The original paper was presented at the Australian Meditation Conference at Melbourne, Jul 2018. ... more The original paper was presented at the Australian Meditation Conference at Melbourne, Jul 2018. It forms part of a future project for a comparative study of Christian and Chinese Meditation.
The essay compares the historical, philosophical and linguistics-metaphorical underpinings of TCM... more The essay compares the historical, philosophical and linguistics-metaphorical underpinings of TCM vs Galenic-Modern Medicine, and how these metaphysical structures influences their respective conceptualisations of etiology and therapy. It argues further that a proper grasp of these underlying issues is necessary before a proper and respectful dialogue between the two medical traditions can take place.
This is the handout for the paper delivered at the International CHinese Philosophy Conference at NTU, Jul 2017. Unfortunately, I have yet to work out the final form of the paper. Hopefully soon!
Chrysostom has often been regarded as a member of the School of Antioch and disciple of Diodore o... more Chrysostom has often been regarded as a member of the School of Antioch and disciple of Diodore of Tarsus. In this paper (well outline), I propose instead that we should pay careful attention to Chrysostom's relationships with his friends and those whom he perceive as enemies to assess his theological allegiance. Based on his Trinitarian teachings in Baptistmal Instructions (given here) and in his Homilies against the Anomeans (hopefully by the final paper), it will be seen that there are far more theological continuities between Meletius (his Bishop and mentor) and Chrysostom. Both affirm the primacy of faith before understanding, a doctrine of incomprehensibility, a Neo-Nicene cum Eusebian understanding of Begottenness, and adoption of hypostasis as a safeguard against Sabellianism. More intriguingly, his unitive Christology sharply contradicts that of Diodore and calls into question the influence of the Bishop of Tarsus on him.
Introductory Chapter to a book project where we evaluate Chinese Medicine from a Christian Perspe... more Introductory Chapter to a book project where we evaluate Chinese Medicine from a Christian Perspective, taking into account historical and philosophical developments in Greek philosophy, medicine, biomedicine and Chinese philosophy cum medicine
By the time Augustine read the Life of Antony in 386, the biography had already become an interna... more By the time Augustine read the Life of Antony in 386, the biography had already become an international best seller in the Roman Empire. Translated twice into Latin and read in places as far off as Milan and Syrian Antioch, the Egyptian Life also proved to be a significant influence upon hagiographical writing in the late fourth century, the most notable example being the Lives of St Jerome. Consequently, scholars have often taken it to represent the dominant paradigm for sainthood in fourth-century Christianity and the centuries that followed. But is this assumption tenable? The Life of Antony would in all likelihood be read only by the educated elite or by ascetic circles in the Church, and was hardly accessible to the ordinary Christian. More importantly, hagiographical discourse in the fourth century was not restricted to biographies, but pervaded all sorts of Christian literature. This is certainly the case with the writings of St John Chrysostom (c. 349—407), who often present...
Chrysostom has often been regarded as an Antiochene theologian, who is more a pastor and moralist... more Chrysostom has often been regarded as an Antiochene theologian, who is more a pastor and moralist than a serious theologian. When we study his Chrysostom’s Trinitarian doctrine, in the context of the Eusebian-Meletian traditions, a different picture emerges. Firstly, he has a well-thought-out theological epistemology and structure. His prioritisation of faith before reason, doctrine of divine incomprehensibility, endorsement of the Nicene homoousios formula, and use of hypostatic language as a safeguard against Sabellianism are strong evidence that he was operating within the Eusebian-Meletian lineages. Secondly, the ease by which he uses Eusebian and Homoian expressions indicates that he has embraced Meletius’ reconciling stance. Most intriguingly, his Christological departure from Diodore calls into question his indebtedness to his teacher. When all these are taken into account, Chrysostom should be better understood as a Neo-Nicene Eusebian-Meletian theologian rather than a repre...
