Ⅰ. Introduction
1. Aim and Method of Study
The thesis is to explore the possibility of an Asian way of
practicing, using an examination of a famous Chinese theologian.
The need for such an alternative practical way other than the
well-established Western theological systems arises from an
awareness of the present situation of Christianity in this age when
Christianity has experienced a dramatic decline in the Western
society, when the centre of Christian gravity has obviously shifted
from the West to the non-Western world, i.e. to Africa, some parts
of Asia and Latin America, and when the Western theology does not
seem to be able to find an appropriate solution to the highly
accelerated pace of the non-Christianization of the Western …show more content…
His hermeneutics seem to
be in line with the hermeneutical concern on the School of Mind as
represented by Wang Yang-ming, a great Chinese
Neo-Confucianist, who emphasizes, among other things, on the
development of intuitive knowledge through meditation.
About his doctrine of Sanctification, Watchman Nee explicates
five ways of spiritual growth, which are similar to the description of
the developmental process of the eastern self-discipline and the
unity of Knowing and Action, with a special emphasis on the
embodiment of the truth in one's life.
Watchman Nee's doctrine is characterized by the making of
spiritual workers, corporate spirituality, and the building of a
13 mission oriented community. This view of church may be
unconsciously influenced in part by the traditional Eastern concept
of 'Dependent co-origination" which means that all things are
causally interrelated. Nothing exists isolated by itself, but rather all
things exist as networks of interrelated connections and causes.
Above all, watchman Nee’s theology is based on the preparation
of a spiritual man, who is prepared by God to receive and spread
1. Aim and Method of Study
The thesis is to explore the possibility of an Asian way of
practicing, using an examination of a famous Chinese theologian.
The need for such an alternative practical way other than the
well-established Western theological systems arises from an
awareness of the present situation of Christianity in this age when
Christianity has experienced a dramatic decline in the Western
society, when the centre of Christian gravity has obviously shifted
from the West to the non-Western world, i.e. to Africa, some parts
of Asia and Latin America, and when the Western theology does not
seem to be able to find an appropriate solution to the highly
accelerated pace of the non-Christianization of the Western …show more content…
His hermeneutics seem to
be in line with the hermeneutical concern on the School of Mind as
represented by Wang Yang-ming, a great Chinese
Neo-Confucianist, who emphasizes, among other things, on the
development of intuitive knowledge through meditation.
About his doctrine of Sanctification, Watchman Nee explicates
five ways of spiritual growth, which are similar to the description of
the developmental process of the eastern self-discipline and the
unity of Knowing and Action, with a special emphasis on the
embodiment of the truth in one's life.
Watchman Nee's doctrine is characterized by the making of
spiritual workers, corporate spirituality, and the building of a
13 mission oriented community. This view of church may be
unconsciously influenced in part by the traditional Eastern concept
of 'Dependent co-origination" which means that all things are
causally interrelated. Nothing exists isolated by itself, but rather all
things exist as networks of interrelated connections and causes.
Above all, watchman Nee’s theology is based on the preparation
of a spiritual man, who is prepared by God to receive and spread