Dialogue between Ancient Indigenous Religions in East Asia and Christianity: A Step Inward towards the Core Beliefs of Christianity

Abstract

In a concise dialogue about indigenous religions in East Asia, we will first approach the ancient indigenous religions in East Asia or China through the presentation of Julia Ching. Then, we will take a perspective from Hans Küng's dialogue between these religions and Christianity, followed by presenting other related perspectives to delve deeper into the topic. Ancient indigenous religions in East Asia, particularly in China, are characterized by ancestor worship, ritual ceremonies, and divination practices. The foundation of these practices is the belief that the souls of ancestors are present, meaning there is an afterlife or another world after death. Furthermore, people can "communicate" with this world to seek protection, blessings, or foreknowledge to avoid misfortune and find fortune. Christianity shares a common belief in an afterlife. However, the significant difference lies in the fact that nothing originating from humans can replace the role of the Absolute in providing protection, blessings, or benevolence. The souls of ancestors are present and venerated in the sense of being remembered, loved, and prayed for, asking God for grace for them, rather than being worshipped as gods. In this sense, Christianity does not lose its essence and is not excessively rigid in dialogue, aiming to sow the seeds of faith in East Asian cultures. The dialogue is not only for evangelization but also to understand more deeply and live the essence of faith in a more practical way within a cultural environment different from the culture in which Christianity originated. This dialogue is a journey to return to the roots in a deeper sense.