中欧社会论坛 - China Europa ForumMutually Adapting: Christianity and Chinese Culture
Auteurs : Zhuo Xinping
Extrait de « Shinjie zongjiao wenhua (Global Religious Culture), Vol.2, 1997, pp 8-12 »
Ideally, Chinese Christianity should be the organic fusion produced by the mutual adaptation of Christianity to Chinese culture and vice versa. This contributes not only to the religious spirit and values of Chinese culture, but also to Christian philosophy and culture.
Mutual adaptation between Christianity and Chinese culture not only involves finding common ground, but also exchanging and incorporating new ideas. As these two traditions have grown and matured throughout history, a struggle to dominate has led them to oppose and exclude one another. In the modern era, they have learned to adapt to tradition and modernisation. Christianity is currently being assimilated and culturally reconstituted into Chinese culture. Christianity has inspired Chinese culture and provided it with opportunities and an impetus for reform and renovation. At the same time, this exchange and fusion has not prevented Chinese and Christian cultures from maintaining their own traditions. It is in this context that they have become modern and dynamic.
This rapprochement is in its early stages; healthy exchange and objective, fair dialogue is key to its continued success. Additionally, all forms of dogmatism and xenophobia must be eliminated in religious practice. Because it is universal, Christianity can accept and assimilate Chinese cultural traditions; its openness can also help China face up to a globalised world and become more modern. And because Chinese culture promotes tolerance, it can also recognise the existence and value of Christianity. Theclear way of thinking inherent to Chinese culture also makes it easier for the Chinese to understand and accept the cultural significance and contribution of Christianity.