Xiuping Hong
Professor, Department of Philosophy and
Religion, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
Research: Chinese Philosophy and
Religion Meet With Christian Culture in
the United States
Host: Harvard University, Cambridge,
MA
September 2004-August 2005
It was a great honor to obtain the Occasional Lecturer Fund award. My Occasional Lecturer Fund trip gave
me an unforgettably grand experience.
From June 16-June 23, I attended the conference
"Christianity and China: Globalization
and Local Identity" in San Jose State
University and gave a major presentation
entitled, "Rethinking the Development
of Christianity in China from Chinese Buddhist
Indigenization Experience."
After the conference, I participated in
the Fifth Advanced Summer Institute of American
Religious Culture held by Chinese Christian
Scholars Association in North America and
visited San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia,
New York and the District of Columbia. I
was fortunate to have many chances for academic
exchanges with professors from various universities
and seminaries, and to take part in many
activities held by religious groups.
Then, from July 20-July 28, I visited American
Purlinton University in Los Angeles and
gave a lecture entitled "Religious
Faith & Individual Family."
During this Occasional Lecturer Fund trip, I not only gained
exposure to the different regions of United
States, but also developed friendships with
Americans. Both the host institutes and
I benefited greatly. The main benefits,
all of which have left deep impressions
on me, are the following: (1) I shared information
about my country with my American friends
and provided expertise in my professional
field of Chinese philosophy and religion
to university faculty and students. (2)
Both of the host institutes and I experienced
greater cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
My conclusion, and I sincerely feel this
to be true, is that religion, especially
Christianity, played an important role in
the founding and development of the United
States, and it still plays an active role
in today's American society. (3) The host
institutes have made plans for future cooperation
with me and are looking forward to future
collaborations with my university as well.
In short, the Occasional Lecturer Fund experience has been wonderful
for all parties involved.
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