On November 26, a lecture titled "Combating Heresies and Upholding Orthodoxy: Continuing the Theological Construction" was held at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, with all faculty and students in attendance.
According to the seminary, the main presentation was delivered by Rev. Shan Weixiang, a member of the seminary's board and vice-chairman of the national TSPM. Rev. Shan began by providing a foundational definition and then systematically explained the historical origins and intricate social factors contributing to the rise of heresies and cults. He analyzed the negative consequences of their rigid and insular doctrinal thinking, stressing the critical importance and urgency of continually developing theological construction to uphold true faith and counter heterodoxy.
The presentation explored the core nature and dangers of heresies and cults, focusing on key themes such as "comprehending heresies and cults," "reasons for the emergence of cults," "the severe social damage caused by cults," and "why cults frequently impersonate Christians." Drawing from actual examples, Rev. Shan detailed the new characteristics and methods of how heresies and cults spread in the modern era, highlighting their skillful use of media and their ability to exploit specific psychological vulnerabilities for infiltration. He further exposed their deceptive self-promotion achieved through the misappropriation and distortion of Christian terminology.
Concluding the lecture, Rev. Shan addressed the question of "How Christianity can resist heresies and cults," making three distinct appeals. He called church to maintain correct theological direction and intensify education in orthodox doctrine, enhance the discernment capabilities of both believers and theological students to foster a sound and clear understanding of faith, and maximize the constructive role of the Christian community to preserve order in the religious sphere and social harmony collectively.
