Christian History; Vietnamese Religion; Christian encounter; Confucianism; Buddhism; Daoism
摘要
Though a minority religion in Vietnam, Christianity has constituted a significant presence in the country since its arrival in the sixteenth century. This translation and analytical study of a 1752 document entitled Tam Giáo Chư Vọng [Errors of the Three Religions] adds to the knowledge of its early history within its cultural and religious contexts. This anonymous manuscript paints a rich picture of the three traditional Vietnamese religions (Tam Giáo), i.e., Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. Aiming at the new converts, the writer describes the “errors” (Chư Vọng) of these traditional beliefs and religious practices and provides an apologetics for the Christian doctrines. Structured as a dialogue between a Christian priest and a Confucian scholar, the work explains and evaluates many religious customs and rituals of eighteenth-century Vietnam—many of which are still in practice today. In addition, it contains a trove of information on the challenges and struggles that Vietnamese Christian converts had to face in following the new faith. Beside its enormous historical value for studies on Vietnamese religions, language, and culture, this manuscript raises contemporary and highly complex issues concerning the encounter between Christianity and other religions, Christian missions, religious pluralism, interreligious dialogue, and the dialogue between Christianity and cultures.
目次
Front Matter Copyright Page Dedication Acknowledgments Preface Abbreviations Introduction
Part One Errors of the Three Religions in Context 1 When the Cross Met the Lotus: Catholic Mission in Tonkin During the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries 2 Text and Context: Errors of the Three Religions 3 Of Gods and Heroes: Worship in Traditional Vietnam 4 In the Realm of the Dead: Filial Piety and Ancestral Worship 5 Refutation and Dialogue: Christianity vis-à-vis the Three Religions Conclusion
Part Two Errors of the Three Religions {p. i} Errors of the Three Religions: Preface Book 1: The Errors of Confucianism: Preface Book 2: {p. 95} The Errors of Daoism: Preface Book 3: {p. 141 (231)} The Errors of Buddhism: Preface End Matter Appendix A Adriano di Santa Thecla’s Opusculum Appendix B Glossary of Sino-Vietnamese Terms Used in the Translation Bibliography Index
