On November 27, Nanjing Union Theological Seminary's library held the 84th session of its "Boya Reading Club," with keynote speaker Dr. Yang Liantao delivering a lecture, "Exploring the Book of Revelation." The session focused on the seminary's ongoing initiative, "Combating Heresies and Upholding Orthodoxy: Continuing the Theological Construction," equipping faculty and students to identify and resist distorted interpretations of Scripture.
Dr. Yang began by examining the literary nature of Revelation, highlighting its threefold character as an epistle, prophetic admonition, and apocalyptic literature. She emphasized that heretical groups often mislead believers by detaching the text from its historical context, ignoring its original purpose for early Christian communities, and promoting narrow or rigid interpretations.
Using the social and historical setting of ancient Asia Minor, Dr. Yang contextualized key locations, figures, and events mentioned in the book, helping participants understand the text's original audience and mission. She also analyzed the symbolic imagery and rhetorical contrasts employed by the author, noting that these techniques aim to convey spiritual truths and guide believers in discerning right from wrong, rather than serving as grounds for speculative prophecy. This approach encourages readers to engage with Scripture with a more mature theological perspective.
Since the Boya Reading Club's inception in 2013, the program has held over 80 sessions covering biblical studies, systematic theology, church history, and contemporary issues. Through dynamic and varied formats, it seeks to nurture well-rounded theological students who combine broad knowledge with spiritual maturity and personal refinement.
Founded in 1952 through the merger of the original Jinling Theological Seminary and 11 East China theological institutions, Nanjing Union Theological Seminary is the national seminary of CCC&TSPM. Its first president was Bishop K. H. Ting, whose leadership helped shape the seminary's spiritual and academic foundations. The seminary remains committed to forming biblically rooted, Christ-centered leaders who can serve the church and society while advancing the indigenization of Christianity in China.
As of June 2022, the seminary offered undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, with approximately 500 full-time students and 23 faculty members. It publishes the academic quarterly Nanjing Theological Review and the bimonthly Teaching Materials, regularly hosts lectures and seminars, and maintains exchanges with international churches. Over the decades, it has trained thousands of pastors, church workers, and theological educators who continue to play significant roles in the growth and witness of Christianity in China.
