Review article
Matteo Ricci, Missionary in China - a Friendly Encounter Between Two Cultures and Spiritualities. On the Occasion of the 400th Anniversary of his Death
Vladimir Ćepulić
; Fakultet elektrotehnike i računalstva, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The Jesuit Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) is deeply held in respect by both contemporary China and the Catholic Church: China celebrates him as the first to bring and spread important knowledge from the West and also as a friend; the Church, as the apostle of China, who, borne by love for souls, totally devoted himself to the spreading of Christianity in China. Through him as intermediary, the first true encounter and mutual acquaintanceship between the cultures of the West and Far East occurred in an atmosphere of friendship and respect, at that. Ricci acquainted China with the spiritual values of Christianity and European culture, but also with knowledge from the fields of mathematics, astronomy and geography as well as the technological achievements of the West. On the other hand, Ricci revealed to the West the hitherto unknown, rich and diverse ancient Chinese culture, particularly the ethical heritage of Confucianism. In our time, as China becomes increasingly involved in world events, while returning to its Confucian roots, and as the West suffers an identity crisis, the persona of Matteo Ricci, or Li Madou as he is called in China, gives testimony to the fact that mutual friendship between worlds of diverse cultures is the path toward a communion which enriches all.
Keywords
Matteo Ricci; Jesuits; inculturation; China; Chinese culture; Confucianism; Christianity; missions
Hrčak ID:
61944
URI
Publication date:
16.12.2010.
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