"Debating Transcendence is a groundbreaking contribution to the ongoing dialogue between Confucian and Christian thought by addressing the transcendence debate-a key controversy that has shaped centuries of cross-cultural intellectual exchange. Song examines whether the Confucian concept of Tian (Heaven) or Taiji (Ultimate Limit) possesses a transcendent dimension comparable to Christian understandings of the Creator God. This study revisits the historical and philosophical roots of the debate, tracing its evolution from early interactions between Confucianism and Christianity during the sixteenth century to present-day discussions."
"Grounded in a scientifically rigorous methodology that transcends the conceptual boundaries of philosophy, religion, and theology, this new approach balances rootedness and impartiality, minimizing biases and revealing shared ground. Covering essential thinkers from the West and the East-such as Plato, Augustine, Descartes, and Paul Tillich alongside Confucius, Laozi, Wang Bi, and Zhu Xi-Song explores the historical development of key concepts such as creatio ex nihilo (creation out of nothing) and sheng (birth birth), challenging misconceptions and highlighting underexplored commonalities and differences."
The transcendence debate asks whether the Confucian Tian or Taiji possess a transcendent dimension comparable to the Christian Creator God. Historical and philosophical roots extend from sixteenth-century Confucian-Christian encounters to contemporary exchanges. A Confucian definition of theology and a Confucian comparative-theological method are proposed, employing a scientifically rigorous methodology that crosses philosophy, religion, and theology while balancing rootedness and impartiality. Canonical Western and Eastern thinkers—Plato, Augustine, Descartes, Paul Tillich, Confucius, Laozi, Wang Bi, Zhu Xi—are examined to trace concepts such as creatio ex nihilo and sheng, challenging misconceptions and highlighting shared ground and distinct metaphysical commitments.
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