從社會的觀念談基督教「本色化」的假設－以人類學理論反思文化概念的使用

Considering the Assumption of Christian Indigenization through the Concept of Society: Reflection on the Concept of Culture in Anthropological Theory

陳胤安(CHEN Yin An)

《道風：基督教文化評論》 32期 (2010/01) Pp. 147-171

摘要

無資料

關鍵字

本工化 ； 社會概念 ； 文化概念 ； 客家教會

並列摘要

Many researchers are interested in issues raised by Christian indigenization. Some argue that indigenization similar to that of Buddhism is necessary for the growth of Christianity in China. Others hold that only by returning to the Gospel and spreading its essential message can authentic indigenization achieved. Although considerations have been given to how indigenization is to be best realized, most discussions take place within a particular framework of ＂indigenization＂. Discussion of ＂indigenization＂ grew out of the framework and assumptions of the anthropological notion of ＂culture＂, one which stresses the variation between human cultures, commonality within a single culture, and the conflicts and discontinuities associated with cross-cultural contacts. It should be noted that culture is just one of a twin set of key anthropological notions, the other being ＂society＂. Looked at from the perspective of society, we can hope to go beyond the ＂either/or＂ proposition. By looking at local churches and contacts between believers, emphasis can be put on the differences internal to a society (here understood as the Christian religion), thereby allowing us to focus on how local churches put Christianity into practice. This paper uses this perspective to interpret interactions between Hakka churches and the surrounding communities, the attempts of these churches to interact with local people, and how indigenization is attempted through reinterpretations of local traditions. This approach does not dismiss the conflicts related to early Christian teachings, but rather understands them as a response to structural changes and not just a conflict between Chinese and Christian cultures. As such, this paper attempts to help researchers develop a new understanding of the basis and assumptions of the debates concerning ＂indigenization＂, and further addresses the question of the relation between Christianity and China.

並列關鍵字

Indigenization ； Concept of Society ； Concept of Culture ； Hakka Church