This book critically assesses the idea of a Christian 'civilizing mission' over time, and explores the relevance of the idea to the contemporary context in relation to China. It is wide-ranging. The book provides a local, non-Han perspective based on a rich array of historical, ethnographical, and empirical sources. It is multidisciplinary. It considers the religious 'civilising mission' from both an historical and political perspective.By comparing the role and influence of early Christian missionaries with those of Christian NGOs today, this book critically assesses the idea of a Christian 'civilizing mission' within the context of China. It provides a local, non-Han perspective based on a rich array of historical, ethnographical, and empirical sources.