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Wrocławski Przegląd Teologiczny

Vol. 33 No. 1 (2025)

Systematic theology

Jesuit Missionary Matteo Ricci: Bridge Between Faith and Culture

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52097/wpt.9149  [Google Scholar]
Published: 2025-06-03

Abstract

This article aims to explore the dynamic relationship between faith and culture, through the example of Jesuit missionary Fr. Matteo Ricci. The research topic centres on how Ricci’s method exemplifies the potential for harmonizing the Christian faith with Chinese culture, which in turn fosters mutual enrichment. This article tries to answer the question of the encounter between faith and culture, what drives their integration, and what creates resistance between them. Again, facing both the integration and obstacles, how did Ricci manage to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses? Following this fil rouge, the first part of the article presents Ricci’s testimony on the complex interplay and mutual enrichment between faith and culture. The second part describes his missionary method of accomodatio, including learning Chinese languages, dressing as Confucian literates, making Chinese friends, and so on. The conclusion summarizes Ricci’s transformative role in demonstrating how faith can elevate culture while culture, in turn, enriches the expression of faith. Despite the limitations, Ricci’s missionary success is credited to his deep understanding of and respect for Chinese culture, which allowed the Chinese to accept Christianity as a harmonious addition to their identity.

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