A Double Vision Hermeneutic

The aim of this thesis is to unfold the multilayered intersubjective experience of the author himself, a Chinese pastor. Samuel Ooi argues for a cultural-linguistic experience of shi as the locus at which the intersubjective experience takes place. To unfold this experience, the author identifies five key texts that are found in his intersubjective experience: Text A1: Shi; Text A2: Yizhuan; Text B1: Pauline notion of principalities and powers; Text B2: Pauline Texts I and II: Galatians and 1 Corinthians; and Text 0: Ooi's initial or seminal experience of shi. In dialogue with Michael Polanyi and Hans-Georg Gadamer, Ooi proposes that a double vision hermeneutic will help interpret the multilayered intersubjective relationships between texts and the subject. He argues that study of this intersubjective experience reveals a vital facet of Chinese Christian self, and significantly enhances the study of Chinese theology.

""A creative cross-textual and cross-cultural biblical hermeneutic that offers new insights into the ancient Pauline and Chinese texts through the modern experience of a Chinese pastor. A thoughtful, engaging, and fruitful work.""
--K. K. Yeo, Harry R. Kendall Professor of New Testament, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, USA

""A Double Vision Hermeneutic demonstrates Dr. Samuel Hio-Kee Ooi's bold hermeneutical attempt to fuse two texts (Chinese classic, Yizhuan, and Judeo-Christian, Galatians and 1 Corinthians) to expound the being and experience of a Chinese Christian. The consequence of Dr. Ooi's labor will go beyond a personal soul-searching journey; it opens up a horizon of conversation for those who are called to appropriate intersubjectivity for better understanding beings and experiences.""
--Poling Sun, Principal of Baptist Theological Seminary, Singapore


Samuel Hio-Kee Ooi is a pastor at Hong Kong Baptist Church and has taught at Sabah Theological Seminary and Lutheran Theological Seminary.