Religious Liberalism, International Politics, and Diasporic Realities: The Chinese Students Christian Association of North America, 1909-1951

Between 1911 and 1949, when Chinese Nationalists on the mainland and in the Diaspora sought to modernize their nation, many Chinese Protestants undertook a quest to make their religion socially and po litically relevant for an emerging New China. Attributing European and American economic and military dominance and apparent cul tural superiority to the leavening influence of Christianity, they yearned to see Protestantism play just as significant a role in China's reawakening and reconstruction.2 Chinese Protestants in the United States were especially active in their efforts to build a new China, but most could do little more than contribute financial support for the state and provide some of the missionaries' material needs.3 The ma