One of the most prevalent features in John Chrysostom’s writings is his numerous portrayals of ex... more One of the most prevalent features in John Chrysostom’s writings is his numerous portrayals of exemplar figures. In this thesis, we will argue that these exemplar portraits are largely determined by the literary strategies and analytical frameworks propounded by two major traditions: the Greco-Roman tradition of paideia, philosophical ethics, biography and rhetoric, and the Christian tradition. When due attention is paid to the strategies of exemplar discourse in both traditions, a hermeneutics of exemplar portraits may be developed. Such a hermeneutical approach will not only elucidate Chrysostom’s pedagogical and ideological objectives for these portraits, but, more importantly, deepen our understanding of his ethics and theology as a whole. As our analysis of his portrayals of King David, the apostle Paul, Christian ascetics and martyrs show us, Chrysostom’s ethical framework is greatly indebted to the Greco-Roman tradition of virtue ethics. Furthermore, the approaches that Chrys...
The last two decades have seen extensive research on the Trinitarian theologies of several post-N... more The last two decades have seen extensive research on the Trinitarian theologies of several post-Nicene Fathers. Not much, however, has been done for John Chrysostom. Thomas Karman and Pak-Wah Lai have demonstrated separately that Chrysostom shares several theological beliefs with the Eusebian-Meletians, including the doctrine of divine incomprehensibility, and their anti-Sabellian concerns. Stylianos Papadopoulos has claimed further that Chrysostom is a successor of both Athanasius and the Cappadocians’ teachings. Among the Cappadocians, it was Basil of Caesarea who first allied himself with the Meletians in the 370s. This makes him a prime candidate for examining Chrysostom’s reception of Cappadocian theology. We observe, first of all, that both bishops operate within the Meletian tradition, employing a wide range of Eusebian motifs to denote the Trinitarian relations, including the use of hypostatic language as a safeguard against Sabellianism. Both also assume God’s nature as i...
This is a chapter in the book John Chrysostom: Past, Present & Future by
AIOCS Press’ webpage (... more This is a chapter in the book John Chrysostom: Past, Present & Future by
AIOCS Press’ webpage ( https://aiocs.net/category/publications/).
The book is available from AIOC website..
We shall survey the rich spiritual legacy of British Christianity from its Roman-Ango Saxon Roots... more We shall survey the rich spiritual legacy of British Christianity from its Roman-Ango Saxon Roots, Cistercian medieval spiritual traditions, English-Scottish Reformation teachings, to the Great Awakenings, 19th century Historical criticism, and the Inklings (including C S Lewis & Tolkein)
In his Problems of Dostoevsky's Poetics, Mikhail Bakhtin argues that a Dostoevskian novel is poly... more In his Problems of Dostoevsky's Poetics, Mikhail Bakhtin argues that a Dostoevskian novel is polyphonic when each of its characters is portrayed as ideologist in his own right. Moreover, since an idea is dialogical in nature, a character's ideas are best expressed in the course of his dialogues with his interlocutors, both explicit and implicit. What emerges then is, what Bakhtin calls, 'an image of an idea', where the character's ideology, along with its multi-varied accents, is well illustrated. As communal liturgical texts, martyr stories are most likely to be polyphonic and should therefore be amendable also to Bakhtin's hermeneutical analysis. This is demonstrated in our examination of the first seven chapters of the Martyrdom of Polycarp. Here, what we encounter is neither a mere historical narrative nor a text fraught with redac-tions. Rather, the Act is no less than an ideological exploration of the image of evan-gelical martyrdom, an exploration which would take on a life of its own as the narrator engages in constant dialogue with the potential questions, opinions or even misunderstandings of his interlocutors. And what one arrives at, at least in these preliminary chapters, is the recognition that evangelical martyrdom is not merely the nobility and endurance of the martyrs, or the glory of their suffering and triumphing for Christ. What is involved are also the questions and corresponding accents that emerge from this preliminary image, that is, how one might, on the one hand, discern and embrace God's will for martyrdom and, on the other, avoid the presumptuousness of voluntary martyrdom.
The original paper was presented at the Australian Meditation Conference at Melbourne, Jul 2018. ... more The original paper was presented at the Australian Meditation Conference at Melbourne, Jul 2018. It forms part of a future project for a comparative study of Christian and Chinese Meditation.
