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Abstract
In this paper, I will discuss Jürgen Moltmann's eschatological ecclesiology with reference to two themes so as to explore the mission of the Chinese church in the contemporary context. They are, firstly, eschatological hope and the exodus church; and secondly, the Holy Spirit and the mission of the Chinese church for a deeper integration of Christian faith and Chinese culture. I will start by arguing that the present political combination of ancient Chinese culture and the communist revolutionary idea of "leading everything" are at odds with Moltmann's ecological conception of equilibrium and progress. It is a realized eschatology rather than Christian eschatological hope. By becoming an exodus church with eschatological hope, the Chinese church can keep a critical distance from any version of realized eschatology while demonstrating solidarity with its neighbors. In Moltmann's thought the eschatological messianic hope of the church is realized in a charismatic ecclesiology. Prioritizing an ecclesiology of eschatological hope in the Holy Spirit over an ecclesiology heavily shaped by Logos Christology can help the church gain new perspective and vision for its mission in Chinese society.
Keywords: hope, ecclesiology, Jürgen Moltmann, Chinese church, Christianity and culture
1. THE CHINESE DREAM AND MOLTMANN'S DISCUSSION OF CHINESE CULTURE
Moltmann has praised the recent economic and technological advancements that have transformed China into a modern state.1 For Moltmann, equilibrium and progress are two important themes to understand the modern Chinese culture.2 Moltmann suggested that the traditional Chinese culture, especially its political thought, is a projection of a natural harmonious equilibrium. Everything in the society co-depends on each other in an ecological balance. This equilibrium reflects the "Tian Dao ...."3 Since the early twentieth century Chinese culture has been dominated by Marxism and the industrial revolution, and therefore it has rejected the traditional worldview of natural equilibrium. Marxism and the industrial mode of thought taught Chinese intellectuals and leaders to view the world as "history," meaning that it is believed to develop progressively in a linear way. In the historical progression, people should struggle with the natural and human constraints that hinder progress and try to overcome them.4 Moltmann clearly expressed his deep concern for the aggressiveness and destructiveness of such progressive historicism.5 He suggested that industrial progressive historicism should learn the wisdom of...