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A History of Christian Theology
Episode 156: Glen L Thompson on The Jingjiao and the Earliest Christianity in China
Apr 3, 2024
Glen L Thompson, a historian specializing in early Christianity in China, dives into the hidden history of the Jingjiao, the earliest Christian church in the region. He shares intriguing tales, such as how a Chinese Christian once led the Syriac Church. The discussion touches on the interplay of early Christianity with Taoism, the linguistic hurdles faced by missionaries, and the significance of the Syriac language. Listeners will discover a richly woven narrative that connects cultural identities with Christian tradition.
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Quick takeaways
- The early Syriac Christian Church, through the Jingjiao, created a unique synthesis of Christianity and local traditions in China by the 7th century.
- Modern interests among scholars and Christians are reviving awareness of the historically significant yet overlooked presence of the Jingjiao in China's religious landscape.
Deep dives
The Expansion of Syriac Christianity
The podcast discusses the expansion of the Syriac Christian Church, which played a significant role in spreading Christianity into China by the 7th century. This branch of Christianity utilized the Syriac language, a dialect of Aramaic, to facilitate its outreach. The early missionaries established a presence reminiscent of the larger Christian movements in the West, but their narratives and histories remain lesser-known. The importance of the Silk Road as a conduit for trade and cultural exchange further aided the synthesis of Christian and local traditions across regions as they reached Central Asia and ultimately China.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode