Starting from the Bible Conference ...

　　Just recently the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary (HKBTS) held its first Bible Conference, which received an enthusiastic response and achieved ideal results. This article will report on the highlights of the day. We have also invited President Joshua Cho, Associate Deans Prof. Wong Fook-kong and Prof. Nathan Ng to discuss this academic conference and its relationship with the practical theology promoted by the seminary, as well as how HKBTS’s direction of teaching and research promotes praxis based on the Bible.

2023 Bible Conference

Aspects of Chinese Biblical Scholarship in Asia

　　The first Bible Conference of the seminary was held on March 13 with the theme “Aspects of Chinese Biblical Scholarship in Asia.” Chinese biblical scholars from four different regions in Asia were invited to gather at the grand conference hall on the third floor of the newly opened academic building to present and discuss their latest biblical research. In addition to the speakers and responding speakers, there were teachers and students from the seminary, alumni, as well as teachers and students from other theological seminaries participating online. With over 100 participants, the event could well be described as lively and bustling.

　　The academic conference was divided into four sessions, each lasting about an hour. The speakers first presented their research results and explained their papers, followed by a response from another professor, as well as a question and answer period. The four scholars’ papers covered theoretical, hermeneutical, and practical matters, and used different research approaches, such as historical criticism, social-science criticism, literary criticism, or even cross-disciplinary approaches. These papers combined theology and biblical studies to explore different biblical issues, presenting the rich dimensions and connotations of biblical research and providing new perspectives for readers to explore the Bible and its praxis.

　　The speakers’ papers were all related to identity: Dr. You Bin from the mainland, as a Chinese scholar, discussed Chinese biblical hermeneutics; Singaporean scholar Dr. Chan Yew-ming explored the identity of Singaporean Chinese from the perspective of the Old Testament history; New Testament scholar Dr. Chang Kai-hsuan explored Matthew’s Gospel from the perspective of how to build up the identity of a disciple community; and another New Testament scholar, Dr. Ho Sin-pan, discussed the issue of constructing a Christian identity in the First Epistle to the Corinthians. The first two papers were about identity issues in political and cultural contexts, while the latter two were about Christian identity in the New Testament.

Chinese Biblical Studies

　　The first session was presented by Dr. You Bin, the Director of the Academy of Religions at Minzu University of China, on the topic “Three Basic Awareness for Biblical Studies in Mainland China,” with Dr. Wong Fook-kong, Professor of Old Testament at HKBTS, as the responding speaker. Dr. You proposed a dialogue between Chinese biblical studies and Chinese classics, contrasting Western and Eastern civilizations, each with a rich history spanning over thousands of years, and comparing Chinese classical works with the Bible, suggesting that the methods used to study Chinese classics could also be applied to the study of the Bible. Dr. Wong Fook-kong agreed to use Chinese classics as a starting point for discussing the approach to Chinese biblical hermeneutics, and hopes that Dr. You and his students could continue to delve into this topic and even construct a system of “Chinese biblical hermeneutics,” making it a subject for study and research in theological seminaries, which would be a beautiful thing.

The Narrative Structure of and Disciple Community in Matthew’s Gospel

　　The second session was presented by Dr. Chang Kai-hsuan, Assistant Professor of New Testament at HKBTS on the topic “Narrative Structure and Reader-Response in Matthew’s Gospel: A Proposal That Focuses on the Community of Disciples,” with Dr. Xue Xia-xia, Associate Professor (Biblical Studies) at China Graduate School of Theology, as the responding speaker. Dr. Chang pointed out that there has always been controversy in the academic community regarding the structure of the Gospel of Matthew. Therefore, he proposed a new analysis and perspective, dividing the structure of the Gospel of Matthew based on the main thread of kernels (events that advance the plot) from the angle of plot analysis. Dr. Xue believed that Dr. Chang’s article adds an ecclesiological dimension, the theme of “establishing a disciple community” in particular, to the structural study of the Gospel of Matthew, which had previously mainly focused on Christology. This has renewed our understanding of Matthew’s narrative structure. Additionally, Dr. Chang’s article differs from past analyses by emphasizing the function and role of the discourse in the overall narrative of the Gospel.

