Saving the Nation: Chinese Protestant Elites and the Quest to Build a New China, 1922-1952

Protestant Christians were heavily represented among the urban elite in China during the Republican period, and their influence was exercised through churches, hospitals, and schools. They believed that Christianity could save China and adapted the social message and practice of Christianity to the conditions of the republican era. Saving the Nation recounts the history of the Protestant elite and their contribution to the resistance against Japanese imperialism and support for a social revolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

During the Republican period in China, Protestant Christians, although constituting a minority in the country's population, held significant influence among the urban elite. Their impact was evident through the establishment of churches, hospitals, and schools, as well as their involvement in organizations like the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) and YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association). The YMCA's city associations specifically catered to the urban elite and wielded considerable influence within modern sectors of urban society. Chinese Protestant leaders, recognizing the unique challenges of the republican era, adapted the social message and practices of Christianity to suit the needs of the time. They believed that Christianity had the potential to save not only individuals but also entire societies, nations, and even the entire world. Saving the Nation is a captivating account of the history of the Protestant elite in China. It traces their participation in social reform campaigns in the early twentieth century, their unwavering resistance against Japanese imperialism, and their unwavering support for a social revolution. The story revolves around Thomas Reilly, a prominent Chinese Protestant leader, and his journey of adopting and adapting Social Christianity. However, it extends beyond the personal narrative to encompass a broader perspective of the Chinese people and their unwavering determination to strengthen and renew their nation. The book explores the challenges faced by the Chinese people during the Republican period, including political instability, social inequality, and cultural erosion. It highlights the efforts of the Protestant elite to promote social justice, education, and healthcare, and their role in shaping the political and social landscape of China. Through their unwavering commitment to their faith and their dedication to the betterment of society, the Protestant elite played a significant role in the formation of a New China. Saving the Nation serves as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Chinese people in their pursuit of a brighter future. It sheds light on the complex interplay between religion, society, and politics, and provides a valuable insight into the historical and cultural significance of Protestantism in China.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190929503