“His Dominion” and the “Yellow Peril”

By Jiwu Wang

Book Description

This scholarly exploration examines a pivotal chapter in Canadian religious history, revealing how faith intersected with cultural identity during a time of profound social tension. Wang delves into the complex relationship between Protestant missionaries and Chinese immigrants in Canada from 1859 to 1967, uncovering the unintended consequences of well-meaning evangelical efforts.

The book illuminates how missionary work, despite its spiritual intentions, often deepened cultural divisions rather than bridging them. Wang demonstrates that missionaries, operating within their Anglo-Saxon Protestant worldview, inadvertently perpetuated harmful stereotypes about Chinese communities while attempting to spread their faith. This created a painful paradox for Chinese converts, who found themselves caught between two worlds, neither fully accepted by mainstream Canadian society nor welcomed back into their traditional communities.

Through careful documentation of missionary methods and community responses, Wang traces a significant transformation in the 1920s when religious leaders began recognizing the value of Chinese cultural traditions. This shift marked a movement toward greater cultural respect and inclusion within Protestant-Canadian religious life.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual movements can both unite and divide communities, this work offers valuable insights into the delicate balance between evangelism and cultural sensitivity. Wang's analysis provides important lessons about the intersection of faith, identity, and belonging in multicultural societies, making it relevant for contemporary discussions about religious outreach and cultural understanding.