Welcome to episode two of our series discussing the history of Burmese Christianity (Pearl Dive episode 221)! This series is part of Fuller’s Burma Diaspora Christianity Project led by Dr. Joseph Cheah and Dr. David Moe.

Before the cross or the pagoda ever touched the soil of Burma, the land was alive with the whispers of the Nat. In this episode of Pearl Dive, we travel into the heart of the Burma Diaspora Christianity project. Hosts Tim Tseng, Dr. Joseph Cheah, and Dr. David Moe peel back the layers of history to reveal how ancient folk traditions — centered on powerful spirits and sacred landscapes — continue to pulse beneath the surface of modern Burmese American faith. It’s a journey that challenges everything you thought you knew about where “tradition” ends and “religion” begins.

We aren’t just talking history; we’re talking identity. By integrating the lived narratives of the Burmese diaspora, this episode uncovers how pre-Buddhist folk religions were never truly erased but were instead woven into the very fabric of Christian life. Whether you’re interested in Asian American theology or the mysterious intersection of unseen forces and organized faith, this conversation offers a priceless pearl of wisdom for a global audience. Get ready to explore the spiritual geography of a people whose faith is as deep and complex as the land they call home.

Welcome to episode one of our series discussing the history of Burmese Christianity!This Pearl Dive episode, part of Fuller’s Burma Diaspora Christianity Project led by Dr. Joseph Cheah and Dr. David Moe, explores the intertwined histories of Catholic and Protestant missions in Burma/Myanmar within a predominantly Buddhist context. It traces early 16th-century Portuguese Catholic missions (Franciscans, Jesuits, Augustinians) centered around Syriam/Thanlyin and reliant on mercenaries and traders, then contrasts them with 19th-century Protestant efforts such as Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson, whose work benefited from British colonial protections but also linked Christianity to colonial rule.

The conversation explains the Padroado system and the later shift toward Propaganda Fide, discusses inculturation/indigenization, why missions grew more among ethnic minorities (Karen, Kachin, Chin) than the Bamar Buddhist majority, and how independence (1948) and Ne Win’s 1962 regime reshaped churches through nationalism, expulsions, and increased indigenous leadership amid ongoing conflict, with hopes tied to unity, contextual theology, interfaith dialogue, and leaders like Cardinal Charles Bo. — Tim Tseng

00:00 Welcome to Pearl Dive

00:19 Episode Focus and Guests

01:35 Early Portuguese Catholic Missions

02:33 British Rule and Protestant Arrival

03:20 Padroado and Propaganda Fide

06:47 Inculturation and Indigenization

07:22 Judson and Ethnic Minority Growth

10:01 Catholic Indigenous Clergy Efforts

10:49 Burma Before Independence

12:27 Independence and Military Rule Impacts

15:50 Colonial Legacies and Nationalism

19:15 Challenges and Hopes Today

23:44 Unity and Closing Reflections

24:48 Project Sponsors and Credits

Fr. Joe Cheah, OSM, is Professor and Chair in Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. As a part of the first wave of immigrants from Burma, he came to the United States with his parents in 1966. He co-sponsors the St. Mary’s Home in Kyauktan, Myanmar. All donations and inquiries go through our 501(c)(3) organization in the US: The Children Charitable Foundation of Myanmar, Inc. (childrenofmyanmar.org)

Joe has published extensively, including Race and Religion in American Buddhism: White Supremacy and Immigrant Adaptation (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011), Theological Reflections on “Gangnam Style”: A Racial, Sexual, and Cultural Critique (New York: Palgrave MacMillan, 2014) with Grace Ji-Sun Kim, and Anti-Asian Racism: Myths, Stereotypes, and Catholic Social Teaching (New York: Orbis Books, 2023). Joe can be reached at [email protected].

Dr. David Thang Moe is at Yale University in New Haven, CT. where he is a Postdoctoral Associate and Lecturer in Religion and Conflict at the Council on Southeast Asia Studies at MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies and Department of Religious Studies. He can be reached on Facebook at facebook.com/davidmoe83.

For more about Burmese American Christians, see David Thang Moe, “The Hidden Stories of Burmese American Christians: Understanding their Imagination of Identity,” International Bulletin of Mission Research 2024, Vol. 48(3), 383­ –398.

This podcast series is funded by the APARRI Working Grant and the American Baptist Home Mission Societies.

Thanks for reading Pearl Dive, AACHI's digital platform! This post is public so feel free to share it.

In this high-energy conclusion to our interview with Dr. Scott Wall, we trade the library for the diamond! Did you know the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to the largest private softball league in the region, born entirely out of Chinese Christian congregations? Scott breaks down how a league that started with just six teams in 1980 evolved into a massive social ecosystem of over 1,500 players. We explore how these “layers of experience”—from church pews to Teens Conferences to university fellowships—create a unique “locality” of faith that defines what it means to be a Chinese Canadian young adult today.

