On January 19, Rev. Dr. Tobias Brandner, author of Christians in the City of Hong Kong and professor at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, gave a lecture titled "Christians in Hong Kong: Anchored Amidst the Storms" at Kowloon Union Church. Presented by the Christian Education Committee, the talk covered a wide range of topics, from the origins of the faith in the region to its diverse expressions in the modern metropolis.
Four Key Periods in History of Christianity in Hong Kong
Brandner began by outlining four key periods in the history of Christianity in Hong Kong. He noted that during the early colonial period until the Chinese Revolution, Christianity in Hong Kong was fundamentally connected to Christianity in China, with churches in both regions and the United States maintaining close relationships. The second phase, from 1949 to 1978, saw an influx of refugees into Hong Kong. During this period, Brandner noted how Christian organizations and churches actively served the refugee communities, establishing a foundation that would transform Hong Kong into a significant center for Christianity. The third period, spanning 1978 to 1997, was marked by Hong Kong Christians playing a vital role in developing and expanding Christianity in mainland China, contributing to its substantial growth during this time.
Since 1997, the professor argued, Christianity in Hong Kong has entered a fourth phase "where we experienced a very difficult balancing act with Hong Kong and China's rule, trying to find its way." He emphasized the challenges posed by "China's intervention into this society."
Exploring Hong Kong's Diverse Christian Landscape
Turning to the present day, Brandner highlighted the remarkable diversity of church buildings and forms in Hong Kong. He expressed his deep fascination with the wide variety of architectural styles and settings that churches in the city have adopted.
Brandner showed images illustrating this diversity, from a church that prominently incorporated traditional Chinese cultural motifs in its design to another that was unexpectedly housed within a bustling entertainment complex. He also pointed out striking contrasts, like the juxtaposition of quaint historical churches nestled among towering modern skyscrapers.
In Brandner's view, this architectural heterogeneity serves as a powerful visual representation of the rich tapestry of Christian expression in Hong Kong. He proposed that the church buildings themselves communicate an important message about Christianity's ability to adapt and thrive within the city's unique urban landscape. The varied material forms, Brandner suggested, mirror the diversity of the faith communities they house and the dynamic contexts in which they bear witness.
Brandner then discussed the vibrant international Christian presence in Hong Kong. He estimated there are over 150 international churches, with Filipinos being the largest non-Chinese group. Korean churches are also growing rapidly. Intriguingly, Brandner shared research showing that "the majority of members of the international churches are actually locals" who are "somehow frustrated with local Christianity."
Understanding Cultural Influences and Social Impact
Delving deeper, Brandner proposed that the two key cultural roots shaping Hong Kong Christianity are Confucianism and Daoism. He suggested that the influence of Confucianism has led Hong Kong Christianity to be predominantly conservative, emphasizing morality, order, and stability. This alignment with Confucian values has resulted in the dominance of Evangelical churches, while Pentecostal churches, which focus on spiritual experiences and adaptability, are viewed more suspicious partly due to the influence of the turbulent Cultural Revolution era.
Brandner then turned to the social impact of Christianity in Hong Kong. He noted the crucial role of Christian organizations in serving the influx of refugees in the 1950s and 1960s, providing education, social services, and "a sense of gratitude."
Fascinatingly, he highlighted how Christians balanced cooperation with the government while maintaining a prophetic critical stance. He singled out the Christian Industrial Committee as an important example of a group that fought to improve labor conditions.
In the final part of his lecture, Brandner tackled the thorny question of Christians' involvement in Hong Kong's turbulent recent politics. "Christians were very strongly involved" in social movements, he noted, seeing this as a continuation of the biblical prophetic tradition of "criticizing the king to his face."
He argued that Christians' political engagement stemmed from concern over threats to religious freedom in mainland China, commitment to justice, and a sense that the biblical narrative speaks to the present Hong Kong situation. "What I find fascinating is that many people realize that the experience of the biblical world and the present-day experiences are very much alike," Brandner explained.
Q&A Session Highlights
The lecture was followed by a Q&A session. One audience inquired about the future of international churches in Hong Kong. Brandner expressed his view that their importance will likely continue to grow, given Hong Kong's status as a global city and the appeal of these churches to both expatriates and some local believers seeking a more modern spiritual experience. This led to a question about how local congregations should respond to the increasing influence of international churches. Brandner suggested that it presents an opportunity for beneficial self-reflection and potential collaboration. He encouraged local churches to consider how they can better meet the needs of younger generations while maintaining their distinctiveness. At the same time, he saw potential for partnerships where both local and international churches could learn from one another.
Brandner advocated for an attitude of openness, humility, and mutual appreciation among all churches, rooted in Christian values. As he pointedly remarked, "We don't need to see eye to eye on everything, but we can choose to embrace one another in our diversity, as members of one body in Christ."
