THL556 History of Christianity in China (16)

This subject will discuss critically the contextualisation of Christianity in China. Historically and theologically acceptable definitions of contextualisation, accommodation, indigenisation and enculturation will be considered, together with key movements and figures involved in the contextualisation of Christianity in China. Christian texts, music, art and literature will be examined from differing critical perspectives and interpretations. Within the broader history of Christianity in China, this subject will emphasise three key figures from the twentieth century: the theologian T. C. Chao; the activist Christian leader Y. T. Wu; and the church leader Bishop K. H. Ting. Other important figures will be introduced by way of comparison and contrast. Each figure will be closely examined based on his own writings in dialogue with the times. The emphasis throughout this subject is on social and intellectual history, and its interpretation for today.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is not available to students who have completed subject THL346 as it is a paired subject and shares similar content.

Subject Relationships

THL346 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

THL346

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate systematic knowledge of and critical engagement with the history of Christianity in China with an emphasis on the contextualisation process and its relevance for the Church Today;
  • be able to demonstrate creativity in the critical application of historical and theological sources for the contextualisation of Christianity in China;
  • be able to demonstrate intellectual flexibility in the analysis and critique of Chinese Christian institutions and theological ideas, individuals and communities, in relationship to Chinese social, cultural and intellectual history;
  • be able to demonstrate a critical theological and historical engagement with subjects central to the study of history and Christian tradition in China and their relevance to the Church today;
  • be able to demonstrate the relevance of the history of Christianity in China to theological understanding and contextualisation in the Church today.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • An Overview of the History of Christianity in China
  • Christianity in Modern China, 1807-1911
  • Christianity in Modern China, 1911-1996
  • The Early Thought of T. C. Chao
  • T. C. Chao's Poems and Hymns
  • The Mature Thought of T. C. Chao
  • The Life and Work of Y. T. Wu
  • Y. T. Wu in the Late 1930s and 1940s
  • Y. T. Wu after 1949
  • The Thought and Work of K. H. Ting
  • K. H. Ting in the Period of Reform
  • The Legacy of Bishop K. H. Ting

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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