Authors & Affiliations: Ho S.S., China Evangelical Graduate School of Theology, China

Pages: 7 - 41

Abstract: Proverbs scholars have been interested mostly in investigating the moral reasoning of the wise and wisdom in the book of Proverbs. The fools and folly are often discussed as afterthought or as negative example to explain the wise and wisdom. This article seeks to fill the gap in Proverbs scholarship by providing a discussion on the character of the fools using Cyrenaic Ethics as a heuristic theoretical device to explain the moral logic of the fools. The discussion reveals the points of continuity and discontinuity between Hellenistic Cyrenaic Hedonism and the sage's portrayal of the fools in Proverbs. Moreover, the sage pushes Cyrenaic thought one step further to describe the fools disparagingly. Copyright © Chung Yuan Christian University.

Keywords: Cyrenaic Ethics; Fools and Folly; Hedonism; Moral Reasoning; Proverbs

Authors & Affiliations: Mo Z., Zhejiang Yuexiu University, China

Pages: 43 - 64

Abstract: This article applies Bakhtin's dialogic theory to develop an inter-textual interpretation of "the Song of the Sea" showing that it forms a two-level dialogic relationship with. Exodus 14. From a diachronic perspective, "the Song of the Sea" uses the secondly- priest's text to extend, strengthen and transform Deuteronomistic historic view of Exodus 14. From a synchronic perspective, "the Song of the Sea" being centripetal, responds to Exodus 14 of being centrifugal. In addition, the research indicates that the construction of the symbolic and metaphorical poetic abstract text of "the Song of the Sea” is inseparable from its dialogue with the Canaanite Baal stories. Thus, it can be concluded that the formation of the "the Song of the Sea” is realized through complicated dialogues among multiple voices inside and outside of the Scripture. These dialogues contribute to a better understanding of the Israelites' to YHWH the transcendent both as a warrior and king, and reinforcing their faith in Him. The research is with significance since it breaks through the limitation of traditional criticism based on a monological truth perspective, and offers a more dynamic path to the biblical interpretation. Copyright © Chung Yuan Christian University.

Keywords: Baal stories; Bakhtin's dialogic theory; Exodus 14; inter-textual reading; the Song of the Sea

Authors & Affiliations: Sidharta L., GETS Theological Seminary, United States; Dai Y., GETS Theological Seminary, United States

Pages: 65 - 91

Abstract: In dialogues with other disciplines, Protestant theologians need to balance the use of non-scriptural but common language with the commitment to scriptural beliefs. Neglecting this would result in unprincipled inclusivism and narrow-minded exclusivism. This paper argues that Herman Bavinck's organic view of revelation has conceptual resources that help theologians avoid those extremes. According to Bavinck's organic motif, theology and other disciplines, as well as their respective sources (special and general revelations), are interrelated by a set of concepts and rules that can be abstracted from reality. These concepts, which consist of what Bavinck and the Reformed Scholastics call common notions and ideas,constitute an informational blueprint that connect all things. Inheriting the Augastinian-Thomist metaphysics, Bavinck sees common notions and ideas (e.g.5 logic, values, essences) as the deliverances of the divine intellect. For this reason, these abstract objects make up the framework of both cosmos and human reason, and pervasively structure all meaningful discourses. The use of common notions and ideas, therefore,becomes the indispensable condition for interdisciplinary dialogues. Bavinck's view, however, entails the role of theology as the queen of sciences, since theology provides the metaphysical- narrative basis for the organic unity of all disciplines. In integrating her worldview with other sciences,theology needs the assistance of philosophy, which is a discipline that essentially deals with common notions and ideas. Here we can also find Bavinck's nuanced views of the natures of philosophy and natural theology. Copyright © Chung Yuan Christian University.

Keywords: common notions; general revelation; ideas; principia; special revelation

Authors & Affiliations: Jie Y., Department of Philosophy, Sichuan University, China

Pages: 93 - 116

Abstract: In the Confessions, St. Augustine's spiritual ascent (ascendere) was nearly interrupted prior to his conversion {conversion Conf. 8.6.13-8.12.30). The ascent was hindered by several reasons, primarily summarized as "the desire of the flesh” and "pride in possessions." These factors directly prevented Augustine from experiencing a personal relationship with God. This also implies that Platonism alone cannot fully aid Augustine in overcoming the bottleneck of ascent. Platonism, Augustine noted, does not mention the Incarnation and despises humility (humilitas), nor would it encourage people to be weak, humble, and burst into tears of confession. Augustine learned from his conversion experience that the soul must first be descended (descendere) before it can ascend. Obviously, this paradoxical ascent thinking is Christian, not Platonic. Therefore, illuminated by Christianity, Augustine proposed a theory of spiritual ascent that both inherits from and differs from ancient philosophy. Copyright © Chung Yuan Christian University.

