Acts 17:23 As I was traveling and looking at the things you worship, I came across an altar that was inscribed with the words, 'The unknown God.' Now I will tell you about the things you worship without knowing them."
The wisdom of James Legge and Paul reminds us that the Gospel is not a bulldozer of culture, but a harvester of truth. Faced with ancient Eastern wisdom, Christians should not arrogantly dismiss it, but humbly "claim" the spark of universal revelation within it. We must learn to seek the "unknown God" within our cultures, proving that Christ did not seek to take away people's forefathers, but to fulfill their yearning for eternity. The transmission of faith should guide souls from glimmer to blazing sun, perfected in respect, and complete in love.
Loving Heavenly Father, grant me the broad-mindedness of James Legge, so that I may learn to respect every sincere pursuit of truth. Remove the narrow-mindedness and prejudice from my heart, so that I may, like Paul, see the bridges You have laid out for others' cultures and traditions. May my life not only be a vessel for transmitting truth, but also a witness to the light of Your love. Lord, may every step I take not be for destruction, but for perfection in Christ, leading more who thirst for the truth to that higher light. Amen.