Revd. Lunfei Liu

Email: ll801@cam.ac.uk

PhD Student in Theology and Religious Studies

Supervisor: Dr. Ximian Simeon Xu

College Affiliation: Lucy Cavendish College

Thesis Introduction

My doctoral research explores the contextualization of Reformed theology in Chinese culture through the lens of Reformed Humanism. Building on David Fergusson’s concept of Reformed Humanism, I argue that it offers a constructive theological methodology: God-centered yet dialogical, maintaining a critical openness to cultural traditions while rooted in Reformed convictions. My project examines how Reformed Humanism can engage core Chinese cultural concepts—shame, community, and virtue—long shaped by Confucian thought but still profoundly influencing Chinese Christians today. Specifically, I propose a Sino-Reformed theological framework that both critiques and redeems these cultural dynamics, helping the church articulate the gospel more faithfully in its cultural context. The study interacts with historical Confucian-Christian dialogues (e.g., T.C. Chao, Wu Leichuan), while demonstrating how Reformed theology’s principles of common grace, covenantal community, and continual reformation speak meaningfully into the Chinese cultural soil. The methodology is interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and systematic, aiming to contribute academically to Sino-theology while equipping the church for cultural witness and moral renewal. Ultimately, the research seeks to raise cultural awareness, provide a fresh perspective on the faith–culture dynamic, and promote a flourishing human community grounded in the gospel.

Publications

English-Chinese translations (Single translator)

  1. Bavinck, Herman. EssaysonReligion,Science,andSociety.Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2013.
  2. ———.ReformedDogmatics(Volume4),HolySpirit,Church,andNewCreation. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008.
  3. Goldsworthy, Graeme. Gospel-CenteredHermeneutics.Lisle: InterVarsity Press, 2014.
  4. Mouw, Richard J. CalvinismintheLasVegasAirport.Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010.

English-Chinese translations (C0-translator)

  1. Lane, William L. TheGospelaccordingtoMark.Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 2010.
  2. Theology Of Work Project. TheologyofWorkBibleCommentary.Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, Llc, 2016.

Languages

Mandarin (native speaker) | English (fluent) | Latin (Entry)