The conversation takes a provocative turn as we tackle the “Evangelical” label. Scott reveals a surprising trend: why were thousands of Chinese Canadian 20-somethings bypassing local mentors to listen to “old white guys from Minnesota” like John Piper? We dive into the sociology of “identity negotiation,” exploring how Neo-Reformed theology helped a generation differentiate themselves from both a secular society and their parents’ first-generation traditions. It’s a deep look at why we need a “multivocal” faith and how the “Divine Migrant” continues to move through our suburbs, our stadiums, and our hearts.

Check out Dr. Scott Wall’s PhD thesis on Chinese Canadian Evangelical experiences in the GTA entitled, “Multi-sited Faith: Chinese Canadian, Young Adult Evangelicals and the Negotiation of Ethno-Religious Identity in the Greater Toronto Area”.

Glossary of Terms

* CCSA (Christian Community Softball Association): Originally the Chinese Christian Softball Association, this massive GTA league serves as a primary social hub for thousands of players across dozens of churches.

* Neo-Reformed Theology: A modern resurgence of Calvinist thought (emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture) popularized by figures like John Piper and Tim Keller.

* Identity Negotiation: The social process where individuals or groups balance different aspects of their identity (e.g., being “Canadian,” “Chinese,” and “Christian”) to find where they fit in society.

* Oppositionalism: A sociological term for defining one’s identity by what they are not (e.g., an evangelical defining themselves as being “at odds” with secular culture).

* Locality: In this context, Scott defines it not just as a physical map, but as a “string of experiences” (school, church, sports) that shape a person’s worldview.

* Anemic Discipleship: A term Scott uses to describe a faith that is weakened by only listening to a single cultural or theological voice rather than a diverse “multivocal” cloud of witnesses.

Small Group Discussion Questions

* The Softball Ecosystem: Scott argues that community isn’t just about geography, but shared experiences like the CCSA. What are the “social anchors” in your life (sports, clubs, hobbies) that have shaped your faith more than a Sunday sermon might?

* The “Theological Elders”: The transcript mentions that many young adults looked to “The Johns” (Piper, MacArthur, Calvin) to form their identity. Why do you think we often look to distant voices rather than local ones to define our faith? Who are the local “theological elders” in your community you might be overlooking?

* Differentiation: Scott notes that young adults often use theology to differentiate themselves from their parents’ “cultural” church. How do we honor the heritage of the first generation while still finding a theological language that feels authentic to our own time and place?

Connect with Pearl Dive & AACHI

Pearl Dive shares stories from the history of Asian American Christianity. New episodes explore the faith, courage, and contributions of Asian American Christians throughout history.

“Someday everyone will know our stories.”

Please like, comment, and share this episode — and keep searching and sharing pearls from our Asian American Christian history!

Pearl Dive: The Toronto Deep Dive 🌊

In this episode of Pearl Dive, host Daniel sits down with Dr. Scott Wall, a sociologist and pastor, to uncover the “unaccounted for” history of Chinese Canadian Christians in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Moving beyond the textbooks, Scott shares his journey as an “academic pearl diver” who stumbled upon a massive, vibrant network of over 200 churches that essentially reshaped the civic and spiritual landscape of Canada’s largest city. From the early days of the Chinese Presbyterian Church to the modern-day megachurches of Richmond Hill, this conversation explores how migration laws, economic shifts, and a “divine migrant” theology have created a uniquely multicultural expression of faith.

Get ready for a fascinating look at how the church followed the “money and the movement” from the downtown core to the suburbs, proving that second-generation ministry isn’t a new trend—it’s a 50-year legacy. Whether you’re interested in the “Teens Conference” explosion or the sociological “boundary crossing” of the Incarnation, Scott helps us see that these stories aren’t just local history; they are a vital part of the global Christian story. Tune in to discover why opening ourselves to the stories of others is a fundamental part of following the “gentle, humble way” of Jesus.

Check out Dr. Scott Wall’s PhD thesis on Chinese Canadian Evangelical experiences in the GTA entitled, “Multi-sited Faith: Chinese Canadian, Young Adult Evangelicals and the Negotiation of Ethno-Religious Identity in the Greater Toronto Area”.

The Glossary 📚

* 1.5 Generation: Individuals who immigrated to a new country as children or young adolescents, bridging the gap between their parents’ first-generation experience and the second-generation experience of those born in the host country.

* GTA (Greater Toronto Area): The most populous metropolitan area in Canada, consisting of the city of Toronto and four surrounding regional municipalities.

* Head Tax: A historic, discriminatory fee imposed by the Canadian government (1885–1923) specifically on Chinese immigrants to discourage them from entering the country.

