V originále
This chapter will provide a general account of the Roman Catholic missions from the late sixteenth century to the eighteenth century, taking into consideration both Roman Catholic missionaries, especially the Jesuits, and indigenous converts. It will also include an overview of the formation of the Chinese Christian communities and their main features. Initially, it will take into consideration the process of evangelization adopted by different Roman Catholic denominations in China and their divergent ideas on “accommodation” and “acculturation.” Subsequently, it will analyze the religious formations of those groups, examining their initial theological background. Finally, it will describe not only the difficulties and challenges but also the acceptance of ritual practices, customs and moral teachings within Chinese Christian communities. In narrating these main aspects, we will take into consideration testimonies from missionaries in China, Chinese Christian converts, and their main adversaries. Given the specific scope of this overview, analysis will be limited to only a few relevant case studies which provide a general yet comprehensive idea of evangelization, religious formation, and the establishment of indigenous communities.