CFP: Chinese Christianity and Knowledge Development—2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

The first edition of the Special Issue “Chinese Christianity and Knowledge Development” brings together a collection of studies that examine the multi-dimensional interactions between Christianity and the development of knowledge in China. The contributions collectively highlight how missionaries, Chinese scholars and local communities participated in processes of knowledge transmission, translation and reinterpretation across cultural boundaries.

The second edition seeks to expand both the thematic scope and analytical perspectives of this research field. Specifically, the new edition will encourage contributions that investigate knowledge development on science, social science, art and humanities and their interaction with Christianity. While the first edition highlighted key topics such as scientific translation, missionary print culture, theological debates and the introduction of Western learning, the second edition aims to broaden the discussion by incorporating new case studies, diverse fields, comparative perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches. Particular attention will be given to understudied sources, regional contexts, knowledge networks and the long-term intellectual and cultural impacts of knowledge transmission in China.

As it is known, Chinese Christianity has played a significant role in the development of knowledge and the establishment of academic disciplines in China. The journey of knowledge in every field, from its introduction and translation to transmission and transformation, has undergone a process of systematization and modernization under the influence of Christianity. Communication and interaction between these elements, as well as the underlying mechanisms, hold academic interest and research significance. Knowledge and learning encompass all disciplines and branches, including those under the umbrella of sciences, social sciences, humanities and arts. Through various forms of public media, ranging from traditional publications such as books, journals and magazines to modern forms like radio, television, movies, the internet and mobile phones, Chinese Christianity has and continues to shape, develop, modernize and systematize knowledge, theoretically as well as practically. Consequently, the transition of knowledge from traditional to modern and from fragmented to integrated and across different dimensions of time and space, takes form. Knowledge and knowledge systems, defined and signified by different temporal and spatial contexts, interact and communicate with one another.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The role of Chinese Christianity in the development of knowledge;
• establishment of academic disciplines;
• Chinese Christianity and the transition of knowledge;
• Chinese Christianity and the transformation of thoughts;
• Knowledge systematization;
• Knowledge modernization;
• Christianity and knowledge in Chinese publications;
• Christianity and books, journals, and magazines;
• Christianity and radio, television, movies, the internet, and mobile phones;
• Diversified discourse and interpretation of Christianity and knowledge.

We hope that this Special Issue will stimulate new research on Chinese Christianity and the development of knowledge. We advise that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200-300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the Guest Editors or to the Assistant Editor (loretta.chen@mdpi.com) of Religions. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the special issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Mingyu Lu
Dr. Qinghe Xiao
Guest Editors