During last weekend’s Chinese New Year church service, we were introduced to the origins of ancient Chinese characters.
Interestingly, Chinese characters have been around for more than 4,500 years and are made up of picture symbols called radicals.
When examined, the different combinations of the radicals point to biblical truths, and suggest the ancient Chinese ‘Shang Di’ (上帝), who was referred to as the Ruler above all, was the same God (Yahweh) worshipped by the people of Israel.
Find out more on Chinese characters- God’s language here>>>
上帝’s love has no boundaries
With Christianity commonly regarded as a western religion in Asia, tracing back this roots of Chinese actually debunks this notion. And I believe this notion is particularly adopted by our elders or baby boomers.
Personally, I am really bowled over by the amazing love of 上帝. I was reminded about His common grace for mankind and was moved for His pursuing love for me.
No one loves me like He does. Even when I did not acknowledge Him as my God during my pre-believing days, He never stopped loving me.
Just like how He left His imprints of His unwavering love through the timeless Chinese characters to reach out to us, He also did the same to me with the various events that had happened in my life.
I love you 上帝.
Andrew: Inside & Insights 
Hey Andrew,
how’s it going?
I’ll totally agree that last week’s service is really quite interesting, though I couldn’t help being a bit skeptical.
Personally, I won’t go outright to say that it is really a God-incident, but there are several books out there that talks about this topic. But his point about the Chinese civilisation worshipping a “Shang Ti” is really quite amazing.
I can’t wait for next week’s sermon about Kang Xi though 🙂
That’s Awesome!! Its so cool to see how God implants Himself in plain sight.
Happy New Year!!!
Terence:
Historically, it seems possible especially at the point where the human race was scattered during the building of the Tower of Babal.
Which may explain how the Chinese race and language emerged with them carrying the stories of creation to form the ancient Chinese characters.
On a logically standpoint, what are the chances of the Chinese characters depicting biblical truths so accurately?
Another perspective which is my personal opinion is how God is and has been moving in China all these while.
From a political standpoint, I believe the emergence of China as a powerhouse is no coincidence, but all part of God’s plan towards winning the world.
What are your thoughts on these points? 🙂
Lastly, though like you I’m also skeptical, but I guess it shouldn’t bother us that much as it is non-doctrinal. This Chinese characters stuff should only be used as a tool to illustrate the gospel.
hey mate, I really think there is some God links there.
At some point, the Chinese along with every early society would have known at least some Biblical truths and history. They just would strayed from those truths just as we ALL have. As time went by “newer” teachings and ideas would have replaced the “old”.
As part of my degree, I chose to do an assignment on Taoism and the Tao Te Ching, in the process I found many strong links to the Bible. Obviously the parallels were minimal overall, but I do believe that at one point they knew the one and only true God, and then they allowed other things to warp their beliefs.
It really made me think about how I might let false ideas about God creep into my doctrine. A little bit here and there might not seem like much, but after a while its possible to have a really skewed view of God. I guess thats why Paul warns the churches so many times to be careful of false doctrines.
According to the book – “God and the Ancient Chinese”, El Shaddai –> ShangDi (上帝). After the human race were scattered. Abraham went to his way, and call God – El Shaddai, same as the Chinese ancestror, Yao and Shun who called God – Shangdi. The word Yahweh was first used in Moses’ time. Abraham, Issac and Jacob called Him – El Shaddai.
Dao De Jing:
Dao (the way) can be told but is not the ordinary Dao.
Thae name of that Dao can also be given, but that is not the ordinary name as well.
I do not know whose Son He is, He was before any king.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. (John 1:1-4).
Jesus told his disciples, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Jesus says, “before Abraham was, I Am (John 8:58).
William:
Thanks for the added input 🙂