* Points-Based System: A Canadian immigration policy introduced in the 1960s that evaluates applicants based on criteria like education, language skills, and work experience rather than race or country of origin.

* Parachurch Organization: Christian faith-based organizations that work outside of specific denominations to serve specific needs, such as campus ministries or youth conferences.

* Sociology of Religion: The study of the beliefs, practices, and organizational forms of religion using the tools and methods of sociology to understand how it shapes and is shaped by society.

Small Group Discussion Questions 💬

* The Divine Migrant: Daniel and Scott discuss the idea of God as a “Divine Migrant” through the Incarnation. How does viewing Jesus as someone who crossed the ultimate boundary (Heaven to Earth) change how you view migrants and newcomers in your own community?

* Multiculturalism as Theology: Scott argues that listening to voices we haven’t heard before is part of following Christ’s humble way. Is your current spiritual life “multivocal,” or do you find yourself prioritizing one specific cultural story over others?

* The Power of History: Scott mentions that many young people don’t realize that ministries like “Teens Conference” have 50-year roots. Why is it important for the next generation to understand that they are “inheritors” of a long history rather than just starters of something new?

Connect with Pearl Dive & AACHI

Pearl Dive shares stories from the history of Asian American Christianity. New episodes explore the faith, courage, and contributions of Asian American Christians throughout history.

“Someday everyone will know our stories.”

Please like, comment, and share this episode — and keep searching and sharing pearls from our Asian American Christian history!

In this gripping second half of our deep dive, Daniel and Rev. Dr. Matthew Todd peel back the curtain on the “DNA” of the Chinese Canadian church. If you’ve ever wondered why some churches feel like a “parent’s basement” while others operate like a “duplex,” this is the episode for you. Dr. Todd breaks down the Mickey Mouse model (one head, two distinct ears) and explores the “three-in-one” identity of being Christian, ethnically Chinese, and Canadian.

The conversation gets real—and a little “hot”—as we tackle the Silent Exodus. Dr. Todd reveals heartbreaking statistics from his research, showing that when the next generation leaves the church, the impact isn’t just on the youth—it’s a “silent suffering” for the parents that can last for decades. From the “Gweilo” (鬼佬) perspective of serving in a Chinese context to the radical idea that the Chinese church is the modern-day Acts 6 model, this episode is a masterclass in sociology, theology, and heart-led ministry.

The Glossary: Decoding the DNA

If some of the “academe-speak” went over your head, don’t worry—we’ve got you. Here are the key terms you need to navigate this episode like a pro:

* Mickey Mouse Model: A church structure where one main leadership body oversees two (or more) distinct language congregations (e.g., Cantonese, English, Mandarin, etc.).

* Ontology: A fancy word for the “nature of being.” Here, it refers to the core identity and “genetic makeup” of the Chinese church.

* Parent’s Basement Model: A dynamic where the English Ministry (EM) feels subordinate to the mother tongue congregation, often lacking its own autonomy or resources.

* Third Space: A social environment (like the church) that isn’t quite the “home” country or the “host” culture, but a unique hybrid where identity is negotiated.

* Gweilo (鬼佬): A Cantonese term (literally “ghost man”) used to refer to Caucasians. Dr. Todd reflects on his decades serving as one within the Chinese community.

Small Group Discussion Questions

* The “Three-in-One” Identity: Dr. Todd describes Chinese Canadian Christians as navigating a hybrid life. How do you balance your faith, your ethnic heritage, and your Canadian citizenship? Do they ever feel in conflict?

* Acts 6 vs. Acts 11: We discussed the “Hebraic vs. Hellenistic” Jewish tension as a mirror for modern immigrant churches. In your experience, does your church feel more like a “protected minority” (Acts 6) or a “multicultural third entity” (Acts 11)? Which model do you think is healthier for the next generation?

* The Parent’s Perspective: The episode touches on “Silent Suffering”—the impact on parents when the next generation leaves the church. How can our churches better bridge the “EM” (English Ministry) and “CM” (Cantonese/Mandarin Ministry) gap without losing the heart of either?

* The Ripple Effect of the Exodus: Dr. Todd noted that 62% of parents still feel the emotional impact of their children leaving the church ten years later. How can we shift the conversation from “parental failure” to “communal support” for those experiencing this silent suffering?

Connect with Pearl Dive & AACHI

Pearl Dive shares stories from the history of Asian American Christianity. New episodes explore the faith, courage, and contributions of Asian American Christians throughout history.

“Someday everyone will know our stories.”

Please like, comment, and share this episode — and keep searching and sharing pearls from our Asian American Christian history!

