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Theodao (Theology of Dao), developed by Heup Young Kim, is a theological framework that integrates Christian theology with East Asian wisdom traditions, particularly Confucianism and Daoism. This approach emphasizes harmony, balance, and the interconnectedness of all life, addressing contemporary spiritual and moral challenges through a holistic perspective.
Core Concepts
1. Theodao (Theology of Dao)
Theodao combines Christian theology with the Dao, a central concept in East Asian thought that represents the ultimate way or path of existence. It seeks to harmonize spiritual insights from Confucianism and Daoism with Christian teachings, providing more ecological, ethical, and integrated theological perspectives. In global theology, a significant challenge has been the prolonged dichotomy between theoretical theological discourse (theo-logos) and its practical application (theo-praxis), namely between classical and liberationist theologies. As Dao literally denotes the unity of knowing and acting, theodao proposes a synthesis of these prolonged divisions. [Orbis]
2. Christo-dao
Christo-dao interprets Jesus Christ through the lens of the Dao, viewing him as the embodiment of this ultimate Way (John 14:6). This interpretation presents Christ as a cosmic principle that aligns with the natural order, promoting harmony and balance in the universe.[CCA]
3. Trinitarian Dao
Trinitarian Dao reinterprets the Christian doctrine of the Trinity using East Asian philosophical perspectives. It draws parallels between the relational dynamics within the Trinity and the interconnectedness (Taiji) emphasized in Neo-Confucianism and Daoism, suggesting a harmonious interplay between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.[Cambridge]
4. Eco-dao
Eco-dao focuses on ecological theology, integrating the Daoian and Neo-Confucian respect for nature with Christian ecological ethics. It advocates for environmental stewardship and recognizes the interconnectedness of all life (the-anthropo-cosmic vision), aligning both Daoian, Neo-Confucian, and Christian teachings on the natural world. [Bloomsbury]
5. Bio-dao
Bio-dao extends Theodao principles to bioethics, addressing issues related to human life and biotechnology. It considers the ethical implications of advancements like stem cell research, emphasizing harmony and respect for life as central ethical frameworks.[Congress of Philosophy]
6. Technodao
Technodao explores the relationship between technology, humanity, and spirituality. It examines how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and transhumanism can be integrated into a theological framework that respects the Dao, promoting technological advancements that align with principles of harmony, balance, and the well-being of all creation. [Sightings] [Praeger]
Key References
"A Theology of Dao" (2017)
This foundational book outlines the integration of Daoian and Confucian principles with Christian theology, addressing ecological, ethical, and spiritual issues. It is central to understanding the Theodaoian framework.[Reading Religion] [Catholic Bookreview]
"Christ and the Tao" (2003)
This work explores the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Dao, proposing a new paradigm for understanding Christian theology through Daoian philosophy.[Theology Today]
"Wang Yangming and Karl Barth: A Confucian-Christian Dialogue" (1996)
A comparative study that highlights the ethical and philosophical intersections between Confucian and Christian thought illustrates the synthesis crucial to Theodao. [[JSTOR]
Conclusion
Theodao represents a significant effort to bridge Western and East Asian spiritual traditions. By integrating the wisdom of Christian, Confucian, and Daoian thought, the theodaoian framework offers new ways to address contemporary spiritual and moral challenges through a holistic and ecological perspective.
References
edit1. Heup Young Kim, A Theology of Dao (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2017). 2. Heup Young Kim, Christ and the Tao (Hong Kong: Christian Conference of Asia, 2003; reprinted by Wipf & Stock, 2010). 3. Heup Young Kim, Wang Yang-ming and Karl Barth: A Confucian-Christian Dialogue (Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1996) 4. Heup Young Kim, "The Tao in Confucianism and Taoism: the Trinity in East Asian Perspective,” in The Cambridge Companion to the Trinity, ed. Peter C. Phan (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011), 293-308. 5. Heup Young Kim,“Cyborg, Sage, and Saint: Transhumanism as Seen from an East Asian Theological Setting,” in Religion and Transhumanism: The Unknown Future of Human Enhancement, eds. Calvin Mercer and Tracy J. Trothen (Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 2014), 97-114. 6. Heup Young Kim, “Perfecting Humanity in Confucianism and Transhumanism,” in Religious Transhumanism and Its Critics, eds. Arvin Gouw, Brian Patrick Green, and Ted Peters (Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2022), 101-112. 7. Heup Young Kim, “Theo-dao: Integrating Ecological Consciousness in Daoism, Confucianism, and Christian Theology,” in The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Religion and Ecology, ed. John Hart (Oxford: Wiley Blackwell, 2017), 104-114. 8. Heup Young Kim, “Eco-Dao: An Ecological Theology of Dao,” in The Bloomsbury Handbook of Religion and Nature: The Elements, eds. Laura Hobgood and Whitney Bauman (London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2018), 99-108. 9. Heup Young Kim, "Biblical Reading on a Theology of Dao,” in The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in Korea, ed. Won W. Lee (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2022), 147-160. 10. Heup Young Kim, “Creation and Dao,” in T&T Clark Handbook to the Doctrine of Creation, ed Jason Goroncy (T&T Clark, 2024).