Call for Papers
Asian Practical Theology International Conference 2025
on
Intersection of Trauma and Practical Theology in Asia
Organized by
Asia Academy of Practical Theology (Hong Kong) AAPTHK
Co-organized by
Divinity School of Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Conference Venue: Online on Zoom
Language: English
Conference Period: 13-14 June 2025 (Fri – Sat)
Fri 9.30am – 5pm; Sat 9.30am – 1pm (Hong Kong Time Zone)
Trauma studies have emerged as a powerful lens for understanding the human condition, transcending disciplinary boundaries and impacting fields as diverse as literature, psychology, sociology, history, political science, and even medicine. This burgeoning field has revolutionized our understanding of how individuals and communities experience, process, and cope with overwhelming events, challenging traditional notions of resilience and recovery.
In recent decades, theologians worldwide have increasingly engaged with trauma studies, recognizing its profound implications for understanding core theological concepts and Christian practices. Some key examples include: Trauma studies have informed pastoral care practices, providing new insights into the needs of those who have experienced abuse, violence, and loss. They have also prompted critical reflection on the role of faith communities in both perpetuating and mitigating trauma. In constructive theology, trauma studies have challenged traditional theodicies, prompting theologians to grapple with the problem of evil and suffering in new ways. They have also informed theological anthropologies, highlighting the vulnerability and interconnectedness of human beings. Trauma studies have provided new lenses for interpreting biblical texts, illuminating themes of suffering, lament, and hope in both the Old and New Testaments. They have also prompted critical reflection on the ways in which biblical narratives have been used to justify violence and oppression. Furthermore, trauma studies have been central to feminist analyses of gender-based violence, highlighting the ways in which patriarchal structures and power dynamics contribute to women's experiences of trauma. They have also informed feminist theologies of embodiment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Trauma studies have contributed to public theological discussions about social justice, human rights, and the role of faith in addressing systemic violence and oppression. They have also prompted critical reflection on the ways in which public discourse can both perpetuate and challenge traumatic narratives. Similarly, trauma studies have been integrated into contextual theologies that seek to engage with the specific experiences of marginalized communities, such as those affected by war, poverty, and discrimination. They have also prompted critical reflection on the ways in which theological frameworks can be used to both reinforce and resist oppressive structures.
While global theological engagement with trauma has yielded valuable insights, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of applying these frameworks uncritically to Asian contexts. Asia's long and complex history is marked by a multitude of traumatic experiences, including colonialism, war, genocide, natural disasters, political oppression, and social injustices. These experiences have shaped individual and collective memories, cultural narratives, and spiritual practices in profound ways. Furthermore, Asian cultures often have distinct understandings of suffering, healing, and resilience, drawing on diverse philosophical and religious traditions. These understandings may challenge Western assumptions about the nature of trauma and the possibilities for recovery.
Therefore, it is imperative for Asian practical theology to engage in a critical and constructive dialogue with trauma studies, developing new frameworks and methodologies that are culturally relevant and sensitive to the unique experiences of Asian communities. This conference seeks to initiate this dialogue, providing a platform for scholars and practitioners to:
-
Explore the diverse and poignant narratives of trauma in Asia, giving voice to the
experiences of those who have been marginalized and silenced.
-
Analyze the impact of trauma on Asian societies, cultures, and faith traditions, examining both the destructive and transformative potential of these experiences.
-
Develop culturally sensitive and contextually relevant theological and pastoral responses to trauma, drawing on the rich resources of Asian spiritualities and practices.
-
Foster collaboration and dialogue among scholars and practitioners, bridging disciplinary divides and promoting interreligious understanding.
This conference represents a timely and crucial step towards developing a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of trauma and its implications for theological reflection and praxis in Asia. By engaging in this critical and constructive dialogue, we hope to contribute to the ongoing work of healing, reconciliation, and hope in a region marked by both profound suffering and remarkable resilience.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Karen O’Donnell
Academic Dean, Westcott House, Cambridge
Title of Keynote: Theologies and Practices of Post-Traumatic Remaking
Dr. Karen O’Donnell, hailing from the United Kingdom, holds a distinguished role as Academic Dean, Lecturer, and Research Supervisor at Westcott House. She also serves as an Associate Faculty Member in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. Dr. O’Donnell is a leading author in the field of Trauma Theology, making significant contributions to contemporary theological discourse.
Prof. Sonia Wong
Assistant Professor, Divinity School of Chung Chi College, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Title of Keynote: An Asian Reflection on Trauma Narratives in the Hebrew Bible
Prof. Sonia Wong, based in Hong Kong, is an expert in the Hebrew Bible with a specialization in postcolonial-psychoanalytic approaches. Her forthcoming monograph,Solomonic Fantasy of the Imperialized Yehudites, delves into this specialization. Her research prominently focuses on trauma narratives within the Hebrew Bible.
Prospective Presenters
We invite paper proposals that engage with the following subthemes:
-
War and Violence: Exploring the legacies of war, conflict, and political violence in Asia, and their impact on individuals, communities, and faith traditions.
-
Anthropocene, Trauma, and Practical Theologizing: Investigating the relationship between environmental degradation, climate change, and trauma, and the role of practical theology in addressing these challenges.
-
Gender and Sexuality: Examining the intersections of gender, sexuality, and trauma in Asian contexts.
-
Collective Trauma: Analyzing the impact of historical events and social injustices on communities and groups, and exploring the possibilities for collective healing and reconciliation.
-
Trauma and Healing: Examining diverse approaches to healing and wholeness in the face of trauma within Asian cultures and faith traditions.
-
Religious Trauma: Exploring experiences of trauma within religious contexts, including abuse, exploitation, and spiritual harm, and proposing theological and pastoral responses.
-
Trauma and Spirituality: Investigating the relationship between trauma, spirituality, and resilience, and considering the role of faith in navigating suffering and fostering hope.
We also welcome papers that engage with the following methodological and theoretical approaches:
-
Rethinking Trauma Theology in Asian Contexts
-
Trauma Theories and Congregation Studies in Asia
-
Trauma Theories and Biblical Studies in Asia
-
Trauma Theories and Asian Practical/ Pastoral/ Contextual/ Public Theologies
-
Trauma and Pastoral Ministries in Asia
Deadlines
(1) Abstract submission deadline: 28 February 2025
-
Length of abstract: 300–400 words (MS Word)
-
Please include a brief bio and contact email addresses of all the prospective presenters.
-
Submit to both email addresses (with Subject “AAPTHK Conference 2025”)
o Professor Simon Shui-Man KWAN (smkwan@cuhk.edu.hk)
o Ms. Marvis Chan (marvis.chan@aapthk.org)
(2) Results of abstract review returned to authors: Generally, within 4 weeks
(3) Full paper submission: We aim to publish the conference papers as an edited volume with an international academic press. Presenters interested in participating in this publication project will be informed of the details at a later stage.
Others
(1) Registration fee: Free of charge
(2) Presentation formats: Oral presentation (15-20 mins) and floor discussion
Conference Organizing Committee
Chair:
Secretary:
Members:
Prof. Simon Shui-Man KWAN
Ms. Marvis CHAN
Dr. Joseph Kwok-Fong CHAN
Ms. Leslie CHAN
Ms. Susan Wing-Shan IP
Dr. Chi-Hing KEE (M.H., J.P.)
Ms. Sukyi PANG
Dr. Elaine YIP
Dr. Christopher YIU
Copyright ©2024 Asia Academy of Practical Theology Hong Kong Limited.
All Rights Reserved.