Is Christianity a western religion? No.
However, most Chinese Christians assume this is the case, and Christianity's western flavor has become a great attraction. For instance, most of the newly built Christian churches in China are now made in a western style. This is very different from the early 20th century missionary era in which many foreign missions funded and built churches and campuses which were a combination of Chinese and western architecture. These buildings can be seen on the campuses of Peking, Shandong and Zhongshan Universities. Almost all 13 missionary-established universities have architecture that harmoniously combines the western and Chinese styles. Unfortunately, this trend has not continued in China today.
Church building is only an external expression of Christian faith. Our biggest concern should be how we communicate the unique message of the gospel to the Chinese in their culture and how Christian faith can be expressed in a Chinese way that isn't merely a western expression. but is not a syncretistic message either.
Furthermore, in light of recent remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping in an important policy speech in May 2015, the president warned that religious groups in China must be independent from foreign influence. His statement implies the importance of western Christian workers in China needing a deep understanding of Chinese culture. His comments should also give urgency to the need to nurture and encourage home-grown Chinese churches because Chinese authorities seem suspicious of Christianity and its western influences.
Undoubtedly, some Chinese Christian scholars are making a great effort in this area of studies. Those of us laymen, besides supporting their effort, also need to build our own foundation of discernment. There are tons of books dealing with Chinese culture, history and philosophy; however, many scholars have their own bias when they write. For those of us who don't plan to earn a degree in Chinese studies, it can be difficult to discern and find a channel of entry into the very complex Chinese worldview.
Because of this need, China Academic Consortium started a two-week intensive Chinese worldview course in 2012. Dr. Diane Obenchain was the initial faculty to craft the syllabus and the primary lecturer for three summers. Now, Dr. Chuck Weber, emeritus professor of Asian history, along with Dr. Kevin Yao, professor of World Christianity and Asian studies at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, are the main faculty members. We have also invited well-respected Chinese professors in the fields of folk religion, Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, and Marxism from the China Academy of Social Science, Tsinghua University and Minzu University to join us to deliver lectures and take part in discussions.
If the class were only about listening to lectures, it could be done in a classroom anywhere. However we choose to hold the course in Beijing and Xi'an so that we can learn about Chinese history, society, and philosophy by observing the sites, reflecting on the past, being in touch with real people, and listening to their perspectives. We intend to establish an interesting channel of entry to explore the very complex Chinese worldview through lectures, field studies, discussions, and dialogue. In this process, we also cannot avoid reflecting on the Christian worldview in order to discern and make comparisons.
Through three years of experience, the syllabus and study tours have been streamlined. We are very thankful that Denver Seminary has accepted this course as a cross-cultural elective, offering two graduate credits for the course. (This is for those who need credits). We are encouraged to hear past participants share that this course is both stimulating and inspiring. It has helped them to be effective when they engage with Chinese thinkers and seekers.
This summer, the Beijing portion of the course will begin the morning of June 24 and end by noon on July 4. In the evening of July 4, the group will take an overnight train to Xi'an and return on the morning of July 8.
We welcome those who are studying or ministering in China to join with us part-time or full-time this summer for the course. If you are interested, please contact Martha Chan at errcATerrchina.com or marthachanATaol.com.
Image courtesy of xian city walls by Grey World, on Flickr
China Academic Consortium
China Academic Consortium (CAC) is the academic arm of ERRChina, which has been placing teachers in China for nearly 30 years. The CAC sponsors academic conferences and nurtures Christian workers.View Full Bio
Are you enjoying a cup of good coffee or fragrant tea while reading the latest ChinaSource post? Consider donating the cost of that “cuppa” to support our content so we can continue to serve you with the latest on Christianity in China.