Lecture Notes: Methodist Missions in Asia
Overview
- Focus on Methodist Missions in Asia for insights into Methodist Missions globally.
- Based on a chapter written for the "T. N. T. Clarke Companion to Methodism."
- Lecture is divided into two parts: origins and development of Methodist Missions in Asia.
Origins of Methodist Missions in Asia
Methodism and Denominational Identity
- Methodism began as a renewal movement within the Church of England.
- Shifted from being a national mission to forming a church post-Wesley’s death.
- Formation of Wesleyan Missionary Society (WMS) in 1813 by British Methodists.
- Inspired by other denominations with missionary societies (e.g., Anglican Church's CMS).
British Methodist Missions
- First mission to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1814
- Ceylon served as a launch pad for missions into India.
- Subsequent missions to India (1817), Hong Kong (1851), and Upper Burma (1887).
American Methodist Missions
- Similar trajectory as British, but saw self as a body having missions.
- Formed Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church (MSMEC) in 1819.
- Inspired by successful work among Native Americans, e.g., John Stewart's mission.
- First missions to Asia began in 1847 in China, expanded to 8 countries, including Japan, Korea, Philippines.
Influence of Empire
- Missions often followed imperial expansion and trade routes.
British Empire
- Lifted missionary prohibitions by British East India Company in 1813.
- Missionaries landed in strategic trade ports like Madras, Bombay, Calcutta.
American Commercial Empire
- Missions benefited from American and British commercial expansions.
- Entry into China following Opium War; treaty ports opened.
China
- Missionaries faced resistance due to anti-foreigner sentiment.
- First convert baptized in 1857; first conference organized in 1877.
Japan and Korea
- Increased receptivity to Western ways.
- Missions began in Japan in 1873 and Korea in 1885.
- Korea’s king allowed educational and medical missions.
Philippines
- Unique as a pre-existing Christian nation due to Spanish rule.
- American occupation in 1898 allowed Protestant missions.
- Rapid growth; first Filipino ordained in 1900.
Conclusion
- The origins of Methodist missions in Asia were heavily influenced by denominational identity and empire dynamics.
- American Methodists were particularly successful in expanding missions in Asia, surpassing British efforts in terms of establishment.
Note: This lecture is based on a detailed chapter and encourages reading for deeper understanding.