A training program designed for the faculty of systematic theology took place in Lijiang, Yunnan.
Approximately 30 teachers specializing in the field of systematic theology participated in this training from August 15th to 17th, reported CCC&TSPM.
On August 15th, Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of the national Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), underscored the significance of systematic theology course within the curriculum of theological institutions. This course not only pertained to the foundational interpretation of Christian doctrines but also played a pivotal role in nurturing theological students' capacities for theological reflection. When engaging in theological reflection, it was imperative to manage the dynamics between elements such as tradition inheritance and development, domestic and foreign paradigms, theoretical constructs and practical realities, and the interplay between the church and society.
He further said, "The Church of China, as a constituent of the global Christian community, should embrace and carry forward essential components, including the Bible, core tenets of faith, fundamental doctrines, the heritage of the ecumenical Church, and the principles of the Reformation. Additionally, valuable insights and successful experiences from Western Christian traditions, as well as those from the Christian contexts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, should be assimilated and learned from. However, it remains crucial to discern and discard certain political and cultural influences that have become entwined with Western Christian theology, particularly those stemming from the colonial era. To foster the development of a Chinese theological framework, it is indispensable to evolve through a process of inheritance while concurrently delving into learning, thereby charting a trajectory that aligns with the wholesome advancement of the Chinese Church.
During the afternoon session, Rev. Kan Baoping, residential vice chairman of TSPM, along with Rev. Chen Xun, executive vice president of Yanjing Theological Seminary, delivered specialized lectures focused on the theme of "Systematic Theology and the Sinicization of Christianity."
In his lecture, Rev. Kan expounded upon five key facets: "The Significance of Systematic Theology," "Rootedness in the Tapestry of Chinese Cultural Traditions and Adaptation to a Socialist Society," "A Departure from Western Influences," "Principal Theological Tenets in the Pedagogy of Systematic Theology," and "Educational Methodologies and Textual Considerations."
Rev. Chen, in his presentation titled "Exploration of the Substance and Approaches to the Sinicization of Systematic Theology," provided insights into discussions revolving around discussions on heaven, earth, Daoism, and salvation.
On August 16th, according to the training schedule, participants were organized into two distinct groups, representing undergraduate institutions and junior colleges, respectively. These groups deliberated and formulated comprehensive curriculum outlines for the systematic theology programs within their respective institutions.
During the concluding ceremony on the subsequent day, Rev. Li Hongyu, advisor to Shandong CC&TSPM, and Zhu Hongyang, member of the faculty assembly at Anhui Theological Seminary, formally presented the curriculum outlines for systematic theology, symbolizing the collective efforts of the undergraduate and junior college students.
Rev. Kan underscored the necessity for theological faculty members to liberate their thinking from the confines of conventional theological paradigms. He encouraged them to develop indigenous teaching resources tailored for the Chinese Church, thereby establishing a theological framework that is uniquely suited to the ecclesiastical landscape of China.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
中国基督教神学院校系统神学专业教师培训在云南丽江举办。
据中国基督教两会，8月15日至17日，来自全国各神学院校的系统神学专业教师近30位参加了此次培训。
15日上午，中国基督教三自爱国运动委员会主席徐晓鸿牧师在讲话中指出，在神学院校的课程设置中，“系统神学”这门课有着举足轻重的地位。不仅因为这门课关乎基督教教义的基础性阐释，而且这门课程也会培养神学生进行神学思考。在进行神学思考时，一定要处理好“继承与发展”“中国与外国”“理论与现实”“教会与社会”四种关系。
他指出，“中国教会是普世教会的一员，对圣经、基本信仰、基本教义、大公教会的传统、宗教改革原则等我们都应继承。西方基督教和亚非拉基督教有益的探索和成功的经验，我们也应当吸纳和借鉴。但是，我们也要看到近代以来西方基督教神学中也裹挟了一些不属于基督教的政治、文化因素，特别是殖民时期的神学思想，我们必须加以鉴别，予以剔除。我国基督教要发展自己的神学体系，就必须在继承中发展、在借鉴中探索，从而找到符合中国教会自身健康发展的道路。”
15日下午，中国基督教三自爱国运动委员会驻会副主席阚保平牧师和燕京神学院常务副院长陈驯牧师围绕“系统神学与中国化”作专题讲座。
阚保平牧师在讲座中，从“系统神学的重要性”“扎根中国文化传统，与社会主义社会相适应”“去西方化”“系统神学教学中存在的主要神学问题”“教学与教材问题”五个方面展开论述。
陈驯牧师以“系统神学的中国化之内容与方法的探讨”为题，从“谈天”“说地”“论道”“救人”四个方面作了梳理。
16日，按本次培训的会议日程，与会人员分本科院校和专科院校教师两组，分别讨论和拟定了本科院校和专科院校的系统神学教学大纲。
17日上午，举行闭幕总结，山东省基督教两会顾问李洪玉牧师和安徽神学院院务会议成员朱红阳老师分别代表本科和专科两个小组呈现系统神学大纲。
阚保平牧师强调，神学院校的教师在思想上要摆脱传统神学的束缚，努力写出中国教会自己的系统神学教材，建立中国教会的神学体系。
中国基督教神学院校系统神学专业教师培训在云南丽江举办
A training program designed for the faculty of systematic theology took place in Lijiang, Yunnan.
