On Lin Yutang's Christian Faith and Philosophical Speculation

摘要

Lin Yutang (1895-1976) was a "cultural diplomat" for the Orient in the Occident. Born the son of a Christian pastor, he received a missionary education and was raised within the Christian tradition. As a Chinese intellectual, however, he became disillusioned with certain Christian doctrines, which led him to leave the church and declare himself a pagan. Turning instead to Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, Lin developed his "philosophy of happy life," emphasizing a balance between worldly engagement and spiritual transcendence. During this period, he wrote English-language books to introduce Chinese philosophy and culture to Western readers. However, the devastation of World War II and his own personal experiences convinced him of the imperfection of humanity and the limits of human-centered philosophies. He eventually returned to a God-centered faith in Christianity. This paper examines Lin's rejection of Christianity, especially his opposition to the doctrine of "original sin," and traces his exploration of Chinese philosophy. It ultimately highlights what Lin resisted, what he embraced, and how his circuitous path shaped his understanding of religious faith.