3 Questions: Migration and Public Theology in China
A conversation with sociologist and author Li Ma.
Theology
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Might Christians and Confucians Actually Agree about Human Nature?
For centuries, both Christianity and Confucianism have each sought to reconcile two families of ideas within their belief systems. The author suggests that these two ideologies may have a great deal in common.
Contextualization Mediates History and Meaning
As Wendel Sun writes in this issue of ChinaSource Quarterly, most Christians serving cross-culturally have a strong desire to faithfully and meaningfully communicate the…
“One Gospel for All Nations”
Jackson Wu does not write about contextualization so much as he answers the question, “Practically, how do we contextualize the gospel?”
I Was Wrong
A second look at Chinese Theology, an apology, and a way forward.
Christ-Centered Generosity
The purpose of Christ-Centered Generosity is to be a primary resource for the global movement of biblical generosity. The book provides a theologically sound, biblically-based resource for Christian leaders, pastors, and the body of Christ on the theme of our call to be faithful stewards who live lives of generosity and joy.
The Steward Leader
This is not a “how-to” book on leadership. It is a “who” book. Its thesis is based on the premise that without a clear understanding and commitment to the “who” of leadership, talking about the “how” will be unfulfilling, impossible to sustain and ultimately will do a disservice to the Christian leader.
Chinese Theology: Text and Context
Most books on Chinese Christianity try to trace its history, focusing on key people, events, and movements. While Chloë Starr does not neglect these, she highlights something that most historians neglect: the theology that arose from different contexts expressed the thought and struggles of influential leaders, and shaped the ways that Christians responded to their situation.
Western vs. Chinese Theology
In the “Teaching across Cultures” class I took last month with Dr. Craig Ott, he had us read The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently . . . and Why by Richard Nisbett. The crux of the book’s argument is that Westerners and Asians think differently because of their different ancient roots.
The City and the Church
As China becomes increasingly urbanized, an urban theology for ministry is needed. As modern man finds himself slowly enmeshed in urban living, he experiences materialism, relativism, and an increasingly segmented society. He questions what is real and true, and who God is. These questions can become points of contact for urban ministry. Dr. Ma provides some guidelines for forming an urban theology for ministry in urban China.
Why Don’t Chinese Pastors Write Books?
Theological books and resources from the West are widely available in China today and have become increasingly popular. What the Chinese church lacks, however, are books written by Chinese pastors and theologians. In the article below, originally published in Gospel Times, a pastor gives his thoughts on why Chinese pastors don’t write books.
The Prosperity Gospel in China
As China has become more prosperous, it has also become more open to outside influences. This is true of the church as well. In recent years prosperity theology has been gaining influence, mainly through the translated books and resources of Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen. In this article, originally published in the Gospel Times, the author (a pastor) reflects on why this teaching is attractive to many in China.