Patriotism, Science, and the Development of Xu Qian’s “Theology of Liberation in China”

Abstract

This article examines Xu Qian (1871–1940), a prominent figure in the Republican period and the changes in his theological thought. I explain why Xu’s theological thought can be called a germinating version of “liberation theology” in China and argue that a number of factors influenced his theological thought in the context of his time, his understanding of science being a key factor. I analyze how science interacts with his understanding of Christianity in his Christian journey. I find that Xu’s Christian journey is a gradual process of eliminating the supernatural components, culminating in the conclusion that the only function of Christianity is to save the nation, and that this process of change is inseparable from his expanded understanding of “science.” The relevance of Xu’s example for today is that the expanded understanding of “science” still exists. I conclude with a suggestion for a broader exploration of the meaning of science.