In Search of the Ecclesial Identity of the Post-denominational Churches: A Case Study of the Contemporary Chinese Ecumenical Theology in the Making
Denominationalisation has been a hindrance for ecclesial unity in many Asian churches today. These hindrances can be grounded on various factors including doctrines, culture, tradition, etc. Here is a case of the Chinese churches overcoming this hindrance today. Ever since the Chinese Protestant chu...
| Published in: | Asia journal of theology |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
ATESEA
[2015]
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| In: |
Asia journal of theology
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| IxTheo Classification: | KAJ Church history 1914-; recent history KBM Asia KDA Church denominations KDJ Ecumenism RB Church office; congregation |
| Further subjects: | B
Post-denominational
B Theology B Three-self B Christian Sects B Unity B CHRISTIAN eschatology B Diaconia B Councils & synods B Ecumenical Theology B Ecumenical Movement B Christlikeness B National Identity |
| Summary: | Denominationalisation has been a hindrance for ecclesial unity in many Asian churches today. These hindrances can be grounded on various factors including doctrines, culture, tradition, etc. Here is a case of the Chinese churches overcoming this hindrance today. Ever since the Chinese Protestant churches embarked on the postdenominational journey in 1958, practical unity has been accomplished in church life marked by the removal of the former denominational structures and Christians' common worship in the spirit of mutual respect today. Generally speaking, the Chinese Christian Council (CCC) and Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) at various administrative levels have provided a basic framework for the churches to develop themselves. This essay aims to explore a possible definition of the ecclesial and national identity of the uniting postdenominational churches. By both reviewing the ecumenical contributions of such three important Chinese theologians and church leaders as Cheng Ching-I, T. C. Chao, and K. H. Ting in the modern and contemporary church history and discerning the contemporary uniting bonds of the postdenominatinoal churches, I propose that mission, diaconia, and liturgy understood in a holistic way can play a crucial role to continuously unite the postdenominational churches while the Chinese Church goes on seeking its theological and ecclesial selfhood in the ecumenical movement. Only when the postdenominational churches as Christlike serving communities are fully united through a complete union with Christ, can its identity as an eschatological communion be clarified. |
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| ISSN: | 2815-1828 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Asia journal of theology
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