Question 1

The intent of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith was to free missions from colonial control.

Accepted Answer

The Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, also known as the Propaganda Fide, was established in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV with the aim of promoting missions and spreading Catholicism. Its focus was on organizing and financing missionary work. However, in the 20th century, under the leadership of Pope Paul VI, the Congregation shifted its focus to promoting the autonomy of local churches and freeing missions from colonial control.

Question 2

Portuguese colonialists and missionaries found Christians who were living by the caste system.

Accepted Answer

Portuguese colonialists and missionaries did find Christians who were living by the caste system, particularly in India. These Christians were often referred to as "Dalit Christians" or "untouchable Christians" and faced discrimination within the church as well as in wider society.

Question 3

Roberto de Nobili became a member of the Brahmin caste to convert them to Christianity.

Accepted Answer

Roberto de Nobili did not become a member of the Brahmin caste; he adopted some of their customs and lifestyle to better engage with them and facilitate his missionary work.

Question 4

It was not until the Tokugawa Shogunate that Japan opened up to Christianity.

Accepted Answer

It was actually the opposite. The Tokugawa Shogunate strictly restricted the practice of Christianity in Japan and even persecuted Christians, leading to the isolationist policy known as sakoku. It was not until later, in the 19th century, that Japan began to open up to the West and to Christianity.

Question 5

In the modern period, Christian missions to Japan became only possible after the U.S. Navy forced it to open its borders.

Accepted Answer

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Japan closed its borders to foreigners and Christianity was banned. It was only after Commodore Matthew Perry of the U.S. Navy arrived in 1853 with a fleet of warships that Japan was forced to open its borders, paving the way for Christian missions to begin again.

Question 6

Thinking within a Christian framework, make an argument about the requirements for salvation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Thinking within a Christian framework, make an...

Question 7

Slavery was socially sanctioned until the later modern era and was part of Christian society. Consider the examples listed of biblically sanctioned slavery: what difficulties does this present for biblical and theological discourse?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Slavery was socially sanctioned until the later...

Question 8

Discuss examples of the way Christianity was able to inculturate itself among different peoples. What difficulties would arise from trying to separate culture from religion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss examples of the way Christianity was...

Question 9

The church fathers believed that good, moral, and wise people before the time of Jesus could be saved by the grace of Christ. They also believed that once Christ came one had to be Christian, thus the imperative for missions. How did they argue this? How was it framed in the medieval period? Do you think that their arguments are coherent and sound? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The church fathers believed that good, moral,...

Question 10

The Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith held five principles for missionary activity. Do you think they represent a respectable position even today? Why or why not.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Congregation for the Propagation of the...

Quiz 17: Colonization and Missions