User:Terry721/郭偉聯

Kwok Wai Luen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Hong Kong Baptist University. He is a versatile scholar, currently serving as the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and the Head of the Department of Religion and Philosophy. Additionally, he holds the position of Associate Director at the Centre for Sino-Christian Studies. His outstanding teaching performance earned him the President's Award for Outstanding Performance in Teaching in 2018. He has also been honored with the Langham Scholarship, recognizing his academic achievements in relevant fields. Kwok Wai Luen holds prominent positions in multiple academic institutions, demonstrating a profound interest in the study of Chinese Christian history. From 2018 to 2020, he served as the President of the Society for the Study of the History of Christianity in China. He is also a board member of the Christian Study Centre on Chinese Religion and Culture at Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and a member of the Church History and Archive Committee of the Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union.

Additionally, he actively contributes to social welfare through his advisory role in the Hong Kong Organ Transplant Foundation and his involvement in the board of directors at the Langham Foundation, Hong Kong. For over a decade, he has been the Chairman of the Theological and Current Affairs Committee of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church Union of Hong Kong. Kwok Wai Luen's active engagement in academia and social welfare exemplifies his passion and dedication to education, research, and community well-being.

His remarkable professional competence and leadership talents in various roles make him an outstanding representative in the academic field and social affairs today.

Research Interest
Kwok Wai Luen possesses a wide range of research interests in the field of teaching, primarily focusing on the following areas:

1. Christian Theology: Investigating the belief systems, doctrines, and development of Christianity, exploring its impact on individuals and society.

2. Theology and Humanism: Examining the intersection and dialogue between religious beliefs and humanistic values, exploring the mutual influence of religion and human thought.

3. Christianity and Chinese Culture: Delving into the dissemination and integration of Christianity in China, studying the interactions and fusion between Christianity and traditional Chinese culture.

4. Chinese Religious Charity: Researching the development and influence of religious charity organizations and activities within China, with a focus on the relationship between religion and social welfare.

5. Gender Theology: Exploring religious perspectives and roles on gender issues, investigating the relationship between gender equality and religious beliefs.

6. Research Methods: Focusing on the application of research methodology in religious studies, including qualitative and quantitative research.

Kwok Wai Luen's diverse research interests demonstrate his broad exploration of religious, cultural, and societal issues, as well as his passion for pursuing knowledge and academic exploration.

Publishing
Kwok Wai Luen is a scholar with outstanding achievements in the field of religious academia. His publications cover a wide range of research areas, including religious freedom, theology, religion and Chinese culture, social engagement, gender theology, and more. Among them, his upcoming book "An Open Door that No One Can Shut: Evangelicals under Repression in China, 1949-1982" will explore the oppression faced by Chinese Christians during the period from 1949 to 1982. He has also authored "Narrative and the Triune Reality," a significant study in the theological realm that examines the relationship between narrative and the Trinity, offering important insights to the theological community.

Furthermore, Kwok Wai Luen has served as the editor of the special issue of "Logos & Pneuma: Chinese Journal of Theology" titled "Pandemic and Faith: A Sino-Christian Theological Perspective." This special issue delves deep into the faith and reflections of religion during the pandemic, providing valuable insights into the role of religion in times of crisis.

In his research papers and chapters, Kwok Wai Luen focuses on the social engagement and identity of Chinese Christians, particularly the religious discourse and social participation of Hong Kong Christians from 1970 to 1997. He also studies the process of shaping Christian leaders in Hong Kong, as well as the integration and localization of Christianity within Chinese culture. Additionally, he delves into in-depth discussions on the harmonious development of Islam and Christianity in China, and explores how experiences of religious exchange in the West can offer insights into the integration of religion and society in China.

Kwok Wai Luen's works are not only highly regarded in the academic community but also have a positive impact on advancing the study of Chinese religion and culture and promoting social harmony. His scholarly contributions make him an outstanding representative in the academic world and have made remarkable strides in the field of religious studies.

"Cultivating Peace" Project
Kwok Wai Luen is the initiator of the "Cultivating Peace" project. The project, conducted by the Chinese Christian Studies Center at Hong Kong Baptist University, collaborates with churches, social welfare organizations, and others to provide a platform for secondary school students to reflect on peace through social service, social research, and artistic activities. The project was launched on October 22nd, with Stuart Christie, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, stating that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but also an active and transformative concept. Participants are encouraged to have an open heart, listen to the needs of the oppressed, facilitate healing for the suffering, and empower those who have been marginalized. The project also aims to demonstrate how the Christian faith can serve the public.

This year, the project involves the participation of students and teachers from St. John's Cathedral College, All Saints' College, as well as staff members from St. James' Settlement and Hong Kong Baptist University. The project's objective is to help secondary school students understand the fundamental concepts of peace through community service and artistic activities, and to learn how to manage emotions, build interpersonal relationships, and enhance their self-efficacy. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to meet professional artists and university students, collaborate in creating artistic works, and express their life experiences, observations of community needs, and imaginations of peace.

The "Cultivating Peace" project draws inspiration from Psalm 85:10, which speaks of love and faithfulness meeting together, and righteousness and peace kissing each other. The goal of the project is to nurture a vibrant and innovative concept of peace, breaking free from past negative perspectives. The project aims for everyone to contribute in their own small ways, collectively planting seeds of peace in their hearts, society, and the human world.

The "Cultivating Peace" project is a joint initiative by the Hong Kong Baptist University's Centre for the Study of Christianity in China, St. James' Settlement, and China Graduate School of Theology. The project aims to promote the concept of peacebuilding among Christians and the wider society, fostering social transformation and renewal.