Collegium Institute invites you to join us for “The Sun Rises in the East: Evangelization in East Asia.” In this series, we will examine the history of Christian evangelization in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, including the cultural and state tensions that mark different regions. Each week, we will investigate the immediate and long-term consequences of various approaches taken by Catholics and Protestants. From Matteo Ricci’s integration of Confucian thought in his translations of Western philosophical texts in China to Korean and Japanese martyrs who stood up against religious persecution instituted by the ruling state, this program seeks to understand the negotiations and tensions between Christian institutions, society, and the state since the advent of Christianity in East Asia. These discussions, facilitated by a combination of scholars, missionaries, and clergy would hopefully prompt further reflection on the tensions faced in evangelization within our current communities (i.e. on-campus at Penn).

Location: TBD (on Penn’s campus)

Dates: Fridays, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm (Asian snacks and desserts will be provided)
January 31: Missionaries at the Service of God with Professor Stephanie Wong
February 14: Syncretism vs. Assimilation with Dr. Weimao Ke
February 21: Patriotism or Religion? with Dr. Daniel Cheely
March 28: Marian Images & Apparitions with Fr. Ryan Nguyen
April 4: Martyrdom & Persecution with Fr. Christopher Daniel, O.P.
April 18: Christian Futures in East Asia with Esther Lee
There will also be a closing dinner.

Registration Deadline: January 20, 2025

Please direct any questions to Esther Lee (estmlee@sas.upenn.edu)