Unveiling the Truth: CMI's Misrepresentation of Ancient Chinese Language Exposed

CMI Still Misrepresents Ancient Chinese Language

Introduction

In a letter to the editor, a Chinese speaker expressed offense at the alleged misrepresentation of the Chinese language by Creation Ministries International (CMI). The individual, who claims to have a better understanding of the language than Dr. Don Batten, disputes several points made by CMI. This article aims to address these concerns and provide a more accessible explanation of the research on ancient Chinese language.

Key Points

1. Composition of Chinese Characters

The letter challenges CMI's assertion that the character for "boat" (船) is composed of three components. According to the writer, it is actually composed of two components: 舟 on the left and a component representing the ancient sound of the word on the right. They argue that phonetic combinations, not just symbolic combinations, were used in the development of Chinese characters. The writer suggests that Dr. Batten should familiarize himself with this concept before making conclusions.

Why This Matters: Understanding the composition of Chinese characters is crucial to interpreting their meaning and historical development. Exploring both symbolic and phonetic combinations provides insight into how ancient Chinese was written.

Think About It: Imagine trying to understand English without knowing how letters combine to form words. The same applies to Chinese characters — understanding their composition is fundamental to comprehending their meaning.

2. ShangDi as a Combination Word

The letter points out that ShangDi (上帝), meaning "God," never existed as a single character but was always represented as a combination word of two characters. The writer argues that this indicates ShangDi is a relatively new vocabulary compared to single-character words. They suggest that if ShangDi were as profound as claimed, it would be represented by a single character, similar to "man" (人), "horse" (馬), or "dog" (犬).

Why This Matters: The formation and meaning of ShangDi sheds light on the ancient Chinese understanding of God and their religious beliefs. It provides insight into how the concept of a supreme being was expressed in Chinese culture.

Think About It: Consider how different cultures represent the concept of God. In English, we use the word "God," while other languages have different words or phrases. Understanding how different cultures express these concepts can deepen our appreciation for diversity.

3. Complexity of Modern Chinese Vocabulary

The writer claims that Dr. Batten does not understand the complexity of modern Chinese vocabulary constructions. They argue that the example used by Dr. Batten, (皇天上帝) translated as "Heavenly Emperor ShangDi," is incorrect. According to the writer, only 帝 ("Emperor") is the true noun in this word, while 皇 ("king"), 天 ("sky"), and 上 ("above") are used to augment its meaning. They also provide historical context for the characters 帝 and 皇, suggesting they refer to ancient Chinese legends rather than having a heavenly origin.

Why This Matters: Accurately interpreting modern Chinese vocabulary constructions helps us understand how language evolves and reflects cultural nuances. It allows us to appreciate the rich history and depth of meaning behind Chinese words.

Think About It: Consider how words and phrases change over time in your own language. New words are coined, meanings evolve, and cultural references become embedded in everyday speech. Language is constantly evolving, reflecting shifts in society.

Conclusion

Addressing the concerns raised in the letter to the editor, it is important to recognize that the research on ancient Chinese language and its connection to biblical concepts is ongoing and conducted by both Chinese and non-Chinese scholars. Understanding the composition of Chinese characters, exploring combination words like ShangDi, and appreciating the complexity of modern Chinese vocabulary constructions provide valuable insights into Chinese culture and history.

A deeper exploration of the research, as recommended in the letter, can shed light on the evidence supporting the claim that ancient Chinese language reveals knowledge of the God of the Bible. By engaging with these ideas, Christians can deepen their understanding of both their faith and the cultural context in which it developed.

Why This Matters: Understanding the intersection of language, culture, and faith can foster greater appreciation for the diverse ways people express their beliefs. It enhances our ability to engage in meaningful conversations and build bridges between different cultures and religions.

Think About It: Consider how language shapes your own understanding of faith. How does your native language influence your perception of biblical concepts? Exploring other languages and cultures can broaden your perspective and enrich your spiritual journey.