Reconstruction of Christianity in early nineteenth century China from Confucian views of religion: Yao Ying and Kangyou Jixing=從儒者宗教觀重探基督宗教

Abstract

"This article focuses on Yao Ying (1785–1853) and his travel memoirs, Kangyou Jixing, to discuss his view of religions and understanding of Christianity. His experience of serving the Manchu court in diplomatic and religious affairs is crucial in the construction of his religious view. While “Tian Dao” in Confucianism was the core of his religious view, he admitted that diversified international society would give birth to different religions. Though all religions are assumed to be derivatives of “Tian Dao” and hierarchical, Yao did not propose Confucianism as the ultimate destination of other religions. His criterion for evaluating religion was its ability to maintain the order of human society, which is also the core of “Tian Dao.” Finally, this article points out that scholars should situate the study of Chinese Christianity in the context of Chinese intellectual and religious history. "