Example Of Essay On Jesuit Strategy

In essence, the Jesuits sought to be inclusive of various Chinese traditions, within limits, to the Christian faith. For instance, how the Chinese honor their ancestors as well following certain teaching of Confucius. The Jesuits argued this point with the Dominicans and Franciscans, who felt that these secular Chinese beliefs had no compatibility within the confines of Christianity. They were so opposed to this inclusivity, they reported the issue to the Pope.
The three points that were argued about in Rome were what Chinese word should be used for “God”, that Christians should not participate in Confucius’ seasonal rites, and the use of ancestor worship. Jesuits saw these as Chinese Rites, and felt that they were social practices versus religious ones. This controversy went on through several Popes, with each giving differing edicts.
Ricci worked so hard to find a way to marry Catholicism and Chinese tradition together for the sake of the Chinese. Not only did he fight against other Catholic sects, he also spent a of time meeting with Chinese dignitaries in an effort to find a common ground. In his mind, he was doing all he could to save the Chinese people and introduce Christianity to them in a manner that was palatable. Nonetheless, he was asking his fellow Catholics to overlook a belief system which opposed their own, and accept it as part of their own. While Ricci had noble intentions, they laid outside the religious belief system which he chose to follow. Not only that, his actions paved the way for the eventual banning of any missionaries in China. Had he not pushed like he did, the issue may never had made it to a point where the Pope made an edict about it, and therefore the Chinese would not have felt so threatened.