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Theology is not Mere Sociology: A Theological Reflection on the Reception of the Christian Religion in Mainland China
Author(s) -
LO Pilgrim W.K.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
dialog
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.114
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 1540-6385
pISSN - 0012-2033
DOI - 10.1111/j.0012-2033.2004.00206.x
Subject(s) - transcendence (philosophy) , sociology , religious studies , theology , china , value (mathematics) , loyalty , philosophy , political science , law , machine learning , computer science
: Post‐Maoist China retains its loyalty to Marxist principles; yet voices are being heard that interpret religion much more positively. Both government spokespersons and Religious Studies scholars measure the value of religion according to its social function. Such a criterion of evaluation fails to take account of what is essential to Christian theology, namely, appeal to divine transcendence. Yet, Christian theology in the tradition of the Lutheran Reformation begins with transcendence and turns toward human responsibility for the world through loving the neighbor. This may mark a common cause between Chinese sociology of religion and Christian commitments to social well‐being.