An Overview of HKBTS Theology Salons

　　On September 3, 2019, the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary (HKBTS) held its first Theology Salon at the chapel. Prof. Andres Tang and I started by discussing Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s thoughts on ethics. After that, a series of Theology Salons in all shapes and forms have been held inside and outside the campus, as well as online. Some were solely organized by our seminary, and some co-organized with or supported by the alumni association, churches and other organizations. A wide range of topics have been covered including the Bible, church history, theology, pastoring, preaching, etc. (see table).

Its Beginnings and Purpose

　　I first came up with the idea of a Theology Salon during the exchange meeting of the President’s Council on April 13 last year. At that time, we were discussing how the seminary can assist churches in the face of the society’s current situation. I thought we can organize a few gatherings of about a hundred people, and the seminary can then take the opportunity to interact with two to three different churches. They may propose topics, such as the separation of church and state, for us to share with them. However, the seminary will accept their invitation on the condition that the topics must be helpful to the church, so that the seminary can properly address the church’s needs. In addition, these would also be topics that our teachers have researched extensively, so it would not require them to do a lot of preparation work before sharing. To be candid, the workload of our teachers is quite heavy. Firstly, aside from regular teaching, they must also join all student-related activities, such as chapel services and camps, where we care for the students and grow with them. It is the natural duty of a teacher. Secondly, teachers must also seek excellence in their teaching. Thirdly, teachers must continuously study and conduct research. For teachers to fulfil all these aspects, their time must be fully occupied; so, sharing on an unfamiliar topic is too difficult. The seminary is looking forward to sharing on those topics that concern churches and our alumni and are within our capacity with you in the near future.

Features of HKBTS Theology Salons

　　Though the salons are held without much extra preparation by our teachers, participants can be confident to come and join them out of their trust in our teachers and me, knowing that our teachers have expertise in some research areas or academic disciplines. So, we come together to share with each other and exchange ideas. In each salon, I am the host who asks the teacher questions in order to stimulate our thinking and enhance interaction. As in a free-flowing discussion, the ideas expressed may not be well-thought and well-organized. This informality is a feature of our Theology Salons, which is not a speech or presentation of a written article.

　　As Prof. Andres Tang said, in western culture, salons came into being in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The literate elites gathered to engage in witty and sparkling conversations, discussing such topics as current affairs and political issues, with coffee or drinks being served. There needs not to be any conclusion, and the key is to inspire thought and exchange ideas. In fact, the case for faith and theology is of no difference. In the past, people wanted to have quick answers, even eternal answers. However, by definition, theology does not provide eternal answers, but is a meditation and reflection on the Bible, drawing tentative conclusions. Therefore, the Theology Salon is a platform for pastors and believers to focus on their common concerns and to think theologically together.

　　We are looking forward to have more collaboration between the seminary and churches as well as pastors in the future. Let’s share with and listen to each other, and face the challenges of our changing society and church in solidarity. This is an edification process, which is an important concept as well as the essence of the seminary.

Theology Salons of HKBTS (Sept. 2019-)

^*It was held online. ^#Target participants include alumni, staff members of churches and Christian organizations, seminary students, elders and deacons as well as believers. It is held online. ^＋Co-organized with Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary Alumni Association ^**Organized by Tsuen Wan Baptist Church ^## Organized by the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong