The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China

Book info: The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China (Hardcover, 904 pages) – Oxford University Press, 2021. Language: English.

Is the Bible an ancient text, a mere relic of the past? Is the Bible a “Western” product, irrelevant to the “East”? Can the Bible be imagined as a living text for twenty-first century China? The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China provides surprising answers and discoveries related to the Bible and its place in China over the last thirteen hundred years. Forty-seven essays address the translation of the Bible into China's languages and dialects, expression of the Bible in Chinese literary and religious contexts, Chinese biblical interpretations and methods of reading, and the reception of the Bible in the institutions and arts of China. Each essay consists of a comprehensive yet concise treatment set in a historical frame on topics as wide-ranging as: the first Chinese Bibles, Chinese Nestorian Christianity, Bibles of minority nationalities, Sino-Christian theology, printed illustrations of the Gospel in China, the Bible and Chinese films, Chinese calligraphy and the biblical texts, Chinese Classics and the Bible, and Chinese society and politics. This expansive and unique volume presents insightful, succinct, and provocative evidence about and interpretations of encounters between the Bible and China for centuries past, continuing into the present, and likely prospects for the future. Editorial Reviews Review "This book provides a detailed account of the history and current development of the Bible in China, which can help us better understand the interaction and the complex relationship between the Bible and China, and contribute to the study of the Chinese Bible and Chinese Christianity." -- Wei Xiong, Religious Studies Review

"The breadth and diversity of the topics of this Handbook are impressive and show the general editor's depth of knowledge of the subject matter, showcasing four areas of scholarly engagement with the Bible in China: translation, expression, interpretation, and reception." -- Simon Wong, Global Translation Advisor, United Bible Societies, Westlea, Swindon, UK, Mission Studies

"It is impossible for a short review to do justice to such a varied, multidisciplinary collection of essays ... the contributions are ... well written and important contributions to the study of Christianity in China." -- Robert Entenmann, Church History Journal

"A must-read" -- Ian Xie, The Glass

"The Oxford handbook of the Bible in China is an historic intellectual monument to the advance of Chinese scholarship on numerous biblically-related themes, providing detailed accounts of the immensely significant cultural and religious influences of the Christian Scriptures within a relatively wide variety of Chinese contexts." -- Lauren Pfister, Journal of Ecclesiastical History

"The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China is highly informative, not only because of the super-rich content of the contributions but also because of the bibliographies given after each article ... Many articles included in the volume excel in providing fruits of quality research and skillful academic writing." -- Wojciench Rybka, Monumenta Serica 70

"The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China is highly informative, not only because of the super-rich content of the contributions but also because of the bibliographies given after each article ... Many articles included in the volume excel in providing fruits of quality research and skillful academic writing." -- Wojciench Rybka, Monumenta Serica 70

"The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China is a veritable treasure trove on the subject, making it not only an indispensable reference work for years to come, but also a stimulating and exciting read for anyone interested in Christianity in China." -- Dr. Barbara Hoster, China heute 2024

"The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China offers an invaluable resource for research on the Chinese Bible, Chinese Bible translation, Christianity in China, Christianity and culture, and other related areas." -- Tzz Bin Yap, Journal of Chinese Theology

About the Author K. K. Yeo is Kendall Professor of New Testament at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary and an affiliate professor in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, Northwestern University. He lectures in China, Israel-Palestine, and Southeast Asia, and researches on cross-cultural, contextual, and global biblical interpretations. He is a Lilly Scholar and Henry Luce III Scholar, and has authored and edited more than forty Chinese and English books, including Musing with Confucius and Paul, Zhuangzi and James, and co-edited the Majority World Theology Series, and Contrapuntal Readings of the Bible in World Christianity.