The emergence of political statements and political theology in the history of the Taiwanese Presbyterian Church

This dissertation explores the emergence of political statements and political theology in the history of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan since 1970. Based on a re-examination of the political history of Christianity in Taiwan, the dissertation attempts to illuminate the impact of that political history on the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. Generally speaking, the history of Christianity in Taiwan reflects its political tragedy. One finds many examples of how the political situation influenced the proclamation of the Gospel and how the Taiwanese Christians in their daily struggles directed their questions to the Gospel and expected an answer that would be contextually meaningful.;The development of the dissertation is based on a political-historical examination of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. In chapter one an introduction is given which includes a discussion, a definition, and a limitation of the problem. The methodology, significance and development of the dissertation are presented. In chapter two the political-historical context of the PCT before World War II is examined. Chapter three presents the political-historical context of the PCT after World War II. The political background of the PCT after 1970 and the emergence of the PCT's political statements will be much emphasized.