Concept

Shangdi

Overview

Shangdi (Chinese: 上帝; pinyin: Shàngdì; Wade–Giles: Shang4 Ti4), also called simply Di (Chinese: 帝; pinyin: Dì; lit. 'Lord'), is the name of the Chinese Highest Deity or "Lord Above" in the theology of the classical texts, especially deriving from Shang theology and finding an equivalent in the later Tiān ("Heaven" or "Great Whole") of Zhou theology.

Although the use of "Tian" to refer to the absolute Deity of the universe is predominant in Chinese religion today, "Shangdi" continues to be used in a variety of traditions, including certain philosophical schools, certain strains of Chinese Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, some Chinese salvationist religions (notably Yiguandao) and Chinese Protestant Christianity. In addition, it is commonly used by contemporary Chinese (both mainland and overseas) and by religious and secular groups in East Asia, as a name of a singular universal deity and as a non-religious translation for Deity in Abrahamic religions.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).

Possible passages

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In this sense God is _the rock of his people_, and false Gods are called _the rock of those that trust in them_, Deut. xxxii. 4, 15, 18, 30, 31, 37. In the same sense the Gods of _the King_ who _shall do according to his will_ are called _Mahuzzims_, munitions, fortresses, protectors, guardians, or defenders. _In his estate_, saith [1] _Daniel_, _shall he honour _Mahuzzims_; even with a God whom his fathers knew…
Isaac Newton, Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John
States what Shangdi is.
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Now, we occupy a lowly position, both in space and rank in comparison with the heavenly sphere, and the Almighty is Most High not in space, but with respect to absolute existence, greatness and power. When it pleased the Almighty to grant to a human being a certain degree of wisdom or prophetic inspiration, the divine communication thus made to the prophet and the entrance of the Divine Presence into a certain place…
Moses Maimonides, The guide for the perplexed
States what Shangdi is.
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On the other hand, the names which signify essence in an adjectival manner are predicated of the three persons plurally, by reason of the plurality of _supposita._ For we say there are three "existent" or three "wise" beings, or three "eternal," "uncreated," and "immense" beings, if these terms are understood in an adjectival sense. But if taken in a substantive sense, we say "one uncreated, immense, eternal being,"…
Aquinas Thomas, Summa Theologica, Part I
States what Shangdi is.
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Philosophers who discussed Shangdi

Islam

Related ideas

Place in the tradition

Part of Confucianism.

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