The conference, organized by the CCC/TSPM, was held in Shanghai Nov. 28-30, 2006
Christian council representatives from every province and autonomous region in China gathered at the conference, as well as seminary church history faculty, scholars and research specialists ¨C altogether 150 participants.
Presbyter Ji Jianhong, head of the TSPM, opened the proceedings with a speech, and then four major topics were discussed: The Early Period of the Missionary Movement in China , Christianity and Chinese Culture, The Awakening of the Chinese Church and the Three Self Patriotic Movement and Theological Reconstruction in the Chinese Church . 27 papers were presented in all.
The president of the Chinese Christian Council, Rev. Cao Shengjie , presided over the closing ceremony and gave a speech.
Conference themes:
1. "The Early Period of the Missionary Movement in China " topic thesis:
Through bringing to light the historical background of the missionary movement, including the political, historical and ideological contexts within which missionaries operated (e.g. colonialist expansion), we can recognize the necessity and significance of today's Chinese church's new approach which advocates the Three Self principles of self-support, self-management and self-propagation.
2. "Christianity and Chinese Culture" topic thesis:
When Christianity entered China , missionaries believed that the Christian faith should replace or transform Chinese culture. This way of teaching and preaching has had long-reaching influence, so that even today there are many places in the Chinese church's ideology and theology that strike discordant notes against Chinese society. The papers discussed how to have the Chinese church take root in Chinese culture and become a Christianity that is truly Chinese.
3. "The Awakening of the Chinese Church and the Three Self Patriotic Movement" topic thesis:
The reason for looking back at history is to guide today's practices. Through a critique of the theology that served western colonialism and of its style of evangelization, we review the awakening of the Chinese church's consciousness as well as the challenges that face the present-day church's Three-Self principles.
4. " Theological Reconstruction in the Chinese Church " topic thesis:
Today the Chinese church is advancing the necessity of theological reconstruction; establishing the Chinese church's own theological system so that the church and Chinese socialism can mutually adapt, and build a harmonious service to society.
The main speakers accurately employed historical data, quoting generously from many sources to illuminate their themes. The speeches drew periodic applause from the participants, and there were good responses and interaction around each theme.
This symposium marks the first time that scholars have been invited to attend such a conference. They approached the topics from various perspectives to explore together the Chinese Church 's history and present situation, as well as views on future developments. Furthermore, they raised many dynamic suggestions.
The energetic participation of the scholars indicates that Chinese scholars of Christianity can not only cooperate with the Chinese Church , but can also spur the Chinese Church 's thought into action and push forward the development of theological reconstruction.
The scholars themselves hope that there can be more opportunities hereafter for similar interactions, since their theological research cannot do without the resource of the church itself.
This conference laid much emphasis on history, "using history as a mirror."
This was a time for "Christian circles and academic circles" to meet; to bring historical considerations together with ponderings about the future; practical demonstrations together with scholarly deliberations. It was a time to hold up 200 years of Christian missions in China for objective analysis and reflection.
Conference participants realized that the western missionaries' methods of evangelizing had flaws, resulting in Christian practices that could not effectively take root in Chinese traditional culture.
Through discussion, the participants looked at the direction of the church's development, pondering over its position and responsibility amidst new circumstances. The Chinese Church must take on its own social responsibility and not abandon its own guiding doctrines. It must not waver from the Three Self principles. Continuing a thoroughgoing pursuit of theological reconstruction will bring into play the Chinese Church 's cultural, educational and social function so as to become fully integrated with Chinese culture. Being harmonious with Chinese culture and contributing to the dynamic development of social service will make Chinese Christianity a religion that is concordant with mainstream Chinese culture, making due contributions in building a harmonious society.
In 1807, the Presbyterian missionary Robert Morrison was sent from a mission society in Great Britain to China . Commemorating the bicentennial year of that early mission, the China Christian Council and the Three Self Patriotic Movement have jointly sponsored a symposium on the missionary movement in China . The symposium fostered many discussions between Christian leaders and scholars of Christianity, in light of 200 years of Christian mission history in China . This is the English translation of the original article which can be found on the Chinese Protestant Church website.
[To see the original Chinese version, go to the Chinese Protestant Church website.]
http://www.chineseprotestantchurch.org.cn/News/hot/200612-22.htm
