试论基督教中国化的三个方法论取向

On Three Methodological Principles of Sinicization of Christianity

本文从三个取向对基督教中国化可能遵循的方法论进行考察。首先,基于对基督教的历史发生学考察,基督教信仰在不同地区、不同文化内生成不同类型的文明,可称之为文明生成论。基督教中国化可谓这种文明生成论的又一个现实个案。其次,深入到基督教的内在性质层面,它是一个以经典为核心的信仰团体,通过在具体的生活实践中对其经典文本的诠释而形成。基督教在中国的传播与发展也遵循着同样的逻辑,以方法论原则而言,可将其称为文本与生活实践相统一的生存论诠释学。最后,在中国历史文化的长河中,多元宗教与文化一直以互鉴通和的方式进行交流与对话,这是中国基督教必须面对的社会文化处境。在方法论取向上,基督教中国化也应遵循这样的互鉴通和论原则。上述三个方法论取向,在内涵上可以相互阐释,彼此丰富,共同服务于扎实推进基督教中国化,为基督教与社会主义社会相适应、构建积极健康的宗教关系做出贡献。

This article is to investigate the methodological principles of the sinicization of Christianity from three perspectives. First of all, based on the historical emergence study of Christianity, the Christian faith generates different types of civilizations in different regions and in different cultures, which can be called the civilization generation theory. The sinicization of Christianity is another realistic case of this civilization generation theory. Secondly, digging into the level of the inherent nature of Christianity, it is a group of beliefs with the classics at its core, which generated through the interpretation of its classical texts in concrete life practices.The spread and development of Christianity in China also follow the same logic. In terms of methodological principles, it can be named as the hermeneutics of survival of the unity of text and life practice. Finally, in the long term of Chinese history and culture, diverse religions and cultures have communicated and exchanged in the way of mutual learning, which is the social and cultural situation that Chinese Christianity must encounter. In terms of methodology orientation, the sinicization of Christianity should also follow the principle of mutual learning and communication. The above three methodological orientations can be explained to each other in connotation, jointly serve the sinicization of Christianity, and contribute to the adaptation of Christianity and socialist society and the construction of positive and healthy religious relations.