The emphasis to a large extent was doctrinal, moral and individual. The result
has been a body of people free from the gross sins, but also innocent of the
great virtues and individualistic in their outlook upon this world and the
next. This emphasis is needed, but in addition there should be the cultivation
of the presence of God in the soul by appropriate means. The Christian Church
of China should develop a technique of the spiritual life suited to the East.
The formation of habits of devotion should be emphasized. Intercessory prayer
should be given a larger place. Contemplation and meditation should be regarded
not merely as an escape from the turmoil and strife of the world, but as a
preparation for the highest life of service and sacrifice. Buddhist mysticism
united the whole universe and was the great foundation of Chinese art,
literature and morality. The spiritual world of Christianity must likewise seep
through into the very thought of Asia and inspire the new art, literature and
morality which will be the world expression of a Christian universe.
_5. Emphasis on the Social Elements in Christianity_
To the aesthetic and mystical emphasis must be attached a social emphasis.
Buddhism is often criticized as not being social. It is a highly socialized
religion. It has had a large influence upon social life in the East. This
social life is different from ours. We see its wrongs and weaknesses. Likewise
do the Buddhists see the materialism and injustice of our social life.
Christianity must relate itself to the modern world as it is rising in China
and seek not merely to remedy a few wrongs or heal a few diseases, but must
release the healing stream into the social life of the East. This will be done
and is being done through the Church community which has become conscious of
itself, realizing its needs and wants, seeking in an intelligent and systematic
way to rehabilitate itself. It is not so much the external unrelated efforts
that accomplish the thing needed, but it is rather the community life stirred
by ideals and fired by a new dynamic which begins the work of reformation.
_6. Emphasis on the Person of Jesus Christ_
_(a) As a Historical Character._—The great asset of the missionary among
Buddhists is the historical person of Christ. In contrast to many of the
Bodhisattvas, the saviours of the Buddhists, Jesus is a historical character.
His life among men was the life of God among men.
_(b) As the Revealer._—God is like Christ. Christ reveals God as the
complete, the perfect person. He possessed the pure spiritual personality. The
chief characteristic of this personality is love. This love conscious of itself
finds its highest joy in the well-being of others. This love of God produced
human life which, springing from the lowest form, broke through the material
elements and is capable of attaining the highest development.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account