Jianshe Theology: Reflections about the Process of Theological Reconstruction in China

Abstract

AbstractThe article introduced the process of theological reconstruction (jianshe) which has been at the centre of the theological reflection of the Chinese church in the past five years, and continues to be do. The article also describes the historical context of an extraordinary church growth in which this reflection has taken and is taking place. The author analyses how this process links ecumenical and hermeneutical interests: theological reconstruction in China today tries to overcome traditional theology which was shaped by Western missionaries, and to find a framework for a genuinely contextual theology that is relevant to society.The goal of the process of theological reconstruction is to identify a contextual theology which builds bridges between Christian faith and the world. Accordingly, those elements of Christian faith are emphasized which facilitate an openness to the world. Contextual theology as encountered in the process of theological reconstruction reflects the importance that harmony has in the context and historical experience of China. The introduction of hermeneutical categories in the theological reflection makes it possible to overcome a narrow biblicism as well as a non‐historical application of one's own principles of biblical interpretation.The article contains a discussion about the possible misunderstandings that the term “theological reconstruction”can evoke, and suggests leaving the term untranslated. It also critically examines the challenges that the enormous speed of modernization in China poses.