The essay compares the historical, philosophical and linguistics-metaphorical underpinings of TCM... more The essay compares the historical, philosophical and linguistics-metaphorical underpinings of TCM vs Galenic-Modern Medicine, and how these metaphysical structures influences their respective conceptualisations of etiology and therapy. It argues further that a proper grasp of these underlying issues is necessary before a proper and respectful dialogue between the two medical traditions can take place.
This is the handout for the paper delivered at the International CHinese Philosophy Conference at NTU, Jul 2017. Unfortunately, I have yet to work out the final form of the paper. Hopefully soon!
Chrysostom has often been regarded as a member of the School of Antioch and disciple of Diodore o... more Chrysostom has often been regarded as a member of the School of Antioch and disciple of Diodore of Tarsus. In this paper (well outline), I propose instead that we should pay careful attention to Chrysostom's relationships with his friends and those whom he perceive as enemies to assess his theological allegiance. Based on his Trinitarian teachings in Baptistmal Instructions (given here) and in his Homilies against the Anomeans (hopefully by the final paper), it will be seen that there are far more theological continuities between Meletius (his Bishop and mentor) and Chrysostom. Both affirm the primacy of faith before understanding, a doctrine of incomprehensibility, a Neo-Nicene cum Eusebian understanding of Begottenness, and adoption of hypostasis as a safeguard against Sabellianism. More intriguingly, his unitive Christology sharply contradicts that of Diodore and calls into question the influence of the Bishop of Tarsus on him.
Introductory Chapter to a book project where we evaluate Chinese Medicine from a Christian Perspe... more Introductory Chapter to a book project where we evaluate Chinese Medicine from a Christian Perspective, taking into account historical and philosophical developments in Greek philosophy, medicine, biomedicine and Chinese philosophy cum medicine
By the time Augustine read the Life of Antony in 386, the biography had already become an interna... more By the time Augustine read the Life of Antony in 386, the biography had already become an international best seller in the Roman Empire. Translated twice into Latin and read in places as far off as Milan and Syrian Antioch, the Egyptian Life also proved to be a significant influence upon hagiographical writing in the late fourth century, the most notable example being the Lives of St Jerome. Consequently, scholars have often taken it to represent the dominant paradigm for sainthood in fourth-century Christianity and the centuries that followed. But is this assumption tenable? The Life of Antony would in all likelihood be read only by the educated elite or by ascetic circles in the Church, and was hardly accessible to the ordinary Christian. More importantly, hagiographical discourse in the fourth century was not restricted to biographies, but pervaded all sorts of Christian literature. This is certainly the case with the writings of St John Chrysostom (c. 349—407), who often present...
Chrysostom has often been regarded as an Antiochene theologian, who is more a pastor and moralist... more Chrysostom has often been regarded as an Antiochene theologian, who is more a pastor and moralist than a serious theologian. When we study his Chrysostom’s Trinitarian doctrine, in the context of the Eusebian-Meletian traditions, a different picture emerges. Firstly, he has a well-thought-out theological epistemology and structure. His prioritisation of faith before reason, doctrine of divine incomprehensibility, endorsement of the Nicene homoousios formula, and use of hypostatic language as a safeguard against Sabellianism are strong evidence that he was operating within the Eusebian-Meletian lineages. Secondly, the ease by which he uses Eusebian and Homoian expressions indicates that he has embraced Meletius’ reconciling stance. Most intriguingly, his Christological departure from Diodore calls into question his indebtedness to his teacher. When all these are taken into account, Chrysostom should be better understood as a Neo-Nicene Eusebian-Meletian theologian rather than a repre...
One of the most prevalent features in John Chrysostom’s writings is his numerous portrayals of ex... more One of the most prevalent features in John Chrysostom’s writings is his numerous portrayals of exemplar figures. In this thesis, we will argue that these exemplar portraits are largely determined by the literary strategies and analytical frameworks propounded by two major traditions: the Greco-Roman tradition of paideia, philosophical ethics, biography and rhetoric, and the Christian tradition. When due attention is paid to the strategies of exemplar discourse in both traditions, a hermeneutics of exemplar portraits may be developed. Such a hermeneutical approach will not only elucidate Chrysostom’s pedagogical and ideological objectives for these portraits, but, more importantly, deepen our understanding of his ethics and theology as a whole. As our analysis of his portrayals of King David, the apostle Paul, Christian ascetics and martyrs show us, Chrysostom’s ethical framework is greatly indebted to the Greco-Roman tradition of virtue ethics. Furthermore, the approaches that Chrys...
