Browse results
Abstract
This paper discusses the conception of an ideal world present in T.C. Chao’s (Tsu Chen Chao) (1888–1979) early theological works, based mainly on the text Jesus’ Philosophy of Life (or, A New Interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, written in late 1925). It concludes by pointing out that Chao’s view of a kingdom of heaven that ultimately eradicates the otherworld and does not transcend this world unconsciously echoes the Anti-Christian Μovement within Chinese churches during the same period. This is, indeed, a tragedy in the development of T. C. Chao’s personal theological thought in the 1920s and 1930s.
Abstract
This paper explores the dynamic interplay between Christianity and the Roman Empire as articulated by Tertullian, a prominent figure in early Christian theology. Tertullian delves into the complex relationship between the burgeoning Christian faith and the established structures of the Roman Empire, highlighting the inherent tension between the two. Central to his analysis is the concept of dialogue, wherein Tertullian examines how Christians engage with the broader Roman society while maintaining their distinct religious identity. Furthermore, he discusses the conservative nature of Christian thought, emphasizing the preservation of core beliefs amidst external pressures. This paper provides insights into Tertullian’s perspective on the delicate balance between dialogue and the preservation of Christian values within the context of the Roman Empire.
Abstract
The theory of reward for the good and retribution for the evil (
Abstract
As individualized education increases in popularity, homeschooling likewise garners more attention from Chinese middle-class families. Over the past decade, the number of families choosing homeschooling has increased annually. However, most homeschooling Chinese Protestants wish to focus on the cultivation of beliefs, character, and values in the education of their children. In their eyes, homeschooling provides the best way to transmit cultural heritage.
Homeschooling brings with it many challenges and difficulties in the daily lives of Chinese Protestants: cross-pressure from traditional Chinese culture systems, opposition from parents and other family members, conflicts with mainstream educational institutions, and power struggles with Chinese secular authorities. Moreover, educational resources, guides, and materials for Chinese homeschooling families are scarce, thus leaving homeschooling families to grope in the dark. The biggest deterrent to them is the disqualification of their children from taking college entrance examinations because homeschooled children lack the requisite status to enroll as official students. Thus, the role conflicts among Chinese, Christian, pariah, and legal deviant statuses pose considerable tensions for parents and children.
This paper offers insight into these issues through qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 50 respondents from urban Chinese Protestant families that had previously been screened through a brief survey instrument.
Abstract
This article investigates how “God’s love” has been working in the Chinese Mainland through different disciplines connected with Christian education. Tao Xingzhi’s “education of love” and his proposals of “life education,” “new education,” “education to love, serve, and sacrifice,” and “teaching and learning are one” contextualized modern education in China. Additionally, Bishop K.H. Ting advocates a “theology of love” as a contextual theology for Christianity in China. Ting regards God’s love as God’s primary attribute and claims that “God is love,” and God’s love is cosmic, leading us to love each other and build up the Body in God’s love. This article further examines the ideologies of Tao and Ting, who identify as both Christian and Chinese and are eager to dialogue with the context of China. Both of them advocate practicing love in education and society. Integrating Christianity and education, Christian education in China could be regarded as education for God’s love.
Abstract
Through a study of the M Church in Bangkok, this research paper explores the influence of Martin Luther’s Reformation spirit of freedom of religion on the conversion of new Chinese immigrants to Christianity. With the increase in the number of Chinese who have emigrated overseas since the reform and opening up, Christianity has become increasingly popular among new Chinese immigrants, and the concept of freedom of religion advocated by Martin Luther’s Reformation has played an active role in this process. This study first, introduces the background of Martin Luther’s Reformation and his advocacy of religious freedom. Then, the literature related to Martin Luther’s Reformation, the Christian faith of new immigrants in China, and the Christian faith of Chinese in Thailand is reviewed. Then, through field research, the history and current situation of the new Chinese immigrants’ participation in the M Church in Bangkok are analyzed, and the transmutation of their beliefs in this chapel is discussed. Through interviews and surveys, the paper further analyzes the reasons for the conversion of Chinese new immigrants to Christianity. The study shows that the concept of religious freedom advocated by Martin Luther’s Reformation has played a positive role in the conversion of Chinese new immigrants to Christianity. However, Chinese new immigrants face many difficulties and challenges in the process of converting to Christianity, such as understanding and identifying with the faith and understanding the cultural differences between China and the West. Therefore, this paper argues that the concept of religious freedom advocated by Martin Luther’s Reformation has played an important role in the conversion of new Chinese immigrants to Christianity, but this process also needs to be combined with the integration and development of traditional Chinese culture.
Abstract
In his comparative philosophy, Thomé H. Fang issues the spirit of Chinese philosophy as the type of wisdom of comprehensive harmony; meanwhile, Western philosophy remains a conflicting mode of thinking of bifurcation or duality. Comparatively, the spirit of Chinese philosophy possesses a superiority which might issue a challenge to Western philosophy. Fang even takes it as the only remedy capable of solving the theoretical problems of Western philosophy. Practically, Fang has revealed the theoretical problems of Western philosophy and profoundly criticized Western modernity. Although he does tend to overstate the superiority of the Chinese concept of the unity of Heaven and Human, thereby overlooking its defects, Fang has nevertheless advanced comparative philosophical research to a new stage.