ZHAO Zi-chen’s doctrine of salvation within the praxis model of contextual theology (1920-1950)

ZHAO Zi-chen (趙紫宸 1888-1979) was one of the leading Chinese theologians in the early twentieth century. From 1920 to 1950, he attempted to contextualise Christianity through dialogues with Confucianism, contemporary ideologies, and socio-political issues. Along with this process of contextualisation, he strove to fulfil his social aspiration by attempting to restore hope, social order, and peace for the suffering Chinese people through the advocation of Christian ethics.

This study focuses on ZHAO’s doctrine of salvation; the initial proposition is to determine how he interpreted this doctrine within cultural embodiment. This study analyses his textual materials according to the parameters designated in Stephen Bevans’ praxis model. The purpose is to reveal how ZHAO addressed the doctrine of salvation based on his interpretations of Scripture, church tradition, and culture. Ultimately, it was to realise his praxis of transforming Chinese society into the Kingdom of God.

ZHAO’s theology had two specific phases. In the early phase (1920-1940), embedding it in Confucianism, he believed that humanity had inherent goodness; a person could attain divine morality by the efforts of self-cultivation. In the later phase (1940-1950), given his experience of imprisonment and the inspiration of Karl Barth, he changed his beliefs. With a disposition towards dogmatic theology, he developed the doctrine of salvation by affirming divine revelation, original sin, justification by faith, sanctification through union with Christ, and reconciliation with God.

Finally, this study concludes that ZHAO’s soteriology demonstrated the uniqueness of his theology. The distinctiveness primarily comes from his dedication to turning theological beliefs into theories of social praxis. Meanwhile, his vigorous theological responses to the rapidly changing Chinese context during 1920-1950 should also distinguish him from other Chinese and Western theologians.