Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

8-2025

Abstract

Lin Yutang (1895–1976) is renowned for bridging the Chinese and Western worlds through his prolific writings, but the vital role of religion in his intercultural endeavors remains underappreciated. This article situates his seminal work of religious reflection, From Pagan to Christian (1959), within the context of World Christianity, defined as both movement and method. Lin’s departure from the Christianity of his youth into Chinese religions—and back again to the church in his later years—presents timely insights for the study of religious change and pluralism in global modernity. Analyzing the text’s decolonizing, dialogical, and polyphonic dimensions, this article brings Lin’s spiritual and intellectual evolution into a critical and constructive dialogue with three key themes in World Christianity: the historiographical embrace of non-Western and trans-institutional accounts of religiosity, the missiological prioritization of intercultural dialogue over proselytization, and the affirmation of interreligious learning as a veritable mode of theological exploration.

Keywords

Chinese religions, decolonization, heretical imperative, Lin Yutang, religious pluralism

Discipline

Asian Studies | Religion

Research Areas

Humanities; Integrative Research Areas

Areas of Excellence

Growth in Asia

Publication

Journal of World Christianity

Volume

15

Issue

2

First Page

170

Last Page

200

ISSN

2377-8784

Identifier

10.5325/jworlchri.15.2.0170

Publisher

Penn State University Press

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.5325/jworlchri.15.2.0170

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