What do recent debates about justification have to do with China? In the last post, I summarized the traditional view (sometimes called the “Old Perspective on Paul“). In the past 30+ years, more and more scholars have adjusted their views due to the influence of what is called the “New Perspective on Paul” (NPP). What is the New Perspective on Paul? The NPP emphasizes one particular point above others: Paul’s doctrine of justification confronts the problem of ethnocentrism, not... Read more
How should justification influence our ministry in China? If we are concerned with sharing the gospel, we cannot ignore something called the “New Perspective on Paul” (NPP). For those unfamiliar with these names, I suggest that discussion about the NPP represents one of the most important and heated theological debates of the past 30 years. The NPP challenges the traditional way of understanding justification. However, “challenge” does not necessarily mean “contradict.” In writing Saving God’s Face, I found the entire... Read more
How do we contextualize the gospel for a Chinese context?More specifically, what would you say to this family? After all, contextualization should be concrete, not abstract. The most recent issue of Global Missiology has published my article “The Gospel with Chinese Characteristics–A Concrete Example of Cultural Contextualization.” This fourth article concludes the year-long series I’ve been writing on contextualization. I have tried to lay out the process of contextualization from beginning to end. Seeing Chinese Culture with a Biblical Lens... Read more
Next week, I’ll start a series on justification, wherein I’ll suggest that Chinese culture can help us reconcile some of the difference between the “New Perspective on Paul” and the traditional view of justification. In the meantime, I thought you might be interested in this video. Read more
God’s mission is at stake. Therefore, China matters for the way we do theology. (This is third reason I have listed in the series. Others were mentioned in Part 1 and Part 2). God’s mission is at stake This third reason naturally follows from what has been said. God’s promise to Abraham shapes all that happens in the rest of Scripture (Gen 12:3; 15:1–6; cf. Gal 3:8). God is righteous. He keeps his covenant. He will restore his kingdom over... Read more
Do you ever have volunteer teams come to China? I have created a contextualization packet specifically designed for short-term, cross-cultural workers. This packet can serve as an orientation guide for people less familiar with China and issues related to contextualizing the gospel. Long-term workers can use this packet to train national partners, team members as well as short-term volunteer teams. You can click the link above or check out my resource page. It is short enough for those who don’t... Read more
Here’s an interesting article posted at NBCnews.com, “Why big American businesses fail in China“ I think it does an excellent job capturing the practical ramifications of many Chinese social dynamics. Here is an excerpt–– Spend any time in China, and you quickly learn the power of guanxi, or social connections. Guanxi drives business deals and government contracts. It’s the invisible glue that ties people together. It’s the sense of connection and mutual obligation that Chinese society prizes in personal relationships.... Read more
In Part 1, I said that China matters because biblical truth is at stake. Today, I want us to look at a second reason people should think about China. The inspiration and authority of Scripture are at stake. By this, I mean people’s recognition of the Bible as God’s inspired and authoritative word. Christians believe that the one true God inspired the Bible. Through this revelation, God will bless all nations, in accordance with his covenant with Abraham. God is... Read more
Why would someone need to know more about China in order to understand the Bible better? Isn’t the Bible bigger than any particular culture? Yes. And that’s exactly why theologians (and anyone else who reads the Bible) should learn about China. First of all, what am I not saying? I am not saying China somehow plays a major role in the Old and New Testaments. For example, some people claim that China is mentioned in Isa 49:12, “Behold, these shall... Read more
The following is one of the most significant quotes I’ve ever read about contextualization. I thought you would benefit from it all well. It is extremely relevant for anyone concerned for the gospel. Regarding Paul’s letter to the Colossians, Dean Flemming writes, “Paul’s approach to the Colossian syncretism reveals an artistry’s sensitivity, not a commander’s heavy hand. He refuses to impose a pre-packaged, one-size-fits-all theology and praxis as a guard against syncretism, as sometimes happens today. We can learn from... Read more
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