Nationalism and Chinese Protestant Christianity: From Anti-imperialism to Islamophobia

Abstract Viewing the historical development of Chinese Christianity, this chapter argues that, far from being a static concept, nationalism has constantly been constructed and interpreted. Subject to different political economic contexts, patriotism Christians taken various forms. From early twentieth century until 1950s, their was primarily anti-imperialist. Following Communist Party’s assumption power in 1949, Protestants split into two groups based on theological differences distinct understandings patriotism. Since China’s ‘opening up’ 1979, country experienced an unexpected Christian revival corresponding rise nationalism. 1990s, new wave nationalist sentiment emerged, one that fashioned Muslims as Other.