Church University and Theological Education

Author: Xu Yihua (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-05-01
Features: Christianity is not exclusive to the West; it also belongs to the world and is an integral part of the overall human cultural landscape. We should not perpetually view Christianity as an alien religion. In reality, like Buddhism and Islam, it has gradually integrated into Chinese society, with only differences in the duration of this process, the depth of integration, and the extent of its reach. Christian education, through the efforts of generations of Chinese and foreign individuals over more than a century, has long ceased to be an external entity and has become a part of Chinese cultural heritage. We cannot afford to disregard it carelessly without cherishing its value. Even Christian theological education, aside from its narrow educational function, possesses a religious function that meets the spiritual needs of a segment of the population. We should not dismiss it with a simplistic and attitude. I believe that the normal propagation of Christian doctrines, particularly the arduous exploration of Chinese theology by knowledgeable individuals within Christianity over many years, also belongs to the exchange and mutual integration of Chinese and Western cultures, enriching and advancing the development of Chinese culture at different levels and degrees. In today's emphasis on researching traditional Chinese culture and world culture, we have every reason to strengthen the study of Christian culture, especially Chinese Christian culture. By discarding its dross and absorbing its essence, it will undoubtedly contribute to the reconstruction of the current humanistic spirit.