Research Article: The Surprising Success of Christianity in Indonesia. pp. 72-87.
Author: Revd Ray Porter
Keywords: Nestorianism Colonialism Missionary Indigenous Independence Revival
Abstract
The article discusses Indonesia as the largest Muslim majority country which also has the largest percentage of Christians in any majority Muslim country. It looks at the history of Christianity in Indonesia beginning with the presumed activity of the group Church of the East also known as the Nestorian church and then the effects of colonialism by Portuguese the Dutch and for very short period the British and the influence that had on missionary activity noting also the tole of indigenous evangelism. It then looks at the process to Independence and notes the involvement of Christians in both the initial Independent Movement and also the subsequent nation building. It notes certain specific providential activities such as the time of revival in the late 1960s and proposes the future of Christianity within the country will be found in the continuing activity of the current Christian community rather than any missionary activity.
Published
Date: May 2026
