Finding a new starting point for Taiwanese practical theology: rethinking the concept of logos (Dao) for Taiwanese theological education

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper aims to suggest a new Taiwanese perspective on truth which integrates content and practice to rethink the current theological education. I argue that an appropriate approach to do theological education requires a holistic viewpoint on truth; in this viewpoint, the content and practice of theology are interdependent. The article seeks to do three things. First, it claims that one problematic aspect of Taiwanese Christianity is a long-standing unmoved understanding of 道 (Dao, logos), which causes a disconnection between churches and theological schools. Next, the article argues that the concept of 道 (Dao, logos) in the Bible is not unmoved and irrelevant to surrounding context, but is instead an embodied truth. Finally, the article shows that the Taiwanese have already had Taiji (太極) and Taijiquan (太極拳) as an important part of their cultural heritage, both of which view opposite things as integrative, which provides great help to the discussion. In the light of these insights, I propose a new holistic approach towards 道 (Dao, logos) when Taiwanese Christians are imagining the future of theological education.