Work

The Introducing, Adapting and Practicing of Catholic Notion of Works of Mercy in China in the Early 17th Century

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the initial phase of their mission in late Ming China, Jesuits particularly emphasized the ethical and charitable facets of Catholicism, aligning them with Confucian ethics to garner acceptance and support from the scholar-official class. This strategic adaptation is evident in their introduction of works of mercy to China and their translation of “works of mercy” into the Confucian term aijin (哀矜, compassion or mercy), highlighting parallels between Catholic notion of works of mercy and the Confucian concept of ren (仁, benevolence). Chinese Catholic literati embraced this introduction, perceiving works of mercy as complementary to and enhancing Confucian charitable traditions. To implement this notion, some Catholic literati established charitable societies named renhui (仁會, humanitarian society) with distinct Catholic influences, engaging in social-assistance activities guided by the principles of works of mercy. This integration of the Catholic notion of works of mercy within Chinese moral frameworks exemplifies Jesuits’ efforts to bridge Catholicism with Confucianism in late Ming China.

Source: Religions

DOI: 10.3390/rel16020211

Author: Xuliang Sun

Institution: Huaqiao University

Language: English

Topic: Chinese history and philosophy

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172

Funder: Huaqiao University