Mysteries Behind Jingjiaos Decline

This article examines the history of Jingjiao (Nestorian Christianity) and its development in 7th-century China, focusing on the factors contributing to its disappearance. It critically evaluates three prevailing explanations: Wuzong's suppression of foreign religions during the Tang Dynasty, Jingjiao's reliance on foreign missionaries, and the Chinese populace's rejection of its teachings. While these theories shed light on specific challenges faced by Jingjiao, they fail to fully account for its decline. This article argues that the primary reason for Jingjiao's disappearance lies in its deep integration with the Tang government, which left it vulnerable to political shifts and upheavals. By analyzing historical records and contextualizing Jingjiao's development within broader sociopolitical and cultural dynamics, the article offers a nuanced understanding of its rise and fall, highlighting the importance of independent adaptability for religious survival in imperial China.