Giulio Aleni Kouduo Richao and Christian-Confucian Dialogism in Late Ming Fujian

<p>Christian dialogic writings flourished in the Catholic missions in late Ming China. This study focuses on the mission work of the Italian Jesuit Giulio Aleni (Ai Rulüe 艾儒略 1582-1649) in Fujian and the unique text <i>Kouduo richao</i> 口鐸日抄 (Diary of Oral Admonitions 1630-1640) that records the religious and intellectual conversations among the Jesuits and local converts. By examining the mechanisms of dialogue in <i>Kouduo richao</i> and other Christian works distinguished by a certain dialogue form the author of the present work aims to reveal the formation of a hybrid Christian-Confucian identity in late Ming Chinese religious experience. <br>By offering the new approach of dialogic hybridization the book not only treats dialogue as an important yet underestimated genre in late Ming Christian literature but it also uncovers a self-other identity complex in the dialogic exchanges of the Jesuits and Chinese scholars. <br><i>Giulio Aleni </i>Kouduo richao<i> and Christian-Confucian Dialogism in Late Ming Fujian</i> is a multi-faceted investigation of the religious philosophical ethical scientific and artistic topics discussed among the Jesuits and late Ming scholars. This comprehensive research echoes what the distinguished Sinologist Erik Zürcher (1928-2008) said about the richness and diversity of Chinese Christian texts produced in the 17th and 18th centuries. Following Zürcher's careful study and annotated full translation of <i>Kouduo richao</i> (Monumenta Serica Monograph Series LVI/1-2) the present work features a set of new findings beyond the endeavours of Zürcher and other scholars. With the key concept of Christian-Confucian dialogism it tells the intriguing story of Aleni's mission work and the thriving Christian communities in late Ming Fujian.</p><p></p>