Singapore Chinese Identity

　　The third session was presented by Dr. Chan Yew-ming, the Bishop William F. Oldham Professor of Old Testament at Trinity Theological College in Singapore, on the topic “Singapore Chinese Identity: A Double-edged Sword for Immigration and a Hyperconnected World,” with Dr. Craig Ho, Visiting Associate Professor of Old Testament at HKBTS as the responding speaker. Dr. Chan started with the perspective of Jewish exiles returning to Judah in the sixth century BC and struggling with their national identity, supported by rich data, in considering the issue of modern Singapore Chinese identity from different dimensions. Dr. Ho responded by saying that Dr. Chan’s article had broadened his horizons and allowed him to see how the Bible could be vividly applied to specific national and ethnic identities, showing the struggles of two communities in their respective situations.

Constructing Christ Followers’ Community Identity in a Spirit World

　　The fourth session was presented by Dr. Ho Sin-pan, Professor of New Testament at Lutheran Theological Seminary, on the topic “Constructing Christ-followers’ Identity in a Spirit World: The Use of ‘Spirit’ Language in 1 Cor 12:1-13,” with Dr. Bernard Leung, Assistant Professor of New Testament at HKBTS, as the responding speaker. Dr. Ho interpreted related words like “spirit” or “spiritual” in 1 Corinthians 12 in the context of ancient Greek evil practices to highlight how Paul sought to construct the readers’ identity through the use of related vocabulary like “spirit.” In response, Dr. Leung expressed his delight in reading Dr. Ho’s article, which was very inspiring to him. He also raised questions on certain details and arguments for discussion, believing that these areas necessitate deeper exploration and reflect places where the article needs to be read carefully.

An Academic Feast That Integrates Eastern and Western Cultures

　　The atmosphere of the conference was enthusiastic, with professors and students actively raising questions and giving responses during the public question and answer period of each session, stimulating everyone’s thinking. The speakers also made further remarks or explanations, and everyone discussed and debated academic issues, making it a wonderful and enriching feast for Chinese Christian academia.

　　Finally, President Joshua Cho expressed his gratitude to all the speakers and the teachers of the seminary. He said that the conference was a feast, and he enjoyed the atmosphere of honesty, humility, and mutual hospitality during the discussions. He was also amazed by the careful and serious academic work of the scholars. President Cho was very delighted that all participants could work together to promote Asian Chinese biblical scholarship, and believes that the academic research of the scholars meaningfully integrates the cultures of the East and the West. Although they drew on the nourishment of Western academia, they could apply what they learned to the context of the East when researching their topics. He hopes that the seminary can continue to hold similar conferences in the future and promote Chinese biblical research so that more people could enjoy this wonderful intellectual feast together.

Participants’ Enthusiastic Response

　　According to the participants’ feedback, most of them expressed that the content of the conference was appropriate in depth and they benefited greatly from it. Quite a number of participants said that the most profound thing was the opportunity to allow biblical scholars with different research specialties to have dialogues and discussions. The response and discussion time were inspiring and thought-provoking. This conference allowed them to understand the research achievements of biblical studies in different fields and learn the thinking process of academic research, which greatly expanded their horizons and inspired them to learn to understand and think about the Bible from multiple perspectives and new angles. Some other participants expressed that they were greatly motivated to study the Bible more deeply and put it into practice in their daily lives.

　　Many participants said that they benefited a lot from the speakers’ speeches. For example, Prof. You’s method of interpreting the Bible incorporated the perspective of Chinese culture, providing a good starting point for discussions with Chinese people; Prof. Chan’s discussion of the identity issues of Singaporean Chinese also strengthened their understanding of the identity issue, which was conducive to Hong Kong people’s reflection.

