellectuals, students, workers and peasants under the watchful eye of the Nationalists (Guomindang), the ruling party. Even among the Chinese Christians, there were quite a few sympathizers and followers despite the obvious contradictions and differences between the Communist doctrine and the Christian faith. To most Protestants, Communism's anti-religious stance, its pronouncement of materialism and atheism, seemed to be just the opposite of Christianity. Yet, some Chinese Christians, the liberals in particular, believed there were rooms for cooperation and co-existence, in theory as well in practice. This dissertation examines and analyses this Christian-Communist encounter in the Republic of China during era of Guomindang domination.;The first part of this dissertation begins with an examination of the intellectual and political background of modem China searching for a political ideology and a role in the international world caught between Capitalism and Communism. It then analyses the Chinese Christians' attitudes toward both the Nationalists and the Communists. Generally Chinese Christians' attitude was more favorable towards the Guomindang and indeed Christianity thrived during the "golden decade" of the Nanjing government. But eventually many became disillusioned and turned to the other side. This study provides ample discussions and explanations to this twist and turn in the Christian discourse. Furthermore, this dissertation also presents an in-depth analysis of the Protestant Christians' views on Chinese Communism. In several areas the Chinese Christians saw the Communists as "competitors" and not dreadful enemies: In social reforms and in labour movements, in rural reconstruction and in rallying the youths. Through constant dialogue and interaction, and the vigorous political persuasion of the Communists, many Christians were drawn toward the Communists in the end. The last part of this dissertation focusing on Protestants' views and attitudes toward Communism also includes a chapter on Catholic-Communist relations for the sake of comparison. |
