圣经与中华古代智慧 1 ：祭天大典千古传（ The Timeless Grand Ceremony of Sacrificing to Heaven）

王敬之博士叙述涵盖了多个历史和宗教主题，并且以对比的方式探讨了不同文化中的信仰实践与传统仪式：
1. **献祭的传统**：在不同的文化和时代中，人们通过献祭来表达对神灵的敬意、请求保护或寻求宽恕。例如，在王敬之博士的叙述中提到了“以摩西的时代”时上帝要求以色列人遵守律法，并且设立了一座山作为界限，禁止他们靠近。
2. **十诫与法律**：在犹太教和基督教传统中，十条戒命或十诫被视为道德行为的指导原则。这些规则不仅限于宗教实践，也影响了社会秩序和个人责任的概念。
3. **祭天的传统在中国文化中的延续**：王敬之博士提到中国4000多年的历史没有拜偶像而直接祭祀天地（皇天上帝），这反映了中国文化中对自然和宇宙力量的敬畏与崇拜传统。在古代中国的仪式中，皇帝会进行祭天活动，并且通过诗歌表达其信仰。
4. **康熙大帝与中国文化**：王敬之博士提到了一位名为“康熙”的中国历史人物，他不仅进行了祭天仪式，还写下了《生命之宝》这首诗。这表明即使是在传统宗教与外来思想（如基督教）之间存在融合或相互影响时，中国文化仍然保持着其内在的连贯性和对自然和宇宙力量的尊重。
5. **现代反思**：王敬之博士强调了在现代社会中重新审视并恢复祭天仪式的重要性，认为这种传统的实践有助于提升人们的精神状态和社会道德。同时指出，在缺乏类似传统信仰体系的情况下（如“我们今天的心不如以前”，文化堕落），寻找历史智慧和源头变得尤为重要。
6. **中国文化与宗教的融合**：王敬之博士提到了康熙大帝对基督教的理解，并将其与中国传统文化中的祭天仪式相联系，这表明在不同文化和思想之间存在潜在的共通点或相互影响。这种跨文化的理解有助于促进全球文化之间的对话和尊重多样性。
7. **现代智慧与传统实践的关系**：最后，王敬之博士的分享强调了将古代智慧（如祭祀天地的传统）应用于现代社会的重要性，并通过“片片甲骨今天下”这一概念来探讨如何在当代社会中找到并应用这些古老的指导原则。这不仅限于宗教领域，也包括道德、文化和社会行为的规范。
Dr. Samuel Wang's narrative encompasses multiple historical and religious themes, exploring the practice of faith and traditional rituals in different cultures through a comparative lens:
1. **The Tradition of Sacrifice**: In various cultures across time periods, people engage in sacrificial acts to express reverence for deities, seek protection or forgiveness. Dr. Wang mentions this tradition during Moses' era when God commanded Israelites to adhere to the law and set up Mount Sinai as a boundary , forbidding them from approaching.
2. **The Ten Commandments and Law**: In Jewish and Christian traditions, the ten commandments serve as guidelines for moral conduct that extend beyond religious practices influencing concepts of societal order and personal responsibility.
3. **Continuation of Sacrificing to Heaven in Chinese Culture**: Dr. Wang highlights China's 4000-year history without idol worship but directly offering sacrifices to heaven (the supreme deity). This reflects the cultural reverence and adoration for natural forces, as seen through ancient rituals where emperors conducted sky sacrifice ceremonies accompanied by poetry expressing their faith.
4. **Kangxi Emperor in Chinese Culture**: Dr. Wang refers to a historical figure named "Kangxi" who performed sky-sacrifice rites and wrote the poem 'Treasure of Life'. This indicates that even amidst blending or mutual influence between traditional religions (like Christianity) and modernity, Chinese culture maintains its inherent continuity with respect for natural forces.
5. **Modern Reflections**: Dr. Wang emphasizes the importance of reviving sky sacrifice rituals in contemporary society to elevate spiritual states and moral ethics. He also notes how seeking historical wisdom becomes crucial when lacking a similar traditional belief system (like "our hearts today are not as pure as before", cultural degeneration).
6. **Integration of Chinese Culture with Religion**: Dr. Wang mentions the Kangxi Emperor's understanding of Christianity linked to China’s sky-sacrifice tradition, suggesting potential commonalities or influences between different cultures and ideas. This cross-cultural insight fosters dialogue among global cultures respecting diversity.
7. **Relationship Between Modern Wisdom and Traditional Practices**: Lastly, Dr. Wang stresses applying ancient wisdom (like traditional practices) in modern society's importance through the concept of "every piece of oracle bone today governs all". He explores how to identify and apply these old principles across various domains including religion, ethics, culture, social norms beyond religious contexts.
This narrative underscores a holistic view that integrates historical insights with contemporary relevance.

[@NicholasNcols]

Hopefully there will be English subtitles provided soon. God bless 🙏🏻