The development of the church and theological education in Taiwan has gone through several important historical stages. From the introduction of colonial powers in the early days to the rise of indigenous churches.
The thriving development of modern immigrant communities has also exhibited a rich and diverse landscape. This text will summarize the brief history of the development of the church in Taiwan in four phases.
The First Colonial Church - Establishing Indigenous Theology in Taiwan (1624-)
1624
The Dutch East India Company occupied southern Taiwan, and the Dutch Reformed Church was introduced
1643
The "Daxian Xiaohuì" (Daxian Small Assembly) was established, the first Christian governance system in Taiwan
1658
The Shalun Theological Institute was established, the earliest theological seminary in Taiwan
The Dutch actively proselytized to the indigenous people of Taiwan. Pastors like Georgius Candidius adopted localization strategies to help establish the written system of the Siraya people.
Hsiao-lang Theological Seminary: The Cradle of Theological Education in Taiwan
Background
Established in 1658 in Hsiao-lang (now Jiali District, Tainan City), it was the earliest theological seminary in Taiwan
Purpose
To train local preachers and translators of the Bible
Historical Significance
Although it was closed due to Zheng Chenggong's landing, its influence continued into the 19th century
The Second Wave of Colonial Churches - Hokkien Colonial Theology (1865-)
Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell
Arrived in Taiwan in 1865, based in Tainan, launched missionary work through medical and educational efforts
Rev. George Leslie Mackay
Came to northern Taiwan in 1872, launched missionary work
Romanized Taiwanese Movement
Used the Roman alphabet system to preserve the Taiwanese language, becoming a force of cultural resistance
The Founding of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Taipei Theological School
Established by Reverend George Leslie Mackay in Tamsui in 1872, now known as Taiwan Theological College and Seminary
Campus Construction
Initially operated as an "itinerant school", the campus was not established until 1882
Tainan Theological College
Established by Reverend Thomas Barclay in Tainan in 1876, specifically to train pastors for southern churches
Catholic Development
Resumed missionary work in Taiwan in the late Qing dynasty, began expanding in the 1920s
The Third Wave of Colonial Churches - Mandarin Colonial Theology (1949-)
Political Background
In 1949, the Kuomintang government retreated to Taiwan, bringing a large number of Chinese Christians
Language Policy
The "Mandarin Denomination" was closer to the government and suppressed the tradition of the Presbyterian Church using Taiwanese in worship services
Development of Catholicism
In 1952, the Vatican officially established dioceses in Taiwan
Postwar Theological Seminaries Flourishing
China Lutheran Seminary (CLS)
Established in 1966, supported by the Norwegian and Finnish Lutheran churches
China Evangelical Seminary (CES)
Established in 1970, emphasizing evangelical theology
Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS)
Established in 1990, originally named "China Theological Seminary", emphasizing Reformed theology
Bread of Life Theological Seminary (BLTS)
Established in 1991, associated with the Bread of Life Church, emphasizing charismatic theology
The Development of Christian Higher Education
Fu Jen Catholic University
Established a Department of Theology after relocating to Taiwan in 1952
Tunghai University
Established in 1955, previously had a Department and Graduate Institute of Religion
Soochow University
Relocated to Taiwan in 1954, offered courses related to religious studies
Fourth Wave Immigrant Churches - Theology of Diversity and Inclusion? (Recent Developments)
Filipino Immigrant Churches
St. Dominic Catholic Church in Taipei and Christian churches are important religious and community centers
Thai Immigrant Churches
Thai Friend Church provides Thai language worship, Bible study, and cultural activities
Vietnamese Immigrant Churches
Provide religious and community support for Vietnamese migrant workers and new residents
Indonesian Immigrant Churches
Include the Indonesian parish of Bread of Life Church in Taipei and Angkola Church among multiple locations
Challenges and Diversity of Immigrant Churches
Mainstream and Heresy
Some immigrant churches like Iglesia ni Cristo are viewed as heretical by mainstream Christianity. This church denies the divinity of Jesus and the doctrine of the Trinity.
These churches claim to be the only true church, with significant differences from the core beliefs of mainstream Christianity.
New Challenges
The rise of immigrant churches has added more diversity to Taiwan's religious landscape. At the same time, it has brought new challenges in terms of language and cultural integration.
These churches often conduct religious activities in their native languages, providing social support and cultural identity.
Towards Inclusive Theological Education and Church Development
Global Perspective
An important role in responding to social change
Diverse Ethnic Identities
Reconstructing Taiwanese Christian theology to include the identities of indigenous peoples, Hoklo, Hakka, and new immigrants
Historical Reflection
Deconstructing the traditional "colonial-immigrant" binary framework
Conclusion: The Path to a Future of Multicultural Integration
1624
Starting Year
The Dutch Reformed Church was introduced to Taiwan
10+
Major Theological Seminaries
Active theological education institutions in Taiwan today
1658
First Theological Seminary
Establishment year of Xiaolong Theological Seminary
4
Development Phases
Historical stages of the church and theological education in Taiwan
The development of the church and theological education in Taiwan is a complex process. From the sowing during the Dutch colonial period to the thriving of the indigenous church.
Facing the future, the church and theological education in Taiwan will continue to adapt to new demands. Constantly moving forward on the path of multicultural integration.
This text is the course content of "Overview of the Development of the Church in Taiwan" in the church history curriculum of the Pseudo Theological Institute.
A Brief History of the Church and Theological Education in Taiwan (from 1624 to the present)