Reichelt Collection

Institute of Sino-Christian Studies, Hong Kong

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About the Reichelt Collection

The Reichelt Collection consists of materials held at the Institute of Sino-Christian Studies (ISCS) in Hong Kong. Formally established in 1995, the Institute builds on the foundations of Tao Fong Shan, the religious centre established in 1930 by the Norwegian Sinologist and missionary Karl Ludvig Reichelt (1877-1952).

Reichelt's pioneering work in Christian-Buddhist dialogue and his innovative approach to mission in China has left a lasting legacy. The collection represents a unique window into early 20th-century Protestant missions in China and the development of contextualized Christian theology.

101 Monographs
31 Manuscripts
7 Serial Titles

Karl Ludvig Reichelt (1877-1952)

Karl Ludvig Reichelt was a Norwegian Lutheran missionary and sinologist who devoted his life to Christian ministry in China. He is best known for founding Tao Fong Shan (道風山) Christian Centre in Hong Kong in 1930, which became an important center for Christian-Buddhist dialogue and contextualized Christian witness.

Reichelt pioneered a respectful, dialogical approach to Buddhism that was revolutionary for his time. Rather than simply condemning Buddhist beliefs, he sought to understand Buddhism deeply and to present Christianity in ways that resonated with Chinese religious culture. His work laid important groundwork for inter-religious dialogue and contextual theology in Asia.

Collection Contents

The digitized materials from the Reichelt Collection include:

  • Mission Reports and Correspondence - Documents relating to Reichelt's missionary work and the development of Tao Fong Shan
  • Theological Writings - Reichelt's reflections on Christianity and Buddhism, contextual theology, and mission strategy
  • Publications - Books, pamphlets, and periodicals produced at Tao Fong Shan
  • Historical Documents - Materials documenting the history of Tao Fong Shan and Christian mission in China
  • Manuscripts - Unpublished writings, sermon notes, and personal papers

Research Significance

The Reichelt Collection is valuable for research in:

  • Protestant missions in China (early-mid 20th century)
  • Christian-Buddhist dialogue and inter-religious relations
  • Contextual theology and indigenization of Christianity
  • History of Norwegian missions in Asia
  • Development of Tao Fong Shan and its ongoing ministry
  • Chinese Christianity during the Republican period

Access Information

The Reichelt Collection has been digitized as part of the Documentation of Chinese Christianity program, a collaborative project between Yale Divinity Library and Hong Kong Baptist University Library.

For access to specific materials or more information about this collection, please contact the Divinity Library.