The last two decades have seen extensive research on the Trinitarian theologies of several post-N... more The last two decades have seen extensive research on the Trinitarian theologies of several post-Nicene Fathers. Not much, however, has been done for John Chrysostom. Thomas Karman and Pak-Wah Lai have demonstrated separately that Chrysostom shares several theological beliefs with the Eusebian-Meletians, including the doctrine of divine incomprehensibility, and their anti-Sabellian concerns. Stylianos Papadopoulos has claimed further that Chrysostom is a successor of both Athanasius and the Cappadocians’ teachings. Among the Cappadocians, it was Basil of Caesarea who first allied himself with the Meletians in the 370s. This makes him a prime candidate for examining Chrysostom’s reception of Cappadocian theology. We observe, first of all, that both bishops operate within the Meletian tradition, employing a wide range of Eusebian motifs to denote the Trinitarian relations, including the use of hypostatic language as a safeguard against Sabellianism. Both also assume God’s nature as i...
This is a chapter in the book John Chrysostom: Past, Present & Future by
AIOCS Press’ webpage (... more This is a chapter in the book John Chrysostom: Past, Present & Future by
AIOCS Press’ webpage ( https://aiocs.net/category/publications/).
The book is available from AIOC website..
We shall survey the rich spiritual legacy of British Christianity from its Roman-Ango Saxon Roots... more We shall survey the rich spiritual legacy of British Christianity from its Roman-Ango Saxon Roots, Cistercian medieval spiritual traditions, English-Scottish Reformation teachings, to the Great Awakenings, 19th century Historical criticism, and the Inklings (including C S Lewis & Tolkein)
In his Problems of Dostoevsky's Poetics, Mikhail Bakhtin argues that a Dostoevskian novel is poly... more In his Problems of Dostoevsky's Poetics, Mikhail Bakhtin argues that a Dostoevskian novel is polyphonic when each of its characters is portrayed as ideologist in his own right. Moreover, since an idea is dialogical in nature, a character's ideas are best expressed in the course of his dialogues with his interlocutors, both explicit and implicit. What emerges then is, what Bakhtin calls, 'an image of an idea', where the character's ideology, along with its multi-varied accents, is well illustrated. As communal liturgical texts, martyr stories are most likely to be polyphonic and should therefore be amendable also to Bakhtin's hermeneutical analysis. This is demonstrated in our examination of the first seven chapters of the Martyrdom of Polycarp. Here, what we encounter is neither a mere historical narrative nor a text fraught with redac-tions. Rather, the Act is no less than an ideological exploration of the image of evan-gelical martyrdom, an exploration which would take on a life of its own as the narrator engages in constant dialogue with the potential questions, opinions or even misunderstandings of his interlocutors. And what one arrives at, at least in these preliminary chapters, is the recognition that evangelical martyrdom is not merely the nobility and endurance of the martyrs, or the glory of their suffering and triumphing for Christ. What is involved are also the questions and corresponding accents that emerge from this preliminary image, that is, how one might, on the one hand, discern and embrace God's will for martyrdom and, on the other, avoid the presumptuousness of voluntary martyrdom.
