Matteo Ricci and the Ming Dynasty
In Our Time
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Matteo Ricci: A Jesuit's Quest in Ming China
This chapter explores Matteo Ricci's journey as a Jesuit missionary in Ming Dynasty China, detailing his interactions with the imperial bureaucracy and eunuchs while navigating Confucianism. It highlights the challenges he faced in converting locals, particularly within a male-dominated society, and examines the implications of his accommodation strategies in relation to ancestor worship. The discussion also reflects on Ricci's significant impact on European perceptions of Chinese culture and the broader context of missionary efforts during this historical period.
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