论景教的“他者”特征与景教碑的文化身份

The Crucifix Dimmed:A Cultural Approach to Nestorianism in Tang Dynasty (I)

景教 ,在西方亦称“聂斯脱利派” ,是基督教的一支。景教因其教义跟正统的基督教之教义相左 ,而被后者视为异端。这样 ,景教在西方基督教文化中就成了一个“他者”。在中国文化中 ,由于景教所传播的宗教思想跟中国传统思想在本质上的不同 ,它就更是一个“他者”。但景教为了在中国传播 ,它又努力跟中国本土文化相适应、融合 ,广泛地采用佛教和道教的术语来阐释自己的教义 ,这又使得它带有中国传统文化的某些特征。

Jingjiao, which is called Nestorianism in the West, was one branch of Christianity. It was the definite starting point of the history of Chinese Christianity. Because its doctrine was quite different from the orthodox Christianity, Nestorianism was regarded as heretic by the latter. So it was the 'Other' in Christian culture. And because the difference between Nestorianism and Confucianism is even sharper, Nestorianism was, of course, the 'Other' in Chinese culture. But on the other hand, in order to spread its doctrine, Nestorianism tried to accommodate itself to Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, which makes its doctrine indistinct. A study of Nestorianism will make us know the history of Chinese Christianity better and will be referential to intercultural communication today.