An Overview of Christianity and the Burmese Language

Christianity arrived in Myanmar (Burma) in the 16th century through Portuguese missionaries, though it remained a minority religion in a predominantly Buddhist nation. The most notable influence came in the 19th century with the arrival of American missionary Adoniram Judson in 1813. Judson is often called the "father of Burmese Christianity" and made a lasting impact by translating the Bible into Burmese, completing the New Testament in 1823 and the entire Bible by 1834. His translation made Scripture accessible to the Burmese-speaking population and became a key text for Christian education and worship in the country.

Throughout the colonial period under British rule (1824–1948), Christianity gained some converts, particularly among ethnic minority groups like the Karen, Kachin, and Chin, who remain predominantly Christian to this day. Christianity in Myanmar has faced various challenges, especially under military regimes that have often restricted religious freedom. Despite these obstacles, Christianity persists in the country, and Judson's Burmese Bible translation continues to be a central religious resource for Myanmar’s Christian communities, preserving his legacy in Burmese-language Christian practice.