A Dissertation On The Theology Of The Chinese

""A Dissertation on the Theology of the Chinese: With a View to the Elucidation of the Most Appropriate Term for Expressing the Deity"" is a book written by Walter Henry Medhurst and originally published in 1847. The book is a study of Chinese theology, with a particular focus on the most appropriate term for expressing the concept of deity. Medhurst was a British missionary and Sinologist who spent many years in China, and his work draws on his extensive knowledge of Chinese language, culture, and religion.The book begins with an overview of Chinese beliefs about the divine, including the concept of Tian (Heaven) and the worship of ancestors. Medhurst then examines the various terms used in Chinese to refer to the divine, including Shangdi, Tianzhu, and Shen. He analyzes the meanings and connotations of these terms, and considers their suitability for expressing the idea of a supreme being.Throughout the book, Medhurst engages with Chinese sources, including classical texts and contemporary writings. He also draws on the work of other scholars and missionaries who had studied Chinese religion and culture. The book includes detailed footnotes and references, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the study of Chinese theology.Overall, ""A Dissertation on the Theology of the Chinese"" is an important contribution to the study of Chinese religion and language. It offers a nuanced and thoughtful analysis of the concept of deity in Chinese culture, and provides insights into the challenges faced by Christian missionaries seeking to translate their beliefs into a Chinese context.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.