Biblical References and Relevance to the People of China
Today, the People’s Republic of China is the world’s most populous country and has the world’s second-largest economy, with a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP of 15.3 trillion U.S. dollars. Surprisingly, this major nation is in fact briefly mentioned in the Bible: Isaiah 49:12. More specifically, the exact wording is as follows: “Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim”, which is believed to be a reference to China.
In order to gain a better understanding of what this reference means and its relevance to the people of China, it is necessary to explore the Bible background, its use language, and the impact that it had on the ancient Chinese culture. According to scholars, Isaiah 49:12 is most likely an allusion to the Assyrian period, which is considered to be between 745 and 627 BC. During this period, a major “Axial Split” occurred which made it possible for the world’s major religions to finally take root and make their presence known.
While the original meaning of Isaiah 49:12 is unknown due to the fact that Sinim is an ancient Assyrian word that has since then been lost to time, it is known that this region was believed to refer to a place far in the east. Over time, this region eventually came to be known as China and this mention in the Bible provided the people of China with an assurance that God was watching over them, no matter how far away they were from Jerusalem.
Ancient Chinese Interpretations of Isaiah 49:12
Prior to the arrival of Christianity in China in the 6th century, ancient Chinese philosophers and religious thinkers had already begun to consider Isaiah 49:12 and its relevance to their own society. Confucianism and a philosophical school called Wu Xing both interpreted this passage in their own ways. Confucianism interpreted it as an assurance that distant areas, such as China, would also benefit from the teachings of Confucius. Wu Xing, on the other hand, viewed it as a confirmation of their belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the unity between man and nature.
Impact of the Bible Reference on China
Despite the fact that many ancient Chinese thinkers had already formed their own interpretations of Isaiah 49:12, it was not until Christianity arrived in the 6th century that the Bible became accessible to the people of China. From then onwards, many Chinese began to incorporate the message from Isaiah 49:12 into their cultural and spiritual beliefs, and this book served as an important source of guidance in their lives.
For example, St. Francis Xavier, a Roman Catholic missionary who helped to introduce Christianity to the Chinese people during his travels, wrote the following letter to his friends in the West: “At last we have come to the land of the people of China, whom the prophets call by the name of Sinim. The Lord of Heaven alone knows what a wonderful people they are.” Therefore, it is clear to see how the mention of China in the Bible had a profound impact on the people of the country.
Bible’s Relevance Today in China
Today, the Bible remains one of the most important texts in modern Chinese society and is widely respected for its wisdom and teachings, especially amongst Christians. Despite the fact that the government of the People’s Republic of China is officially atheist, it allows religious activities to take place and Christianity is one of the five officially recognized religions. Every year, an increasing number of Chinese Christians use the Bible as a source of comfort, guidance and inspiration in their daily lives.
Due to the ever-changing environment in China, the Bible has continued to evolve and even in today’s society, Isaiah 49:12 remains an important reminder of God’s love and faithfulness to the people of China. By understanding the verse’s original context, we can gain further insight into its meaning and relevance to the people of China today.
Role of The Bible in Chinese Culture
Even though the majority of Chinese people aren’t religious, the Bible still plays a significant role in modern Chinese culture, particularly through its many stories and teachings. For example, the story of Cain and Abel is often used to illustrate the importance of sibling relationships and the timeless parable of the Prodigal Son can be found in literature and film. In addition, the Bible is also a source of inspiration for songwriters, painters and sculptures, and has greatly influenced the country’s art and literature.
Despite being banned and censored by the government during the Cultural Revolution, the Bible has since then regained its popularity and remains widely accessible in China. For example, a growing number of Chinese people have access to the Bible through various digital media platforms, such as WeChat and podcasts, as well as print formats and translations.
Relationship between Christianity and Chinese Culture
Although the relationship between Christianity and Chinese culture is quite complex, there are signs of progress in recent years. For instance, a growing number of Chinese people are getting involved with churches, attending Christian worship services, and, in some cases, even converting to the religion.
At the same time, Chinese culture is also beginning to accept the core values of Christianity and its impact on the country is increasingly visible. For instance, themes such as peace, love and forgiveness are often present in Chinese media, which clearly shows the influence of Christianity in the country. In the coming years, it is expected that Christianity will continue to gain ground in China and play a bigger role in the nation’s culture and beliefs.
Reconciliation between China and the West
Given the differences between the West and China, many people wonder if it is possible for the two to reconcile. Fortunately, the Bible has an answer: reconciliation is possible through Jesus Christ, who is referenced in both Isaiah 49:12 and other prominent passages in the Bible. Although this process will likely take some time, the Bible provides us with a powerful reminder that the differences between us are ultimately insignificant in comparison to our shared humanity and the fact that we are all children of God.
Traditional Values Within Chinese Society
Although modern Chinese culture is influenced by many aspects of Western culture, traditional values remain common amongst many Chinese people. One example of this is filial piety, which is defined as the respect for one’s parents and elders and underlines the importance of family bonds. This is a value that can be found in many Bible verses, such as Ephesians 6:1-3, which states:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour your father and mother–which is the first commandment with a promise–that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth”.
Therefore, it is clear to see that the Bible can still be found anywhere in the East and this is even more evident in China today.
Conclusion
The Bible reference to China first appears in Isaiah 49:12 and has been interpreted in a variety of ways by ancient and modern Chinese alike. Not only did this reference made the people of China realize that God was watching over them, regardless of how far they were from Jerusalem, it also served as a source of guidance and comfort in their lives.
Today, Christianity continues to be an important religious force in China and one that will continue to impact the country for many years to come. Ultimately, the Bible serves as an important reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the power of reconciliation, especially between the East and the West.
