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Asia's Religions: Christianity's Momentous Encounter with Paganism (Book/ Paperback)

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Here is a biblical key to understand and respond to the faiths of the teeming billions living in Asia today. Lit-Sen Chang, former promoter of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Zen, offers succinct summaries and biblically-based critiques of the traditional religions of Asia.

“Dr. Chang sets forth the relationship between the Word of God and theology, faith, society, history and culture. He makes a penetrating diagnosis of humanistic culture. Dr. Chang calls for a true revival of the church, and points the direction the church should take to accomplish her God-given mission.” – James Hudson Taylor III, from his Forward

“This is a book on apologetics, not theology; however, a careful reading will give the reader a strong foundation in the doctrines of God’s marvelous work of redemption, and other truths taught in Scripture. This is not a book on comparative religion; the conscientious reader will find clear expositions of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Islam.” – Stephen Chung-tao Chan, from his Forward

“The author’s first-hand knowledge of these religions enables him to speak from the experience of one who embraced them; similarly, when he uses philosophical terms, one may know that he has been a humanist, a materialist, and a relativist. He treats Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Islam from their sources, dogmatic teachings and implications, and then shows the weaknesses of these teachings with an attempt to present the Christian affirmations over against them.” – Harold J. Ockenga from his Forward

Lit-Sen Chang (1904-1996) was professor of missions at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and author of several books.

About the Author(s)

Dr. Lit-Sen Chang, Chinese apologist and theologian and scholar in Far Eastern philosophy, gave his life to the exposition and defense of the historic Christian faith. He was born in 1904 in China. From a young age he received a through education in the Confucian classics. As he witness his country on the verge of extinction, he cried out for national salvation through individual endeavor. He became a prolific writer. Dr. Chang graduated from Fu Tan University, Shanghai, and at age 21 became a university professor in Peking. He studied law at the Sorbonne and traveled to the universities of Europe in search of China's national salvation. He returned to China at 26, and was appointed professor at several leading universities. When Japan invaded China in 1937, Dr. Chang was recruited to important positions in the Nationalist Party, the National Government and the Supreme National Defense Council. After China's victory in 1945, he won a seat to the Parliament of the Republic of China.Confronted by complex social ills in China, Dr. Change realized that the way to peace and national strength lay in the human heart. He immersed himself in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. He felt called to regenerate Chinese culture and the religions of the East. He planned to visit India and strategize with scholars there to revive the traditional religions of Asia. At that point he heard the gospel, repented of his sin and committed his life to Jesus Christ. He gave up all his ambitions and studied at Gordon Divinity School. He was 53 by that time. He graduated summa cum laude, and served as professor of missions for many years. He was honored with Doctor of Literature degree from Wheaton College, and as "Distinguished Lecturer in Missions Emeritu" by Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. God Called Dr. Chang to the propagation of the Christian faith through literature. He wrote day and night in order to "give the reason for the hope" within us, and to "contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints". Dr. Chang boldly proclaimed the infinite God of the Bible, and critiqued humanistic thinking East and West. He lived a simple and diligent life, tirelessly writing with no regard for return or reward. His works in Chinese and English totaled over eighty volumes. His mature thought is seen in the four-volume Apologetics and the eight-volume Systematic Theology. These are not only valued for their scholarship, but form a unique treasure for the Body of Christ, as they edify the reader's heart and inform the mind. *From China Horizon.