LAUSR

The book represents a complex engagement not only between Christianity and Chinese culture, but how these, in turn, inform Yang’s interest in literary theory. What results is an eclectic journey seen through a set of theoretical literary lenses that provide depth and insight into the engagement of Chinese Christianity and academic reflection. These provide the reader with insight as to why Christianity has become a compelling religious, ethical and intellectual force in China today. Yang’s portrayal implies that Christianity is no longer simply the province of foreigners, but a serious conversation partner at the highest levels of the Chinese academies. This not only allows the possibility of Christianity’s contribution to wider society, it also exposes many of the weaknesses of Christian faith and intellectual endeavour in China today. Though every chapter makes for informative reading, this reader found Yang’s literary theory and scriptural reasoning particularly interesting. In these chapters Yang lays out the possibilities of the development of a ‘SinoChristian’ theology. Yang’s nuanced handling of Chinese and non-Chinese theorists make this volume especially valuable. For those interested in the relationship between Christianity, literary theory and ethics in China, Yang’s work provides ample evidence of the growing maturity and gravity of Christian intellectual discourse. Yang’s work offers a refreshing and insightful commentary on Christianity in China, with its changing and growing intellectual engagement. As such, China, Christianity and the Question of Culture is an important work that reflects Christianity coming of age in contemporary China. Thomas Harvey Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, St Philip and St James Church, Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 6HR [email protected]