Eastern Christianity in Academic Research between the Colonial and Post-Colonial State

Abstract

The paper provides a critical review of the literature that dealt with the subject of Eastern Christians in both colonial and post–colonial eras in formerly colonized countries. It explores the literature that linked them, as a subject matter, to issues of colonialism and the impact of colonial policies on their societal affiliations, before considering the impact of the policies of post– colonial countries on their social and political conditions. The paper consequently sheds light on studies that have challenged the negative representation of Middle Eastern Christians in academic research, which has established a one–dimensional stereotype of Eastern Christians, as unintegrated minorities, unconcerned with the contexts and concerns of their societies. Finally, it defines the conceptual apparatus and theoretical framework that these studies used in their criticism of the dominant negative discourse about Arab Eastern Christians.