Theological Method of Chinese Theology in the Republican Era (1911–1949)

Abstract

The underlying framework of Chinese theology began to take shape in the Republican Era (1911–1949). After surveying three crucial contemporary works on Chinese theology, I highlight an urgent need to develop a meticulous theological method that recognizes theology’s contextual nature, conquers the liberal-conservative and elitist-grassroots dichotomous divide, and adapts to the “post-world” in the third millennium. Then I analyze the methodologies adopted by Wang Mingdao and Watchman Nee (Ni Tuosheng) by studying the starting point, orienting questions and sources for their theology. By avoiding a reductionist approach, I designate Wang’s method as ecclesial apologetics and pragmatic ethics, and Nee’s as doctrinal recovery and prophetic fulfillment. The comparison of their method yields some hitherto unnoticed insights which might prove valuable to formulating a contemporary Chinese theology in the third millennium.