Chinese students and scholars in the U.S. becoming Christians: A process of assimilation and identification (an empirical study of a Chinese church and Chinese students/scholars in the DC area).

摘要

This study examines the cultural and social implications of Chinese students and scholars converting to Christianity as they adapt to U.S. society, and the ethical issues of self-identification. The main question addressed is: Why and how do Christian groups work to convert Chinese students and scholars as a unique social group? This research examines the proselytizing behavior from psychological and sociological perspectives.;The process of Chinese students and scholars becoming Christians is a process of assimilation and identification. It's been found that Chinese Christian groups can better share the students and scholars' religious habits but also give their members more devout religious experiences. Christian groups not only fit the Chinese students and scholars' cultural and social necessities, but also provide them with an easy way to solve difficulties, assimilate into the U.S. environment, and attain ethnical identifications. The behaviors of the Christian group members greatly accelerate the conversion process. I built a model for process of proselytization.;Statistical analysis further supported these theories. Chinese students and scholars are eager to assimilate into American life; they also want to gain a sense of belonging through racial identification. The converters' assistance motivates students and scholars to attend their religious activities; Christianity and the Christian group increase people's life satisfaction levels. Though mostly atheists, Chinese students and scholars show positive attitudes toward Christian proselytism.