Teachers and Guests Enjoying Themselves

　　The teachers felt that the atmosphere of the conference was pleasant, the content was exciting, and there were high-quality discussions. Both the guests and the speakers responded positively and enjoyed themselves. Some even revealed that their seminary students had benefited greatly from the conference. Prof. Wong expressed his delight in the research of the scholars and noticed that the students enjoyed reading the speakers’ articles and the critical thinking process. President Cho also expressed appreciation for the research topics and content of the speakers, believing that their research could rightly address social realities.

　　Prof. Nathan Ng was impressed with the response sessions and greatly appreciated them. He pointed out that the responding speakers were well-prepared, their responses were on-point, and they sparked many discussions. Furthermore, he was impressed with the tone of the responding speakers which was friendly and polite, and the discussion which was lively yet harmonious. President Cho agreed, finding the atmosphere truly impressive and appreciating the sincere and polite attitudes of the speakers and responding speakers. He was pleased to see the friendship shown at the conference, where there was an academic atmosphere as well as fellowship. This was not just a knowledge exchange among scholars, but also a meeting with friends. This could be considered an occasion where knowledge and friendship converged.

　　Some teachers and participants expressed their desire for more time allocated for responses and questions in the future in order to foster even more engaging and fruitful discussions. Moreover, the conference was packed with such insightful content that several sessions exceeded their allotted time. As a result, participants hope for improved scheduling in future conferences to ensure ample time for all sessions. Finally, many participants expressed their hope for more Bible conferences of this kind in the future, spanning across regions, seminaries, and fields, to share in the latest research and developments.

Teaching, Research, and Bible-based Praxis

　　After the meeting, we invited President Joshua Cho, and both Associate Deans, Prof. Wong Fook-kong and Prof. Nathan Ng, to discuss the academic conference and the teaching and research direction of HKBTS.

Biblical Research and Practical Theology

　　Regarding the launching of the Bible Conference, President Cho pointed out that over the past decade, society and churches have faced many challenges, resulting in the rising popularity of various theologies. However, could these theologies help churches and believers respond to the social situation practically? This led him to reflect on these issues. Finally, he recognized the importance of thinking biblically and wanted to engage in more work on this front.

　　Therefore, at HKBTS’s Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving Worship, in addition to telling the “Four Pages” story of the seminary, President Cho also drew up a blueprint for future development. He pointed out that the seminary was striving to deliver a spiritual as well as teaching and research project, including promoting practical theology. Practical theology not only explains the Bible and theological tradition but also points out what praxis is faithful to the Bible. The theology we do must be practical and viable, but this kind of practice must be based on the Bible, as only the Bible is the foundation of faith practice.

　　To deepen our biblical foundation and promote biblical research, President Cho invited Prof. Wong to organize this Bible Conference. After considering the scheduling of the seminary’s programs and activities, Prof. Wong believed that March was an ideal time for holding the conference. He then invited biblical scholars from different regions to share their recent research results. Accordingly, all speakers were from Asia, and all their research was themed around “identity.”

Promoting Biblical Research and Fostering an Academic Atmosphere

　　President Cho hopes that this type of academic conference could create an academic atmosphere for biblical research, and more importantly, strengthen our emphasis on and critical interpretation of the Bible. In addition to inviting scholars from other regions to share at the seminary, he believes that we could also reciprocate by sending our teachers and students to other regions for academic exchanges, as this is not only the work of the seminary but also the work of all theologians.

　　Therefore, President Cho expects that this conference is only the beginning and hopes that such conferences will be held regularly and continuously to show that HKBTS attaches great importance to Bible studies. Moreover, it does not have to be grand in scale like a “banquet”; having just a few scholars and friends discussing and exchanging ideas is adequate. If there are excellent articles, they can also be compiled into a book for a wider readership, subject to the consent of the authors. President Cho hopes that this kind of meeting where scholars exchange research experience with one another can continue steadily and become a feature of HKBTS. He also earnestly hopes that Chinese biblical scholars will make joint efforts in this field and that we will have the opportunity to collaborate with other scholars.