Keywords: Ascent of the Soul; Confessions; Humility; Nature and Grace; St. Augustine

Authors & Affiliations: Zhang H., Institute of Sino-Christian Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Pages: 117 - 146

Abstract: Although the theoretical outlook of Holmes Rolston, Ill's environmental ethics is secular, there are also theological elements hidden within it. Scholarly attempts have been made to examine the religious aspects of Rolston's environmental ethics,but Rolston's eco-theology has not yet been fully discussed in the context of his own theology. In view of this research gap, this paper explores Rolston's ecological theology through examining Rolston's theological background, doctoral dissertation, and other writings. It is found that Rolston's eco-theology emphasizes the presence of God's grace in the creation and continuing creation and the details of God's providence. God does not control everything in natural history, but rather respects the autonomous choices of life and gently guides natural history upward. Taking divine grace as its core concept,Rolston's ecological theology differs drastically from the mainstream of eco-theodicy which highlights the opposition between the suffering in nature and the loving God. In Rolston's theology, the overarching grace penetrates natural and redemptive history. Rolston's distinctive contribution to ecological theology may lie in his integrating the doctrine of creation and soteriology with a consistent theme: God's total love. This paper concludes with an attempt to identify the implications of Rolston's eco-theology for the Chinese context and environmental ethics in the Anthropocene. Copyright © Chung Yuan Christian University.

Keywords: Anthropocene; ecological theology; environmental ethics; grace; Holmes Rolston; III

Authors & Affiliations: Pan Z., School of Philosophy, Wuhan University, China

Pages: 147 - 172

Abstract: Xi Shengmo (1836-1896), also known as Pastor Hsi,a prominent native Protestant pastor in the Late Qing Dynasty, composed a significant corpus of hymns. This paper studies Hymns by Xi Shengmo published by the China Inland Mission in 1912,examining Xi's theological views within the context of the early Chinese indigenous Protestant Church. Xi's theological understandings, including his conception on God5 sin, the world, demons,and eschatology, were derived from the literal interpretation of the bible. His theological understanding was also influenced by the traditional Chinese culture. He integrated themes prevalent in Chinese literature and religious culture, such as "Red dust Dreams", and employed classical poetic images in his hymnody. In addition, Xi's hymns featured simplicity and intelligibility, keeping the faith community engaged and demonstrating his pastoral care. Xi's hymns could be perceived as representative of Chinese indigenous Protestant theology in the late nineteenth century. Copyright © Chung Yuan Christian University.

Keywords: Hymns by Pastor Hsi; Protestant Christianity; the Late Dynasty; Xi Shengmo

Authors & Affiliations: Nina Q., Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, China

Pages: 173 - 207

Abstract: The renowned American missionary Frank Joseph Rawlinson came to China with the purpose of preaching to the heathens in China and bringing salvation to them. However, during his stay in China, he gradually changed his fixed black-and-white religious mindset, and eventually was filled with admiration for Chinese civilization. The conqueror's mentality disappeared, and his superiority as a westerner was replaced by a fervent "Chinese heart". Rawlinson's views on China were closely related to his religious views. He gradually abandoned his traditional evangelical beliefs and advocated liberal theology and social gospel. Rawlinson's attitude towards Chinese religions and Chinese culture are the fundamental aspects of his views on China. From "conquering paganism" to "promoting dialogue between religions", from "demonizing China" to "advocating Chinese culture", Rawlinson got rid of the deep-rooted prejudice against China and developed a strong sense of belonging and also value identification in Chinese culture. Rawlinson's views on China underwent a dynamic progressive transformation from prejudice to acceptance to praise, and the change was in close relation to multiple factors, for instance, his personal experiences, theological views, social background, and the international situation. Copyright © Chung Yuan Christian University.

Keywords: Chinese culture; Frank Joseph Rawlinson; religious views; transformation; views on China