One of the most prevalent features in John Chrysostom’s writings is his numerous portrayals of ex... more One of the most prevalent features in John Chrysostom’s writings is his numerous portrayals of exemplar figures. In this thesis, we will argue that these exemplar portraits are largely determined by the literary strategies and analytical frameworks propounded by two major traditions: the Greco-Roman tradition of paideia, philosophical ethics, biography and rhetoric, and the Christian tradition. When due attention is paid to the strategies of exemplar discourse in both traditions, a hermeneutics of exemplar portraits may be developed. Such a hermeneutical approach will not only elucidate Chrysostom’s pedagogical and ideological objectives for these portraits, but, more importantly, deepen our understanding of his ethics and theology as a whole. As our analysis of his portrayals of King David, the apostle Paul, Christian ascetics and martyrs show us, Chrysostom’s ethical framework is greatly indebted to the Greco-Roman tradition of virtue ethics. Furthermore, the approaches that Chrysostom adopts to present his exemplars also rely heavily on the narrative strategies and rhetorical techniques bequeathed to him by the Late Antique biographical and rhetorical traditions. Having said this, the forms that his exemplar portraits take are also distinctively Christian because they declare powerfully Chrysostom’s soteriological convictions, namely, that Christian salvation is nothing less than the transcendence of one’s human limitations by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that one can participate in Christ’s deified life in the human body and live a life that is not dissimilar to the angels. In the case of his martyr portraits, the articulation of this soteriological and ethical vision would compel Chrysostom to introduce two innovations to his rhetorical approach, namely, the reconception of the martyr as an icon of God’s grace and power, and a new emphasis on his audiences’ identification, imitation and veneration of the martyr.
These are the materials for my AIEP Videos.
The materials for these two AIEP videos are drawn la... more These are the materials for my AIEP Videos.
The materials for these two AIEP videos are drawn largely from my article and book, Pak-Wah Lai and Diarra Boubacar Thiemoke, The Dao of healing (Singapore: Graceworks, 2018) and Pak-Wah Lai, ‘Comparing Patristic and Chinese Medical Anthropologies: Insights for Chinese Contextual Theology’, Studia Patristica 91, no. 17 (2017): 213–24, and a forthcoming booklet called Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine (Singapore: Graceworks, 2021).
These are the scripts for my AIEP Video lectures on the same topic.
The materials for these two... more These are the scripts for my AIEP Video lectures on the same topic.
The materials for these two AIEP videos are drawn largely from my article and book, Pak-Wah Lai and Diarra Boubacar Thiemoke, The Dao of healing (Singapore: Graceworks, 2018) and Pak-Wah Lai, ‘Comparing Patristic and Chinese Medical Anthropologies: Insights for Chinese Contextual Theology’, Studia Patristica 91, no. 17 (2017): 213–24, and a forthcoming booklet called Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine (Singapore: Graceworks, 2021).
This history tour will survey the historical, spiritual and physical landscape of the early Chris... more This history tour will survey the historical, spiritual and physical landscape of the early Christians (1 st to 16 th centuries) so that we may glean from them spiritual insights for living out our Christian lives in an increasingly technocratic and globalised world.-It includes (1) two pre-tour lectures on the history of Christianity (1 st to 16 th centuries); (2) introductions to the rich spiritual teachings of spiritual giants, such as the Apostle Paul, Augustine, Benedict of Nursia, and Francis of Assisi; (3) appreciating the role of Christian art through the centuries.
In commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, BGST is organizing a Chu... more In commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, BGST is organizing a Church History Tour in Germany and Switzerland.
Travelling from Berlin to Geneva, the tour will introduce Christians to the last 500 years of Christian History. Topics to be covered include the Reformations in Continental Europe, Anglican Church and Scotland and their legacies; insights from the Catholic Counter Reformation, the Impact of the Enlightenment on Christian life, the Spiritual Wisdom of German Pietism & English Puritanism, the Great Awakening (including Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield and the Wesleys/ Methodism) and evangelicalism, Christianity against the Nazis during the 2nd World War and the impact of the modern Protestant Missionary movements.
We will also spend some time soaking in the breath-taking scenery of the Black Forest, Rhine Falls and Lake Geneva.
This book comprises chapters by a group of eight scholars from Australia and two from abroad, aim... more This book comprises chapters by a group of eight scholars from Australia and two from abroad, aiming to offer fresh, interdenominational and interdisciplinary perspectives on the life, thought and legacy of one of the most influential preachers and theologians of early Christianity, John Chrysostom. The contributors to this volume utilise a range of methodologies, pertaining to the fields of theology, history, hermeneutics, spirituality, hagiography, pastoral studies and linguistics. The volume thus unveils the wide ranging significance for Western and Eastern Christianity of Chrysostom’s various contributions, within the immediate and distant contexts of these contributions.
