The Loyola School of Theology (LST) in Manila is introducing a three-unit course on the Theology of Sino-Christian Life, which will be taught in Mandarin Chinese. This course is part of LST’s “Theology in an Asian Language Series,” which addresses the needs of international students and promotes contextual theologising.
In the past, LST has successfully offered theology and psycho-spirituality courses in Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, and Korean languages with the help of visiting professors from abroad.
“While our regular courses at LST are conducted in English, these specialised courses not only facilitate contextual theologising among our students but also provide them with a sense of belonging at LST,” explains Fr Enrico Eusebio Jr SJ, President of LST and Associate Professor of Canon Law. “Indeed, LST is their home away from home.”
This course serves as an introductory exploration of the human experience of living in Christ, aiming to foster a fresh understanding of Sino-Christian life, encompassing the dimensions of priesthood, charisms, and the laity within the postmodern world. It delves into the concept of the human being as an image of the Trinitarian ren, which signifies humanity, and how it relates to the people of God, comprising laity, religious, and clergy.
Participants will delve into the contextual theology of Christian life in contemporary times, which emerges from the process of inculturation of the Sinological concept of ren in the Gospel’s message of God’s love. The course incorporates selected readings from Confucian classics, historical accounts, philosophical works, belles-lettres in the Chinese millenarian tradition, as well as references to Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church.
The course, scheduled for the first semester from 14 August to 4 December, will be taught by Fr Fang Hua, who holds a double doctorate degree in Theology/Philosophy (SThD, PhD) from the University of Santo Tomas – Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia, and Saint Anthony Mary Claret College in the Philippines. Among his notable books published by Claretian Publications and Catholic Window Press include A White Lily of the Desert: A Critical Biography of Chinese Sister Sister Rosa Wu (2015), Ren of Christ: A Sino-Christian Way of Life (2020), and 南瀛闻道 (2022).
Interested students have the option to enroll for credit (with grade) or audit (no grade). Please note that sit-in students are not allowed. Non-LST students and cross enrollees may apply online through LST’s Student Online Application Receiver (SOAR). Please don’t leave any field blank. For further information, please contact LST at admin@lst.edu.
