The Introduction and Development of Christianity in Vietnam during 17 th and 18th Centuries: The Role of the Jesuit Missionaries

Authors

  • Truong Anh Thuan The University of Danang, University of Science and Education, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu02.2024.406

Abstract

During the 17th and 18th centuries, along with other missionary forces (the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris, the Dominican Order, the Franciscan Order, etc.), the Society of Jesus significantly contributed to the presence of Christianity in Vietnam. Firstly, it is necessary to mention the pioneering role of the Jesuits in introducing Christianity to Cochinchina and Tonkin in the first half of the 17th century, laying the foundation for the birth of church organizations in these two areas by 1659. After that, missionary activities of the Society of Jesus in Vietnam encountered ups and downs due to the indigenous government’s policy banning Christianity and conflicts and contradictions with the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. However, even in such difficult circumstances, the role and influence of the Jesuits in Vietnam remain undiminished. In fact, with a large force of foreign and indigenous missionaries, the Society of Jesus still maintains activities in a large missionary area with many believers. This research aims to clarify the role of the Jesuits in preaching the Gospel in Vietnam during the 17th and 18th centuries by “restoring” “the panoramic picture” of the force of foreign Jesuit missionaries, the missionary areas, and the number of believers under their management. At the same time, compared with other missionary forces operating in this country in this period. The research results presented in the article will significantly contribute to the study of the history of Christianity in Vietnam during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Keywords:

Vietnam, the Society of Jesus, missionary, Tonkin, Cochinchina, Christianity

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Published

2024-12-30

How to Cite

Thuan, T. A. (2024). The Introduction and Development of Christianity in Vietnam during 17 th and 18th Centuries: The Role of the Jesuit Missionaries. Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. History, 69(4), 935–947. https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu02.2024.406

Issue

Vol. 69 No. 4 (2024)

Section

World History

License

Articles of "Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. History" are open access distributed under the terms of the License Agreement with Saint Petersburg State University, which permits to the authors unrestricted distribution and self-archiving free of charge.