Acknowledgments
This book represents the revised edition of my doctoral dissertation completed at Fuller Theological Seminary. Commencing my doctoral studies at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully defending the dissertation within three and a half years, despite experiencing a period of hospitalization, I can only express my gratitude to God in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit for the triune mercy!
I am thankful to the series editors, Professors Kirsteen Kim (Fuller Theological Seminary), Stephen B. Bevans (Catholic Theological Union), and Miikka Ruokanen (University of Helsinki), for their encouragement to publish my book. I would also like to thank Ms. Elizabeth Bento and the Brill staff for their support throughout the editorial and publication process. I am grateful to Professor Zhu Donghua
The faithful prayers and petitions of the churches and fellow Christians have continually inspired me to “fight the good fight” (2 Tim. 4:6, Recovery Version) by following the patterns of God’s faithful slaves, Andrew Yu
Words cannot fully express my gratitude toward my mentor, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, who has been a role model in scholarship, teaching, and mentoring since 2010, when I started to pursue a master’s degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. His uncommon insight and timely guidance have been indispensable to my advancement in doctoral study. Amos Yong, who led me into the depths of theology-science-religion trialogue, has also made an indelible mark on my research with his unusually sharp feedback on my dissertation. Diane Obenchain has been a constant inspiration to me with her expertise in “everything Chinese” and her deep love for the Chinese people and their culture.
Parts of a few chapters in this book are based on my previously published materials. I am grateful to the editors and publishers for permission to reuse the following for this volume:
The Institute for the Study of Christianity in an Age of Science and Technology (ISCAST): “Christianity’s Earliest Encounter with the Ancient Techno-Scientific China: Critical Lessons from Jingjiao’s Approach,” Christian Perspectives on Science and Technology, New Series 2, no. 1 (2023): 80–103, https://doi.org/10.58913/UJZZ2394.
The Center for the Study of Religion and Chinese Society of Shanghai University: “‘No Distinction between Contemplating the Created Realities and Contemplating the One God’: The Earliest Chinese Natural Theology,” Journal of the Study on Religion and History 1, no. 1 (2025): 62–74.
This monograph cannot be accomplished without the unrelenting support of my wife, Bethel, and our daughter, Shulammite. Their patience, love, and sacrifices made this work possible.
Jacob Chengwei Feng
Arcadia, CA, USA
June 16, 2025