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The first book in English that tackles the issues of father’son relationship through comparing Xunzi and Paul, two representatives of Confucian and Christian thought. |
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Addresses the thorny issue of whether Confucian values can provide answers to the social upheavals of 21st century China |
Confucianism and Christianity are the foundation
of Chinese and Western culture. The father–son relation is
at the centre of Confucian thinking and the ethical natural relationship
is the model for other familial, social and political relationships.
The divine father–son relationship between God and Jesus is
also at the centre of Christian consideration and likewise is the
model of Christian familial, social and political relationships.
The particular appeal of this book is to offer a religious and cultural
comparative study from this most cardinal and crucial relationship.
… To date, scholarship has opined
that the Confucian secular father–son relationship established
on a consanguineous basis has no comparable aspects with the spiritual
based Christian divine father–son relationship. The author
provides a compelling argument, backed up by close scriptural and
religious readings, to overturn this longstanding perception. In
the process, she addresses cultural issues relating to hierarchy,
patriarchy, and common values that might bridge the East–West
gap in understanding their widely differing political–religious
value systems.
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List of Abbreviations
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction: The Relationship at the Centre
of Confucian Thinking and Christian Ethics
1. The Origin of Xunzi’s Secular Father–Son
Relationship
2. Sources and Background of the Pauline Divine Father–Son
Relationship
3. Classification of the Father–Son Relationship
4. The Pauline Ethical Divine Father–Son Relationship
5. Xunzi’s Ethical Father–Son Relationship
6. Ethical Issues Concerning the Father–Son Relationship
Conclusion
Appendix: Research Scholarship in Christian
and Confucian Studies
Glossary
Notes
Bibliography
Index
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“Zhao gives a very good reading of
Xunzi’s main concepts, peppered with short textual references
that illuminate a thinker who is too often overlooked or dismissed
in favour of others in the Confucian pantheon. Though the focus
of the study is on a comparison of Xunzi and Paul, Zhao also brings
in Confucius and other key Chinese figures, so the reader gets a
clearer understanding of Xunzi within that philosophical tradition.
The Pauline material is also by and large well done, though with
a bit less familiarity, breadth, and confidence than the author
brings to the Chinese thinkers. Particularly insightful is the distinction
Zhao draws between Paul’s goal of inner peace and Xunzi’s
goal of harmony, and how this affects their respective understandings
of ethical development and proper Father-Son relationship (pp. 175–78).
… Another
important difference that merits closer attention is that the “divine”
for Paul is a monotheistic personal God, and not the somewhat ambiguous
“Heaven” of the Chinese tradition. This theology brings
up a number of other concepts such as grace and eschatology which
in the Christian tradition holds that human destiny can never find
final fulfilment in this world, but rather that the ethical ideal
finds completion in union with God in Jesus Christ in the world
to come. Another area that Zhao probably conflated a bit too simplistically
was Xunzi’s and Paul’s use of ‘law.’ For
Paul ‘law’ is not the same as for Xunzi or the philosophical
concept of law. For example, Zhao uses the expression ‘external
law’ as a constant between Xunzi and Paul, but both have very
different concepts and uses of ‘law’ in their respective
systems.
… In
addition to the overall treatment of Xunzi and Paul, the last chapter
is particularly helpful for its nuance in human rights discourse
and feminist theory, especially Zhao’s insightful distinctions
about key differences among hierarchy, in particular, patriarchy
as opposed to genuine oppression and discrimination.
… While
ultimately Paul and Xunzi may be a bit farther apart than Zhao concludes,
her close analysis of each is well done and will do much to advance
both the project of comparative theology and Chinese philosophy
in dialogue with Christianity.” Journal of Chinese Religions
“Dr. Zhao’s innovative study seeks to promote intercultural
understanding by focusing on the Father–Son relationship central
in both Confucianism and Christianity. By means of a comparative
study of Xunzi and the Pauline tradition, she highlights the significance
of the ethical dimensions of this relationship in the two traditions,
drawing attention to points of similarity and difference. This pioneering
study is an excellent contribution between apparently divergent
cultural traditions which will stimulate both intercultural dialogue
and future research so essential in the contemporary global encounter.”
William S. Campbell, Reader in Biblical Studies, University
of Wales Lampeter |
Publication Details
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Harback ISBN: |
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978-1-84519-161-0 |
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Page Extent / Format: |
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272 pp. / 229 x 152 mm |
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Release Date: |
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February 2007 |
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Illustrated: |
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No |
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Hardback Price: |
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£49.50 / $67.50 |
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| This book can be ordered online or by telephone. |
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For the UK and Rest of the World:
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tel. 44 (0)1524-68765 |
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tel. (1) 503 287-3093 or (800) 944-6190 |
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tel. (1) 800-847-9736 |
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