Daily Devotion

“In the preceding imperfect sketch of Confucianism in relation to Christianity, I have tried to make it appear, that the former is in many important points defective rather than antagonistic, and one practical conclusion to which I come is, that missionaries should endeavour not to exhibit themselves as antagonistic to Confucius and Confucianism. … The judgment of Paul about the law contained in the Old Testament was, that "it was a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ," and I think that much in Confucianism may be made to serve a similar purpose with the Chinese. Let the missionary therefore show a willing appreciation of what is good in the system.”

James Legge · Confucianism in Relation to Christianity (paper for the Shanghai Missionary Conference, 1877)

Scripture

Acts 17:23 As I was traveling and looking at the things you worship, I came across an altar that was inscribed with the words, 'The unknown God.' Now I will tell you about the things you worship without knowing them."

Reflection

The wisdom of James Legge and Paul reminds us that the Gospel is not a bulldozer of culture, but a harvester of truth. Faced with ancient Eastern wisdom, Christians should not arrogantly dismiss it, but humbly "claim" the spark of universal revelation within it. We must learn to seek the "unknown God" within our cultures, proving that Christ did not seek to take away people's forefathers, but to fulfill their yearning for eternity. The transmission of faith should guide souls from glimmer to blazing sun, perfected in respect, and complete in love.