The Oxford Handbook of Christianity in Asia / Wilfred, Felix

Includes bibliographical references and index.

This handbook discusses the global expansion of Christianity and the challenges it faced along the way. It is a resource for Christians and for the wider audience wanting to think more comprehensively about how Christianity was born in Asia, lost and gained ground, grew and changed across this vast of continent, and now faces many possible futures. It maps the history and current state of Christianity in Asia, providing insight into how Asian culture and its diverse religious traditions have significantly transformed Christianity to adapt to Asian life and expectations.

"Despite the ongoing global expansion of Christianity, there remains a lack of comprehensive scholarship on its development in Asia. This volume fills the gap by exploring the world of Asian Christianity and its manifold expressions, including worship, theology, spirituality, inter-religious relations, interventions in society, and mission. The contributors, from over twenty countries, deconstruct many of the widespread misconceptions and interpretations of Christianity in Asia. They analyze how the growth of Christian beliefs throughout the continent is linked with the socio-political and cultural processes of colonization, decolonization, modernization, democratization, identity construction of social groups, and various social movements. With a particular focus on inter-religious encounters and emerging theological and spiritual paradigms, the volume provides alternative frames for understanding the phenomenon of conversion and studies how the scriptures of other religious traditions are used in the practice of Christianity within Asia"-- ǂc Provided by publisher