How can we understand Chinese humanism in the light of Christian spirituality? John C. H. Wu provides some helpful ideas in Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality. On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the USCCA Book Circle gathered to discuss pages i–38 of this work, in which Wu describes the teachings of Confucius and Mencius.
During Saturday's discussion, participants reflected on Wu's analysis of these Chinese sages and remarked upon the continuing relevance of their wisdom. One participant, an instructor at a community college, observed that the Confucian notion of nobility as excellence regardless of one's station resonates with students from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants also appreciated the value placed by Confucius upon ordinary tasks, well-worn customs, and mundane duties; according to Wu, in Confucius' hands "the commonplace is transmuted into gold" (p. 7).
By reading Wu's chapter on Mencius, the philosopher who "was to Confucius what Plato was to Socrates" (p. 37), several Book Circle participants gained an expanded understanding of Confucian notions of nature, heaven (天), and humanity: "so far as man is concerned, to develop his Heaven-endowed nature is the proper way of obeying the will of Heaven" (p. 31). Considering the ways in which Mencius and Confucius resonate with Catholic teaching in their affirmation of nature and creation, one participant imagined how these sages may have been inspired in part by the beautiful landscapes of China.
The next Book Circle discussion will be held on February 15, 2025; we will be reviewing pages 15–35 and discussing pages 39–50 of John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality, which is now available from Angelico Books for 15% off with the discount code wu15. We invite you to sign up for Book Circle updates and to share this information widely with friends, family, and church communities!
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