Theology 1.0: How did Christianity first appear in Mongolia?

A rock formation in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. Taken 2017

In 2010, it is estimated that there are about 41,000 Christians (about 2.1%) in Mongolia. While Central Asia has generally been unfriendly to Christians (as Christians were persecuted under Islamic and Communist rule), Christianity has a long history there.

First appearance

The earliest known appearance of Christianity in Mongolia was in the 600s. The White Huns (who were west of Mongolia) requested for a Nestorian Christian bishop in 549, and by 650 there were 20 Nestorian diocese east of the White Huns.

Some Mongol tribes like the Naimans and Keraites accepted Nestorian Christianity as their tribal religion.

Rise of the Mongols
The presence of Nestorian tribes meant that there were Nestorian Christians in key roles during the rise of the Mongols (under Genghis Khan). While Genghis himself was a beliver in Tengri, his empire had a policy of religious tolerance.

Examples of Nestorian Christians under his adminstration included Sorghaghtani Beki (his daughter-in-law) and Sartaq Khan (Khan of the Golden Horde).

Such a policy allowed the Roman Catholics to send missions into the Mongol Empire. In 1289, John of Montecorvino translated Psalms and the New Testament in the Mongol language and built a church in Mongol-controlled China.

Decline of Christianity
After the Black Death, the Mongols were driven out of their territories in China. The now Ming Dynasty expelled the Christians.

In addition, 3 of the 4 Mongol successor empires embraced Islam, which meant that it was difficult to send more missions to Mongolia or Central Asia.

Although there were missions sent much later (like one led by James Gilmour in the 1800s), there were little growth in Christianity there. When Mongolia became communist in 1924, Christianity was discouraged.

A new beginning?

With the fall of the communist government in 1990, Christianity was again allowed in the country.