Contributions by: Pauline Allen, Wendy Mayer, Adam Cooper, Daniel Anlezark, Pak-Wah Lai, Seumas Macdonald, Chris Baghos, Mario Baghos, Doru Costache
Should Christians use TCM? This question is commonly debated between Christians, particularly tho... more Should Christians use TCM? This question is commonly debated between Christians, particularly those living in Asia. Some object to TCM because they regard it as not 'medically proven'. Others reject it because of its supposed non-Christian roots. For many Chinese, however, TCM is based on the key pillars of Chinese philosophy. This, along with its usage over 2,000 years, means that TCM is often revered as an important cultural heritage. What is at stake is not only an alternative source of medicine, but how Christians should relate to their cultural traditions. The book and workshop will examine the theological and inter-disciplinary principles involved in evaluating Chinese medicine. Through the workshop, we hope that participants will not only develop a deeper appreciation of TCM, but also acquire the skills needed for engaging Chinese culture in general.
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Drafts by Pak-Wah Lai
This is the handout for the paper delivered at the International CHinese Philosophy Conference at NTU, Jul 2017. Unfortunately, I have yet to work out the final form of the paper. Hopefully soon!
The article is now published at: http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/18177565-00141p05
The book is now available for sale at https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/pastoral-resources/the-dao-of-healing/ and https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/ebook/the-dao-of-healing-ebook/
Ebook Also available arc kindle.
Papers by Pak-Wah Lai
AIOCS Press’ webpage ( https://aiocs.net/category/publications/).
The book is available from AIOC website..
This is the handout for the paper delivered at the International CHinese Philosophy Conference at NTU, Jul 2017. Unfortunately, I have yet to work out the final form of the paper. Hopefully soon!
The article is now published at: http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/18177565-00141p05
The book is now available for sale at https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/pastoral-resources/the-dao-of-healing/ and https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/ebook/the-dao-of-healing-ebook/
Ebook Also available arc kindle.
AIOCS Press’ webpage ( https://aiocs.net/category/publications/).
The book is available from AIOC website..
The materials for these two AIEP videos are drawn largely from my article and book, Pak-Wah Lai and Diarra Boubacar Thiemoke, The Dao of healing (Singapore: Graceworks, 2018) and Pak-Wah Lai, ‘Comparing Patristic and Chinese Medical Anthropologies: Insights for Chinese Contextual Theology’, Studia Patristica 91, no. 17 (2017): 213–24, and a forthcoming booklet called Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine (Singapore: Graceworks, 2021).
The materials for these two AIEP videos are drawn largely from my article and book, Pak-Wah Lai and Diarra Boubacar Thiemoke, The Dao of healing (Singapore: Graceworks, 2018) and Pak-Wah Lai, ‘Comparing Patristic and Chinese Medical Anthropologies: Insights for Chinese Contextual Theology’, Studia Patristica 91, no. 17 (2017): 213–24, and a forthcoming booklet called Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine (Singapore: Graceworks, 2021).
Travelling from Berlin to Geneva, the tour will introduce Christians to the last 500 years of Christian History. Topics to be covered include the Reformations in Continental Europe, Anglican Church and Scotland and their legacies; insights from the Catholic Counter Reformation, the Impact of the Enlightenment on Christian life, the Spiritual Wisdom of German Pietism & English Puritanism, the Great Awakening (including Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield and the Wesleys/ Methodism) and evangelicalism, Christianity against the Nazis during the 2nd World War and the impact of the modern Protestant Missionary movements.
We will also spend some time soaking in the breath-taking scenery of the Black Forest, Rhine Falls and Lake Geneva.
Contributions by: Pauline Allen, Wendy Mayer, Adam Cooper, Daniel Anlezark, Pak-Wah Lai, Seumas Macdonald, Chris Baghos, Mario Baghos, Doru Costache
https://aiocs.net/john-chrysostom-past-present-future/
// Book review by Carole Cusack in Journal of Religious History 42:2 (2018) 275
https://www.academia.edu/36790042/Review_of_Doru_Costache_and_Mario_Baghos_eds_John_Chrysostom_Past_Present_Future
See: https://www.amazon.com/Dao-Healing-Christian-Perspectives-Medicine-ebook/dp/B07H2B3SSX/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=dao+of+healing&qid=1556361762&s=gateway&sr=8-1