A Brief History of the Church and Theological Education in Taiwan

A Brief History of the Development of the Church and Theological Education in Taiwan (from 1624 to the present)
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 flourishing of immigrant communities in modern times has exhibited a rich and diverse landscape. This text will summarize the brief history of the development of the church in Taiwan in four phases.
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The First Wave of Colonial Churches - The Establishment of Indigenous Taiwanese Theology (1624-)
1
1624
The Dutch East India Company occupied southern Taiwan, and the Dutch Reformed Church was introduced
2
1643
The "Taioan Consistory" was established, the first Christian governing body in Taiwan
3
1658
Soulang Seminary was established, the earliest theological seminary in Taiwan
The Dutch actively conducted missionary work among the indigenous Taiwanese people. Reverend Georgius Candidius and others adopted a localization strategy, helping to establish the written system of the Siraya tribe.
Hsüeh-lang Theological Seminary: The Cradle of Theological Education in Taiwan
Background
Established in 1658 in Hsüeh-lang (present-day Chia-li 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 Cheng Cheng-kung's landing, its influence continued until the 19th century
The Second Wave of Colonial Churches - Hokkien Colonial Theology (1865-)
Dr. James Maxwell
Arrived in Taiwan in 1865, based in Tainan, started missionary work through medical and educational efforts
Rev. George Leslie Mackay
Came to northern Taiwan in 1872, started missionary work
Vernacular Movement
Used the Roman alphabet system to preserve Taiwanese, became 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 to train pastors for southern churches
Catholic Development
Resumed missionary work in Taiwan in the late Qing dynasty, and expanded 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 for worship
Development of Catholicism
In 1952, the Vatican officially established dioceses in Taiwan
Postwar Flourishing of Theological Seminaries
China Evangelical Lutheran Seminary (CELS)
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 Graduate Institute of Religious Studies
Soochow University
Relocated to Taiwan in 1954, offered courses related to religious studies
Aletheia University
Established in 1965, tracing its origins to the "Oxford College" founded in 1882
The Fourth Wave of Immigrant Churches - Pluralistic and Inclusive Theology? (Recent Developments)
1
1
Filipino Immigrant Churches
Taipei Saint Dominic Catholic Church and Christian churches are important religious and community centers
2
2
Thai Immigrant Churches
Thai Friend Church provides Thai language worship, Bible study, and cultural activities
3
3
Indonesian Immigrant Churches
Including Taipei Bread of Life Church Indonesian District, Angklung Church, and other locations
4
4
Vietnamese Immigrant Churches
Provide religious and community support for Vietnamese migrant workers and new residents
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 diverse ethnic 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 Fusion
1624
Starting Year
The Reformed Church of the Netherlands was introduced to Taiwan
1658
First Theological Seminary
The Siaolang Theological Seminary was established
10+
Major Theological Seminaries
The active theological education institutions in Taiwan today
4
Developmental Phases
The historical stages of the Taiwanese church and theological education
The development of the Taiwanese church and theological education is a complex process. From the seeding 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 fusion.
This text is the course content of "An Overview of the Development of the Taiwanese Church" from the church history curriculum of the Pseudo Theological Institute.