The Authorities for a jingdian (Classic) to become a jing (Canon) in the Chinese Context

Abstract

Abstract: The Bible has been translated as Shengjing (the Holy Canon) in Chinese, but during recent years some Confucian scholars have questioned the reasonability of classifying the Bible as “Holy” and “canon”. Thus, it is crucial to define what a jing (canon) is and why a jing (canon) holds authority. After an analysis on the concepts of Canons and the study of Canons in Chinese and Western Contexts, the present author draws a contrast between the Confucian Canons in the light of Western studies and the Western Canons in the light of Confucianism. He will come to the conclusion that the key to understanding these two traditions and their studies of Canons lies in the authority that elevates a classic into a Canon. It is to say, where does the authority come from? Is it a divine revelation from the top-down or a human exploration from the bottom-up？This determines whether the authority of a Canon is metaphysically absolute, eternal and unchangeable. If not, is it physically relative, temporal, and changeable instead? This is an essential issue for emphasizing the importance of reading Confucian Canons today and for promoting Confucianism in the West. Its answer will either defend or challenge to its legality. Key Words: Canon; the study of Canons; the Western Studies; Confucianism; Authority