Table of Contents
Foreword Joseph Shih, S. J. vii
Preface ix
Introduction xi
Part I The Situation of Evangelization in China
Chapter 1 Chinese Culture and Religions 3
Assimilation of Cultures and Religions 3
Subordination of Religion to Temporal Authority 6
Different Parameters from the West 6
The Influence of Confucianism on Political Thought 7
The Relationship between Scholar-Officials and Sovereigns 8
The Purification of Confucianism 9
Compatibility of Christianity with Chinese Culture 10
The Chinese Concept of Divinity 10
The Contribution of Christianity toward a Harmonious Society 11
Chapter 2 Lessons from the Past 13
The Introduction of Christianity by the Eastern Syriac Church 13
The Establishment of the Catholic Church on Chinese Soil 14
Tire Third Wave of Christianity and Matteo Ricci 15
The Chinese Rites Controversy 18
Christianity during the Period of Imperialism and Colonialism 20
The Late Emergence of an Indigenous Church 20
Lack of Impact on Mainstream Chinese Culture 22
Chapter 3 Trends in Religious Policy in China 23
A Period of Probing (1949-1965) 23
Eradicating Religious Beliefs (1966-1976) 26
Religious Tolerance (1978-1989) 27
Control of Religions with "Unstable Elements" (1989-2000) 28
Adaptation, but Caution about Foreign Influence (2000-2005) 30
Upholding Freedom of Religious Belief (but Regulated by Law) 31
Religion and a Harmonious Society 32
Religious Policies Developed for the Catholic Church 33
Distinction between Political and Religious Spheres 35
Significant Milestones 37
Common Ground or Who Says So? 37
Chapter 4 The Present-Day Situation of the Catholic Church in China 40
Some Statistics 40
Positive Signs for Christianity 43
Negative Signs for Christianity 51
Evangelization Efforts: The Good and the Bad 56
Part II Recent Documents of the Magisterium Related to the Evangelization of China
Chapter 5 John Paul II on China 71
Supernatural Vision in a Historical Perspective 71
Humility and Courage in Facing Controversies in History 71
No Contradiction between Love for Church and Love for Country 72
Models of Sanctity, from Martyrdom to Dying to Oneself 73
Communion with the Successor of Peter Essential 74
Dialogue on Equal Footing and with Mutual Respect 74
Emphasis on Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Unity of the Church 75
Inculturation of the Gospel 75
A "Bridge Church": Catholics in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau 76
New Encounter between Christianity and Chinese Culture 77
Chapter 6 Redemptoris Missio and China 79
Mission in China Remains First and Foremost Missio ad Gentes 79
Elements of the New Evangelization 83
The Areopagus of the Modern Age 87
Chapter 7 Letter of Benedict XVI to the Catholic Church in China 94
An Attitude of Respectful and Constructive Dialogue 94
Reconciliation and Internal Divisions 95
Church-State Relations 95
Nonnegotiables and Negotiables 96
Chinese Episcopate and Appointment of Bishops 97
Concrete Pastoral Guidelines and Revocation of Faculties 98
Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan 100
Part III Challenges and Prospects
Chapter 8 Challenges and Prospects ad Extra and ad Intra 103
Ad Extra 103
Ad Intra 111
Chapter 9 Challenges and Prospects in Political and Cultural Spheres 118
Political Challenges and Prospects 118 Cultural Challenges and Prospects 130
Conclusion 138
Points for Reflection 138
Practical Recommendations 144
A Postscript 145
Epilogue 147
Abbreviations 151
Notes 153
Bibliography 167
Index 177