Ever wondered how a 16th-century Russian renewal movement ended up thriving in the dim sum hubs of Metro Vancouver? In this episode of The Pearl Dive, our host Daniel plunges into the fascinating history of Chinese Canadian Mennonite Brethren (MB) churches with the “Jacques Cousteau of ethno-religious research,” Rev. Dr. Matthew Todd. From his early days as a 17-year-old volunteer to his deep-dive doctoral work on the “Silent Exodus,” Dr. Todd shares how God has been weaving a bicultural tapestry across the Pacific Rim.

We’re breaking down the “happy headaches” of rapid church growth and why the MB theology—with its focus on community, high view of Scripture, and “right living”—works so well with Chinese cultural values. Whether you’re curious about how Hong Kong’s 1997 handover fueled a church planting boom or why an association of 20+ churches is the secret sauce to linguistic and cultural advocacy in denominations in Canada, this episode is a literal treasure chest. Grab your snorkel; it’s time to find some pearls!

The Glossary: Talk Like a Pearl Diver

If some of the “academe-speak” went over your head, don’t worry—we’ve got the map. Here are the key terms you need to navigate this episode like a pro:

* Anabaptist: A Protestant tradition originating in the 16th century emphasizing adult baptism and “radical” discipleship.

* Silent Exodus: A term used to describe the phenomenon of second-generation Asian Americans/Canadians leaving the immigrant churches of their parents.

* MB: sometimes jokingly referred to as Mostly Baptist, but really Mennonite Brethren,.

* Mennocostal: A cheeky portmanteau for someone who blends Mennonite peace-loving, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount theology with Pentecostal fire!

* GDR: No, not the former East Germany—in this context, it refers to the German, Dutch, and Russian roots of the early Mennonite Brethren.

* MBCCA: Mennonite Brethren Chinese Churches Association. The “Avengers” of Chinese MB church planting and support.

Small Group Discussion Questions

* The “Pearl Diving” Metaphor: Dr. Todd and Daniel discuss “diving into history” to find heavenly treasures. How does knowing your specific community’s history (ethnic, denominational, or local) change the way you view your current spiritual walk?

* Cultural Synergy: Dr. Todd mentions that Chinese cultural values (collectivism, respect for texts, ethical conduct) often align with Mennonite Brethren theological distinctives. Where else do you see “cultural bridges” between your own heritage and your faith tradition?

* Faith, Family, and Identity: How do your cultural background and family expectations shape your experience of church and faith today?

Connect with Pearl Dive & AACHI

Pearl Dive shares stories from the history of Asian American Christianity. New episodes explore the faith, courage, and contributions of Asian American Christians throughout history.

“Someday everyone will know our stories.”

Please like, comment, and share this episode — and keep searching and sharing pearls from our Asian American Christian history!

Did you know the fastest way to become a Chinese Christian pastor is actually to get an engineering degree? Apparently, the "Engineer-to-Pastor Pipeline" is a real thing, and this week on Pearl Dive, Dr. Justin Tse is here to explain why. Host Daniel Mok (in his brave debut as a podcaster!) chats with Justin about his journey from a California "pastor’s kid" to a UBC student who basically used a history degree as an elaborate excuse to move to Vancouver and "find his roots." We’re diving into the "revivalist" tradition—a world where personal piety is everything and history is often treated like that one awkward relative no one wants to talk about because it feels a bit too "man-made."

Justin also breaks down his book, Sheets of Scattered Sand, where he explores why describing Chinese Christians as "disunited" is actually a poetic tribute to their complexity. We tackle the "Secular Dream" of the Pacific Rim—which, sadly, isn't a fancy luxury cruise, but rather the awkward social space where religious fervor meets multicultural politeness. From the "flexible citizenship" of the 80s Hong Kong migration to Justin’s own spiritual pivot toward Eastern Catholicism, this episode is a witty, deep-dive look at what happens when a "grain of sand" tries to find its place in a global story. Whether you're here for the sociology or just the engineering jokes, it's a treasure trove of Sinophone history you won't want to miss.

In this episode of the Pearl Dive podcast, Tim Tseng and Daniel Mach, a Chinese Canadian pastor and seminarian from Calgary, Alberta, talk about Chinese Canadian Christian history. They discuss the unique aspects of Chinese Canadian cuisine, particularly the dish ginger beef, and explored the history of Chinese Christians in Canada. Daniel highlights the need to document and preserve the history of Chinese Canadian Christians, noting that this history is often overlooked. He also shares his plans to interview various individuals, including oral historians, practitioners, and scholars, to create a comprehensive Pearl Dive podcast series on Chinese Canadian Christian history. The conversation touches on the diversity within the Chinese-Canadian Christian community and the importance of understanding different expressions of Christianity within this group.

Connect with Pearl Dive & AACHI

Pearl Dive shares stories from the history of Asian American Christianity. New episodes explore the faith, courage, and contributions of Asian American Christians throughout history.

“Someday everyone will know our stories.”

Please like, comment, and share this episode — and keep searching and sharing pearls from our Asian American Christian history!