Seeing Through the Incense Smoke: Understanding the Meanings of Ancestral Rites in Vietnam for the Sake of a Pastoral Approach in Christian Mission

Author

J.P. Cima, Concordia Seminary, St. LouisFollow

Date of Award

5-18-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Practical Theology

First Advisor

Douglas Rutt

Scripture References in this Resource

Genesis 1:26; Exodus 3:6, 15-16; Exodus 20:1–17; Judges 2:11; Judges 3:7, 12; Judges 4:1; Judges 6:1; Judges 10:6; Judges 13:1; 1 Kings 11:6; 1 Kings 14:22; 1 Kings 15:26, 34; 1 Kings 16:25; 1 Kings 22:52; 2 Kings 3:2; 2 Kings 8:18, 27; 2 Kings 13:2, 11; 2 Kings 14:24; 2 Kings 15:9, 18, 24, 28; 2 Kings 21:2, 16, 20; 2 Kings 23:32, 37; 2 Kings 24:9, 19; Psalm 31:6; Psalm 78:58; Psalm 96:5; Psalm 97:7; Isaiah 2:8; Isaiah 10:11; Isaiah 40:19–20; Isaiah 42:17; Isaiah 44:6–20; Isaiah 45:1; Jeremiah 2:28; Jeremiah 3:6; Jeremiah 10:3–5, 14–15; Jeremiah 44:15–19; Jeremiah 51:17–18; Ezekiel 6:13; Ezekiel 20:7–8; Ezekiel 23:2–8; Hosea 4:13; Hosea 10:6; Habakkuk 2:18; Micah 1:7; Malachi 2:10–16; Matthew 5:45; Matthew 14:13–21; Matthew 22:31–32; Acts 15:19, 29; Acts 17:6; Acts 21:25; Romans 13:1–2, 4; 1 Corinthians 8–10; 1 Corinthians 12:2; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Galatians 5:20; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 John 5:21; Psalm 106:19–20, 36, 38; Psalm 115:4

Abstract

Cima, J.P. “Seeing Through the Incense Smoke: Understanding the Meanings of Ancestral Rites in Vietnam for the Sake of a Pastoral Approach in Christian Mission.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2025. 285 pp.

The veneration of ancestors at family altars has long been a defining feature of everyday Vietnamese life that poses a critical missiological problem for Christian mission in Vietnam. May Christians participate in ancestral veneration rituals? Current and historical responses to this question, among Protestants and Catholics alike, have not been uniform. Moreover, many responses have been based on assumed or oversimplified understandings of the rites’ meaning which recent anthropological research have problematized. Further, these responses have been made without adequate consultation with the Vietnamese themselves. This qualitative study seeks to correct these shortcomings by utilizing in-person interviews to probe how non-Christian Vietnamese practitioners of ancestral veneration at the family altar describe its meanings. A deep analysis of the interviews reveals the meaning of ancestor veneration to be plural and fluid. The study identifies not one definitive meaning of ancestor veneration, but rather a variety of meanings, summarized under four broad categories: distinguishing form from content, understanding the individual in light of the family, securing human benefit and/or ancestor benefit, and connecting the past through the present to the future. Based on these results, the study argues that monolithic Christian responses to ancestor veneration are not helpful and instead suggests a pastoral approach that listens for and responds to the heart-level meanings of each practitioner. This approach is aided by the writings of Martin Luther (and others) on three relevant theological topics: the First and Fourth Commandments, the cult of the saints, and vocation. Luther’s insights on these topics provide a theological foundation for a Christian ancestral practice but also clearly define its boundaries, allowing for a nuanced, compassionate, faithful, and contextual response to ancestral veneration in Vietnam.

Recommended Citation

Cima, J.P., "Seeing Through the Incense Smoke: Understanding the Meanings of Ancestral Rites in Vietnam for the Sake of a Pastoral Approach in Christian Mission" (2025). Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation. 155.
https://scholar.csl.edu/phd/155

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