Seeking Justice in the Midst of War: The Experience of War for Chinese Christians as Revealed in The True Light Review, 1937–1941. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwok, Wai Luen
• Is Part Of: Studies in world Christianity. Volume 24:Part 3(2018)
• Page Start: 234
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Chinese Christian periodicals -- civilian war experience -- theology of resistance -- justice -- just war -- Reinhold Niebuhr -- H. Richard Niebuhr; Christianity and culture; 270.83
• DOI: 10.3366/swc.2018.0229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-9901

Abstract

Abstract : This paper aims to offer a critique of the traditional just war theory and pacifist claims through analysing how Chinese Christians as civilians sought a sense of justice in the midst of war through the medium of a Christian periodical. During 1937 to 1941, The True Light Review was edited and published in the isolated Shanghai International Settlement. Through a dialogue with the debate of the Niebuhr brothers on just war, I argue that the literary discourses in The True Light Review are a kind of 'realistic ethic' used to seek an understanding of justice in the midst of war and violence. They show us that, from a world Christianity perspective, the traditional just war and pacifism dichotomy has its limitation. They lead us to propose a new understanding of Christian justice in war.