A six-day training class on the exploration of the sinicization of worship rituals was held in Shandong.
Nearly 100 clergy from Linyi City participated in the third session of the "Preaching in Linyi" training class on sinicizing worship rituals, hosted by Linyi CC&TSPM, Shandong Province, from June 24-29, said the municipal CC&TSPM.
Professor You Bin, professor and doctoral supervisor of the MUC (Minzu University of China) School of Philosophy and Religious Studies and dean of the MUC Research Institute of Religion, was invited to give lectures on "Sinicization of Christian Rituals," "The Basic Structure and Spirit of the Lima Liturgy," "The Intersection of Ritual Studies and Classical Studies: The Theological Logic of the Lectionary," and "The Theological Logic of the Two Major Festivals' Lectionaries."
Professor You analyzed the importance of Christian liturgical studies in reconstructing a Christian thought system with Chinese characteristics and establishing a Christian theology with a Chinese style. He interpreted the concept of "Christian liturgy" from the perspective of traditional Chinese culture and shared theological reflections on the sinicization of Christian liturgy from aspects of the Lima Liturgy, church festivals, and the theological logic of the lectionary. He advocated that the Chinese church should become a church with "Dao" (Way) and "Li" (Ritual), integrating church worship and faith life in the liturgical year.
Additionally, Dr. Shi Hengtang, a researcher at the Institute of World Religions at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was invited to give lectures on topics such as "Comparative Reading of the Bible and the Tao Te Ching" and "Life Perspectives in Ancient Chinese Poetry," leading participants to appreciate the similarities and compatibility between Christian faith and traditional culture.
Rev. Zhang Yongsheng, vice director and vice president of the municipal CC&TSPM, was invited to give a lecture on "Sacramental Worship (Communion, Wedding, and Funeral Ceremonies)." He combined church practice experience to introduce and standardize worship rituals suitable for the churches in Linyi.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
