Asian Pacific Catholicism and Globalization: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges

The history of Catholicism in Asia and the Pacific reveals how the religion has contributed to global connectivity since the sixteenth century, despite being a minority religion in most Asian countries. The book explores the processes of globalization through the lens of Catholicism in the region, highlighting three distinct phases: early modern, modern Western hegemony, and contemporary. Contributors discuss the development of Catholicism in major countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Australia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Georgetown University Press

Since the sixteenth century, Catholicism has played a pivotal role in fostering global interconnectedness. While it is a minority religion in most Asian countries, except for the Philippines and Timor-Leste, Catholicism in Asia offers a distinctive perspective on the processes of globalization. This history of Catholicism in Asia and the Pacific sheds light on the intricate interplay between religion, culture, and society.

Asian Pacific Catholicism and Globalization, a comprehensive work, presents scholars and students with a deep understanding of the historical development of Catholicism in Asia and the Oceania-Pacific region. The book recognizes that the development of Catholicism in this region is intricately linked to three distinct phases of globalization: early modern (sixteenth to eighteenth centuries), modern Western hegemony (1780s to 1960s), and the contemporary (1960s to present).

The editors of this book have carefully curated a collection of essays by renowned experts in the field, who explore the historical processes of globalization through the lens of Catholicism in Asia and Oceania. The contributors analyze the development of Catholicism in various major countries within the region, including China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Australia. Each essay provides a detailed account of the historical, cultural, and social factors that shaped the growth and development of Catholicism in these countries.

The early modern phase, spanning from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, witnessed the initial spread of Catholicism in Asia and Oceania. This period was marked by the arrival of European missionaries and traders, who introduced Christianity to the region. The Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping the cultural and social landscape of these countries, particularly in terms of education, social welfare, and the establishment of institutions.

The modern Western hegemony phase, which occurred from the 1780s to the 1960s, saw the rise of Western powers, including the United States and the United Kingdom, in the region. Catholicism was heavily influenced by Western cultural and political norms, and the Church adapted its teachings and practices to align with these influences. This period also witnessed the growth of Catholicism as a tool of colonialism and imperialism, as Western powers sought to spread their influence and control over the region.

The contemporary phase, which began in the 1960s, marked a significant shift in the development of Catholicism in Asia and Oceania. The region experienced a wave of political and social uphe region, including the rise of nationalist movements, the emergence of new religions, and the globalization of trade and commerce. Catholicism faced challenges and opportunities in this period, as it adapted to the changing social and cultural landscape and sought to remain relevant and meaningful to its followers.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of Catholicism in shaping the cultural and social identities. Catholicism has played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of many Asian and Oceania-Pacific countries, particularly in terms of values, traditions, and rituals. The Church has also been a powerful force for social justice and human rights, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed and promoting social reform and development.

Another important theme is the impact of globalization on Catholicism in Asia and Oceania. The region has been deeply affected by the forces of globalization, including the spread of technology, the rise of consumer culture, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world. Catholicism has adapted to these changes, leveraging technology to reach out to new audiences and promote its teachings and values. However, it has also faced challenges, such as the erosion of traditional values and the rise of secularism and other non-religious ideologies.

The book also highlights the diversity and complexity of Catholicism in Asia and Oceania. The region is home to a wide range of Catholic traditions and practices, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Each tradition has its own unique history, cultural practices, and theological beliefs, and the book explores the ways in which these traditions interact and influence each other.

In conclusion, Asian Pacific Catholicism and Globalization is a valuable resource for scholars and students of Catholic history, theology, and culture. The book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the historical development of Catholicism in Asia and the Oceania-Pacific region, highlighting the role of religion, culture, and society in shaping the growth and development of Catholicism. The book's contributors offer insightful perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by Catholicism in the contemporary world, and their essays provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between globalization, religion, and society.

Weight: 785g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647123789