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: Paperback / softback
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, including the Philippines and Timor-Leste, Catholicism in Asia offers a distinctive perspective on the processes of globalization. Asian Pacific Catholicism and Globalization, a comprehensive book edited by scholars, provides valuable insights into the historical development of Catholicism in Asia and the Oceania-Pacific region. The editors argue that the development of Catholicism in this region can be traced back to three distinct phases: early modern (sixteenth to eighteenth centuries), modern Western hegemony (1780s to 1960s), and the contemporary (1960s to present).

Within these phases, the contributors explore the growth of Catholicism in various major countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Australia. They examine the social, cultural, and political factors that shaped the development of Catholicism in each country, as well as the impact of Catholicism on local cultures and societies.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of missionaries in spreading Catholicism in Asia and Oceania. The editors highlight the contributions of Catholic missionaries, both men and women, who traveled to these regions to proselytize and establish Catholic communities. These missionaries played a crucial role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the region, and their efforts contributed to the development of a distinct Catholic identity.

Another important aspect of the book is the impact of colonialism and imperialism on the development of Catholicism in Asia and Oceania. The editors note that these historical processes facilitated the spread of Catholicism in the region, as European powers sought to establish control and influence over the territories. However, they also highlight the negative consequences of colonialism, such as the marginalization and oppression of indigenous communities and the loss of traditional religious practices.

The book also explores the challenges faced by Catholicism in Asia and Oceania in the contemporary era. The editors note that Catholicism in these regions is facing a number of challenges, including secularization, religious pluralism, and the rise of Pentecostalism and other non-traditional Christian movements. However, they also highlight the resilience and adaptability of Catholicism in the region, as Catholic communities continue to adapt to changing circumstances and find new ways to engage with their communities.

In conclusion, Asian Pacific Catholicism and Globalization is a valuable resource for scholars and students of Catholic history, as well as anyone interested in understanding the processes of globalization in Asia and the Oceania-Pacific region. The book provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the historical development of Catholicism in this region, and its contributions to global interconnectedness. By exploring the social, cultural, and political factors that shaped the development of Catholicism, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by Catholic communities in the contemporary era, the book offers a rich and insightful perspective on the complex and multifaceted history of Catholicism in Asia and the Pacific.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647123796