　　Both Associate Deans agree that the seminary should continue to hold such academic conferences, in less formal settings, perhaps once a year. In fact, to tie in with the curriculum reform of our Graduate School, the seminary is planning to hold an academic conference every spring term, where our Master of Theology (Th.M.) and Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) students can present their research. Consideration may be made to combine these two kinds of academic conferences in the future.

HKBTS and Bible-based Praxis

　　The Bible Conference is part of HKBTS’s efforts to deepen our practical theology. The practice of faith has to be rooted in a strong biblical foundation and mindset; the emphasis on the Bible is in line with the spirit of the Baptists. President Cho emphasized that the Bible Conference worked together with the education programs and other activities held by HKBTS toward the same goal of promoting Bible-based praxis.

　　Prof. Wong pointed out that HKBTS’s annual Baptist Week and Mission Week, the biennial Belote Lectures, and the future academic conferences to be held in every spring term, as well as the various seminars and lectures, are all efforts geared in this direction of deepening faith practice based on a solid biblical foundation.

　　Prof. Ng believes that these activities, lectures, and conferences are inseparable from the seminary’s curriculum and they are an integral part of the overall theological education. The seminary’s curriculum is also designed with a practical approach, with the expectation that students can apply biblical and theological knowledge to real-life situations and continue to reflect and integrate their learning in their future pastoral work. For example, our Th.M. students study a variety of subjects in class (e.g. Bible study, theology, practical studies) but most importantly, they are required to participate in the Senior Integrative Colloquium before graduation. Students have to integrate what they have learned, apply it to their potential ministry fields, and carry out their unique biblical research and theological reflections, putting their faith into practice in their lives and pastoral work.

Walking with God’s Churches and Practicing His Word

　　Prof. Ng added that the theological training provided by the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) and Master of Divinity (M.Div.) programs is only foundational. As for how students can put the Bible’s teachings into practice in their pastoral situations in the future, it cannot be resolved by directly applying the theories of practical theology. Therefore, students’ self-reflection, discernment, and integration skills are of paramount importance, and the seminary provides support in this regard. The seminary will continue to walk with students after they graduate and become pastors. For example, the Pastoral Continuing Education Centre at HKBTS offers courses for pastors as well as alumni to extend their learning. More importantly, if alumni encounter pastoral difficulties, they are welcome to come back for help. HKBTS hopes to continue helping students practice their faith and truly respond to God’s call.

　　By the same token, in order to help churches meet the challenges in society through the teachings of the Bible, President Cho has organized a number of “President’s Classrooms” and “President’s Tea House” in recent years to bring together pastors, deacons, leaders and alumni of various churches for fellowship, discussions, learning, and mutual aid.

　　Finally, the new academic building and the nurture of talents are also crucial for promoting Bible-based praxis. Prof. Ng pointed out that in addition to the grand conference hall on the third floor, where academic conferences can be held to promote biblical research and discussion, space is also reserved to establish the Advanced Theological Research Centre and the Hong Kong Baptist Archive Centre to tie in with future research development. It is hoped that such development can effectively assist in serving churches in the future.

　　As for the nurture of talents, President Cho pointed out that the seminary not only actively recruits scholars with foundations in biblical and systematic theology from various places, but is also committed to cultivating local talent, especially in the area of practical theology. Prof. Ng said that the curriculum reform of the Graduate School was in line with this direction. In addition to Biblical Studies and Christian Thought, the major areas of study for the Th.M. and Th.D programs now include Practical Theology, for students to specialize in missions, pastoral care, or religious education. This has opened a door for training local talents engaged in practical theology teaching and research.

Stepping Out on the Path of Faith Practice in Unity

　　The Baptists have been known as the “People of the Bible.” When facing difficulties and challenges in personal life, faith communities, and society, may we first return to the precious Word of the Lord and take divine revelation as our foundation, stepping out on this path of faith practice in our lives. HKBTS will continue to walk with churches and believers, hoping that through on-campus and off-campus programs, academic conferences and seminars, and rigorous academic publications, we may be inspired by God’s Word, turn it into action, and implement it in our lives so that Jesus Christ’s disciple community may become a bright lampstand on earth, shining on the dark world.