Der ursprungliche Sinn der Himmelslehre (Tianxue benyi): Joachim Bouvets (1656-1730) fruhe Missionstheologie in China. Analyse, Transkription und UEbersetzung der lateinischen Fassungen

The author analyzes two 17th and 18th-century Chinese texts, Tianxue benyi and Gujin jingtian jian, written by Jesuit Joachim Bouvet, which present an early attempt at contextualized theology to introduce Christianity in Chinese traditional culture. The study provides an introduction to Bouvet's thoughts and works, as well as a transcription and annotated German translation of the Latin texts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 484 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The author delves into one of the most captivating texts from the 17th and 18th centuries of China's mission, the Tianxue benyi 天學本義 (The Original Meaning of the Heavenly Teachings) and the more intricate Gujin jingtian jian 古今敬天鑒 (Mirror on the Worship of Heaven in Ancient Times and Nowadays), both written and compiled by the Jesuit Joachim Bouvet (1656–1730) with the assistance of Chinese converts. These two works were even translated into Latin to support the Jesuit position in the Chinese Rites Controversy in the Roman Curia. Through them, Bouvet succinctly presented the Jesuit missionary strategy of accommodation: his goal was to introduce Christianity in the context of Chinese traditional culture. Thus, Bouvet's approach can be characterized as an early attempt at contextualized theology, which remains relevant even in contemporary discussions.

The present study provides an introduction to Bouvet's thoughts and works, as well as their respective historical and theological context. It includes a transcription of the Latin texts, the Cœlestis Disciplinæ vera notitia and the De cultu cœlesti Sinarum veterum & modernorum, with an annotated German translation.

Bouvet's writings offer a unique perspective on the intersection of Christianity and Chinese culture, reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by missionaries in the early modern era. His approach to accommodation sought to bridge the cultural gap between the West and the East, while also preserving the core teachings of Christianity. By transcribing and translating these texts, the present study aims to make Bouvet's insights more accessible to a broader audience, both within academia and among interested individuals.

In conclusion, Bouvet's Tianxue benyi and Gujin jingtian jian are important texts that shed light on the complex relationship between Christianity and Chinese culture in the 17th and 18th centuries. Through his efforts to contextualize theology and bridge cultural divides, Bouvet made a significant contribution to the understanding of religious conversion and the role of missionaries in shaping world history.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032324463