Approximately 30 teachers specializing in the field of systematic theology participated in this training from August 15th to 17th, reported CCC&TSPM.
On August 15th, Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of the national Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), underscored the significance of systematic theology course within the curriculum of theological institutions. This course not only pertained to the foundational interpretation of Christian doctrines but also played a pivotal role in nurturing theological students' capacities for theological reflection. When engaging in theological reflection, it was imperative to manage the dynamics between elements such as tradition inheritance and development, domestic and foreign paradigms, theoretical constructs and practical realities, and the interplay between the church and society.
He further said, "The Church of China, as a constituent of the global Christian community, should embrace and carry forward essential components, including the Bible, core tenets of faith, fundamental doctrines, the heritage of the ecumenical Church, and the principles of the Reformation. Additionally, valuable insights and successful experiences from Western Christian traditions, as well as those from the Christian contexts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, should be assimilated and learned from. However, it remains crucial to discern and discard certain political and cultural influences that have become entwined with Western Christian theology, particularly those stemming from the colonial era. To foster the development of a Chinese theological framework, it is indispensable to evolve through a process of inheritance while concurrently delving into learning, thereby charting a trajectory that aligns with the wholesome advancement of the Chinese Church.
During the afternoon session, Rev. Kan Baoping, residential vice chairman of TSPM, along with Rev. Chen Xun, executive vice president of Yanjing Theological Seminary, delivered specialized lectures focused on the theme of "Systematic Theology and the Sinicization of Christianity."
In his lecture, Rev. Kan expounded upon five key facets: "The Significance of Systematic Theology," "Rootedness in the Tapestry of Chinese Cultural Traditions and Adaptation to a Socialist Society," "A Departure from Western Influences," "Principal Theological Tenets in the Pedagogy of Systematic Theology," and "Educational Methodologies and Textual Considerations."
Rev. Chen, in his presentation titled "Exploration of the Substance and Approaches to the Sinicization of Systematic Theology," provided insights into discussions revolving around discussions on heaven, earth, Daoism, and salvation.
On August 16th, according to the training schedule, participants were organized into two distinct groups, representing undergraduate institutions and junior colleges, respectively. These groups deliberated and formulated comprehensive curriculum outlines for the systematic theology programs within their respective institutions.
During the concluding ceremony on the subsequent day, Rev. Li Hongyu, advisor to Shandong CC&TSPM, and Zhu Hongyang, member of the faculty assembly at Anhui Theological Seminary, formally presented the curriculum outlines for systematic theology, symbolizing the collective efforts of the undergraduate and junior college students.
Rev. Kan underscored the necessity for theological faculty members to liberate their thinking from the confines of conventional theological paradigms. He encouraged them to develop indigenous teaching resources tailored for the Chinese Church, thereby establishing a theological framework that is uniquely suited to the ecclesiastical landscape of China.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
Systematic Theology Faculty Trained in Yunnan
