景教在中國Nestorians in China during Tang Dynasty: important events, theology and evaluation

Tao-jen Wang 王道仁

Important events:
(1) The Turks were evangelized when expanding westward by Nestorians in Persia in the 6th century, and the Turks were related to the Tang dynasty.
(2) Alopen arrived in Xian by the silk road in 635 and met Tai-tsung. Christianity was welcomed and the Scripture was translated; a church was built in Xian.
(3) Persecution occurred when Wu Hou seized power and became an Empress. She made Buddhism the state religion and persecuted Christians.
(4) Persecution stopped after Hsuan-tsung became the Emperor and the church grew. The church gained royal favor and Chi-ho was even invited to say mass at the palace.
(5) Kuo Tzu-I, Issu and Adam were 3 important figures at that time. Adam mastered Chinese and translated many books.
(6) The church disappeared when Tang dynasty fell in the tenth century. The persecution of Wu-tsung might contribute it.

Theology:
(1) No Nestorian emphasis on separation of two natures.
(2) Trinity, God the creator, sinful man, the incarnation, crucification and resurrection of Jesus, respect and obey God were stated.
(3) God or heavenly hosts were sometimes referred to as Buddha.
(4) Obey the Emperor was put into the Ten Commandments.
(5) Some concepts and phrases of Taoism and Buddhism were incorporated into Christianity.

Evaluation:
(1) There might be religious syncretism, but only a little. Some of the phrases might cause confusion though.
(2) The adaptation of Christianity to Chinese culture might help the spread of Christianity initially.
(3) There were no record of training or ordination of Chinese bishop/pastor. This dependence on Persian missionaries might contribute the disappearance of Christianity. In my opinion, this is the main reason.
(4) Dependence on politically important figures might help avoid persecution, but these can change suddenly when they lost power. And when they lost power, the new ruling figure might be even more hostile to Christianity. Mission cannot always depend on politically important figures only. People of low social status might adhere to their religion longer, and God loves everyone regardless of social status.
(5) Part of the Bible was translated, but not all. To their credit, part of it was translated and preserved, and they had no printing technology yet. But if the whole Bible was translated, Christianity might last longer.

Reference:
Moffett, Samuel Hugh. A History of Christianity in Asia, Volume 2, Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2005.