Abstract
This paper is the first systematic critique of the conventional chronology of the so-called earliest statements of Christian faith in China, The Messiah Sutra 序聽迷詩所經 and On One God 一神論, which are believed to have been translated into Chinese by the first Christian missionary to the country Aluoben 阿羅本 around the 640s. To achieve this, it has surveyed the early publications and re-read the alleged textual and historical clues. The paper reveals that the common arguments accepted since the 1920s are plagued with defects and that therefore the conventional chronology does not withstand scrutiny. The significance of this paper lies in proposing to reconsider not only the traditional dates of these two documents but the conclusions derived therefrom. Based on some clues, this paper also speculates that The Messiah Sutra and On One God might be two of the latest ancient Chinese Christian sources.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
