Conflict, politics, and proselytism : Methodist missionaries in colonial and postcolonial upper Burma, 1887-1966 / Michael D. Leigh.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Leigh, Michael D.

Series:

Studies in imperialism (Manchester, England)

Studies in imperialism

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Methodist Church--Missions--Burma, Upper--History--19th century.

Methodist Church.

Methodist Church--Missions--Burma, Upper--History--20th century.

Methodist Church--Missions.

History.

Physical Description:

xvi, 239 pages : illustrations, map ; 24 cm.

Other Title:

Methodist missionaries in colonial and postcolonial upper Burma, 1887-1966

Place of Publication:

Manchester New York : Manchester University Press, 2011.

Summary:

This book is a study of the ambitions, activities and achievements of Methodist missionaries in Upper Burma between 1887 when the first of them arrived, and 1966 when the last were expelled by General Ne Win. The story is told in an accessible style through painstaking original research into thousands of unpublished documents and eyewitness accounts.

The narrative both confirms and challenges established perceptions of missionaries in colonial and postcolonial Asia. Conflict is one of the dominant themes. It swept across Upper Burma in violent waves of colonial conquest, nationalist unrest, religious disputes, war and civil strife. The political consequences of missionary work are also analysed - particularly the divisive and destabilising activity of religious conversion which challenged the social order, undermined traditional beliefs and provoked bitter political reactions in return. Another theme traces the nuanced relationship between religion and governance in Burma. Leigh pulls together these strands into a fascinating study of great breadth.

This book will appeal to those teaching or studying colonial and postcolonial history, Burmese politics and the history of missionary work. Book jacket.

Contents:

1 Introduction 1

2 Missionaries 20

3 Politics 40

4 Social issues 61

5 Religion 74

6 Schools 92

7 Evacuation and exile 110

8 Japanese occupation 128

9 National traumas 136

10 Mission politics 155

11 Final act 174

12 Retrospect 189.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 208-222) and index.

ISBN:

9780719085369

0719085365

OCLC:

698330374