The Silencing of Jesuit Figurist Joseph de Premare in Eighteenth-Century China

The scholar-priest Joseph de Prémare was a silenced figure in Europe due to his Figurist theories, which were considered dangerous and implausible. However, he was one of the most knowledgeable Sinologists of all time and was able to devote himself to intensive study of Chinese texts. He was prolific in producing works in philology, history, philosophy, religion, and drama and joined the effort led by his fellow Jesuit Joachim Bouvet to save the Christian mission in China from destruction. Prémare attempted to circumvent his religious superiors' prohibition by sending his manuscripts to the proto-Sinologist Etienne Fourmont in Paris, but Fourmont criticized his theories and failed to publish them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The portrayal of a voice in the wilderness conjures an image of an individual who has been exiled and ostracized by society. This portrayal aptly fits the scholar-priest Joseph de Prémare, who dedicated the latter thirty-eight years of his life (1698-1736) primarily to remote regions of China. Not only did his religious superiors impose silence upon him, but also intellectuals in Europe. This silencing occurred due to the perceived danger and implausibility of his Figurist theories. However, what is striking about this silencing is that Father Prémare was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Sinologists of all time. As a missionary in towns situated in the southern province of Jiangxi, he was relieved of many pastoral responsibilities by an assistant catechist, allowing him to immerse himself in the intensive study of Chinese texts. He essentially became a scholar-hermit, departing from the urban and politicized atmosphere of Beijing after only two years to return to Jiangxi province. There, he cultivated a group of Chinese literati who contributed to the assembly of a remarkable collection of classical texts. Father Prémare was a prolific writer, producing a vast body of work spanning various disciplines such as philology, history, philosophy, religion, and drama.

In response to critics who argued that Chinese culture was incompatible with Christianity, Prémare actively joined the efforts led by his fellow Jesuit Joachim Bouvet to safeguard the Christian mission in China from collapse. The Figurists, led by Prémare, took a radical stance by asserting that ancient Chinese texts, such as the Old Testament, possessed prophetic significance, anticipating the arrival of Christ centuries before his birth. They contended that Chinese commentators erred in interpreting these ancient texts solely as historical records, when in reality, they were characterized by metaphorical and figurative meanings. Influenced by a Chinese scholar, Prémare conducted a philological language analysis of Chinese characters to support his theory. Despite facing condemnation from his religious superiors, Prémare remained steadfast in his belief in the Figurist approach. His dedication to the study of Chinese culture and his innovative theories not only enriched his own intellectual pursuits but also played a significant role in preserving and promoting Christianity in China during a challenging period.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 229 x 151 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498595667