The hermeneutic journey of Shangdi: cross-cultural dialogue and semantic evolution

The concept Shangdi 上帝 in Chinese has undergone significant semantic evolution, from its association with the supreme deity in ancient Chinese cosmology to its increasing connection with the Christian God in specific historical and discursive contexts. This paper explores the historical trajectory of Shangdi , examining its interpretation through three key dimensions: the understanding of Shangdi in ancient Chinese culture, the interpretation by missionaries such as Matteo Ricci and James Legge, and the reception, reinforcement and contestation of Shangdi ’s Christian meaning within specific Chinese discursive communities. Drawing on Hans-Georg Gadamer’s hermeneutics, the study frames the evolution of Shangdi as a dynamic process, where linguistic, cultural, and theological frameworks intersect and contest one another. The analysis shows how Shangdi has become a super-sign—a term simultaneously rooted in Chinese traditions and recontextualized within Christian theological paradigms. By examining historical texts, missionary translations, and contemporary reinterpretations, the paper reveals the complexities of the integration of Shangdi into global religious discourse. This study contributes to understanding how semantic shifts reflect broader cultural negotiations, offering insights into the interplay of faith, language, and identity in the context of globalization.