Interdisciplinary Research Seminar Series

Religion, Secularism, and Love as a Political Discourse in Modern China

2025-11-11 11:002025-11-11 12:00Asia/Hong_KongReligion, Secularism, and Love as a Political Discourse in Modern China

Religion, Secularism, and Love as a Political Discourse in Modern China

Professor Guo Ting
Chinese University of Hong Kong

Date and Time:
November 11, 2025 (Tue) 11.00-12:00 HKT
[Nov 10, 2025 (Mon) 19:00-20:00 PST]

Venue: May Hall, HKU or via Zoom

Register Now
https://hku.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S0cSEA8aRV-Tc1Tvt0f-FA

    2025-11-11 11:002025-11-11 12:00Asia/Hong_KongReligion, Secularism, and Love as a Political Discourse in Modern China

    Religion, Secularism, and Love as a Political Discourse in Modern China

    Professor Guo Ting
    Chinese University of Hong Kong

    Date and Time:
    November 11, 2025 (Tue) 11.00-12:00 HKT
    [Nov 10, 2025 (Mon) 19:00-20:00 PST]

    Venue: May Hall, HKU or via Zoom

    Register Now
    https://hku.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S0cSEA8aRV-Tc1Tvt0f-FA

      Overview

      Title:

      Religion, Secularism, and Love as a Political Discourse in Modern China

      Speaker:

      Professor Guo Ting
      Chinese University of Hong Kong

      Date/Time:

      November 11, 2025 (Tue) 11:00-12:00 HKT
      [Nov 10, 2025 (Mon) 19:00-20:00 PST]

      Venue:

      Rm 201, May Hall, The University of Hong Kong (Map), or Via Zoom

      Language:

      English

      Enquiry:

      Title:

      Religion, Secularism, and Love as a Political Discourse in Modern China

      Speaker:

      Professor Guo Ting
      Chinese University of Hong Kong

      Date/Time:

      November 11, 2025 (Tue) 11:00-12:00 HKT
      [Nov 10, 2025 (Mon) 19:00-20:00 PST]

      Venue:

      Rm 201, May Hall, The University of Hong Kong (Map), or Via Zoom

      Language:

      English

      Enquiry:

      Abstract

      What is the meaning of love in modern Chinese politics? Why has ai (love) been a crucial political discourse for secular nationalism for generations of political leaders as a powerful instrument to the present day? This book offers the first systematic examination of the ways in which the notion of love has been introduced, adapted, and engineered as a political discourse for the building and rebuilding of a secular modern nation, all the while appropriating Confucianism, Christianity, popular religion, ghost stories, political religion, and their religious affects. The insights of this exploration expand not only the discussion of the role of emotions in the project of Chinese modernity, but also the study of affective governance and religious nationalisms around the world today.

       

      About the Speaker

      Guo Ting studies religion, politics, and gender in transnational Asia. She is currently Assistant Professor of Cultural and Religious Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong and incoming Assistant Professor of Language Studies, University of Toronto. She is the book reviewer editor for the Journal of the American Academy of Religion and a Diversity and Equity Committee representative for the Association for Asian Studies. She co-hosts a podcast called 時差 in-betweenness (@shichapodcast).

       

      About the Series

      This series aims to introduce a wide range of cutting-edge research in various disciplines and areas. If you have any questions about this webinar, would be interested in giving a talk, or would like to be removed from this mailing list, please contact Professor Ghassan Moazzin (gmoazzin@hku.hk).

      Light refreshments will be served for registered participants attending the seminar in person.

      POSTER