Spread the Learning of Heaven, and Be a upright person’, study on Louis Buglio (1606-1682)  and Chaoxing xueyao (Summa Theologica)

 

Catholic Missionaries tried to spread Christianity by translating the philosophical works of Aristotle (BC. 384-BC. 322), either directly or indirectly using Aristotelian philosophy in their writings in Chinese during late Ming and early Qing dynasties. These Chinese translations of Aristotle’s works were an important part of Western Learning in China, and had a profound impact on the thought world of the late Ming and early Qing. The most prominent work was Chaoxing xueyao, which was the Chinese translation of Summa Theologica by Li Leisi (Louis Buglio, 1606-1682). At first, this article briefly explores the missionary experience of Louis Buglio in China. Then it studies on Louis Buglio’s personal social-net, writings in Chinese and the thought of defending Christianity among these writings. Thirdly, it analyzes the different editions, main contents and features of Chaoxing xueyao. At last, it concludes with the historical influences of Chaoxing xueyao on the thought world in China. This article points out that the most part of Chinese writings of Louis Buglio are types of religious texts including theology and ritual. He translated Summa Theologica into Chinese which aimed to defend and debate Christianity on reason and western philosophical tradition. Although the effect of defending on Christianity was restricted because of different thoughts and cultural tradition between China and the West, Louis Buglio’s contribution to the translation of Summa Theologica is indelible.

Key words: Louis Buglio (1606-1682), Chaoxing xueyao (Summa Theologica), Apologist

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