Author: XIE Jiapeng, Lecturer, Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College.
Abstract:
The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China, edited by the distinguished New Testament scholar K. K. Yeo and published in 2021, serves as a comprehensive reference work in Chinese Bible studies. This handbook compiles 47 articles contributed by 49 Bible scholars. It provides a comprehensive examination of the historical development, contemporary landscape, and future trajectories of the Bible in China. Notably, it represents the most extensive collection of thematic articles on Chinese Bible research. The handbook is structured into four main sections, each addressing a distinct dimension of the Chinese Bible: “Translation”, “Expression”, “Interpretation”, and “Reception”. The first section, “Translation”, undertakes a thorough retrospective analysis of the intricate and diverse translation history of the Bible into Chinese languages. The second section, “Expression”, delves into the contextualized expressions of the Bible within the Chinese milieu. In the third section, “Interpretation”, an overview of the history and current state of biblical interpretation in China is provided. Finally, the fourth section, “Reception”, investigates the impact of the Chinese Bible on Chinese society and art forms like calligraphy, music, films. Although the handbook is not without its imperfections, such as inconsistent English terminology, occasional redundancy in content, and minor factual inaccuracies, the majority of its articles meticulously examine their respective historical themes, offering integrated and meticulous analytical insights and are supported by an abundant reservoir of reference materials. As a whole, this handbook comprehensively elucidates the breadth and depth characterizing Chinese Bible research in recent decades and stands as the preeminent authoritative reference work within the realm of Chinese Bible studies to date.
Keywords:
The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in China, translation, expression, interpretation, reception
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