The relationship between Catholicism and Protestantism in China in the time of Robert Morrison

This article argues that, during the period when Robert Morrison preached in China, the relationship between Catholicism and Protestantism cannot be simplified as one filled with hostility. As a matter of fact, Protestantism as a new comer on one hand was benefited very much from what Catholicism had done in China. On the other hand, in order to explain to Europeans the difficulties of his missionary work in China, Morrison morally and politically defended Catholicism's missionary enterprise against Qing court's rejection and repression upon Catholicism. Of Course, it cannot be ignored that Catholicism set some obstacles against Protestantism's competitive missionary activity for maintaining its own vested interest. But it cannot be obliterated neither that Morrison showed religious prejudice against Catholic faith. The author elucidates that there was an evident tension between Morrison's faith and secular order in his inner world. His dislike against British expansion regardless China's interest, his critique of Chinese sages and Chinese moral situation showed the transcendence of his pious faith.ReligionA&HCI0ARTICLE2731-4