The Hong Kong Protests and Political Theology (Religion in the Modern World)

The Hong Kong protests that began in the second half of 2019 captured the world’s attention as demonstrations against an extradition bill grew into a larger civil liberties movement. While protests began as peaceful demonstrations, the disproportionate police force with which the government responded escalated the situation to an international crisis. Kwok Pui-lan and Francis Ching-wah Yip bring together an international cohort to discuss the relation between Christianity and Communism and the neoliberal economy, as well as civil disobedience, religion and social movements, and the roles of the churches in social conflict. This interdisciplinary volume showcases theological reflections by many scholars and activists in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong protests in the second half of 2019 captured the world's attention. Demonstrations against an extradition bill, which would have allowed criminal suspects to be extradited to Communist China, grew into a larger civil liberties movement responded to with excessive force by the Chinese government. The Hong Kong protests began as peaceful demonstrations and assemblies but as the police used disproportionate force, some protesters responded by throwing petrol bombs and vandalizing subway stations and pro-Beijing businesses. The Hong Kong protests have raised many questions for political theology, particularly about decolonization and postcolonial democracy in a "one country, two systems" arrangement. Kwok Pui-Lan and Francis Ching-Wah Yip bring together a truly international cohort to discuss the relation between Christianity and Communism and the neoliberal economy. The protests challenge theologians to think about civil disobedience, religion and social movements, and the roles of the churches in social conflict. This interdisciplinary work will draw from social scientists, philosophers, and theologians, such as Gene Sharp, Hannah Arendt, Benny Tai, John Rawls, Paul Tillich, Martin Luther King Jr., Kim Yong-bock, and others. It will discuss the meaning of crucifixion, atonement, the suffering Messiah, justice, the demonic, and the roles of the Church in a time of global unrest and social ferment and protest. This volume aims to showcase theological reflections on the Hong Kong protests by scholars and activists in Hong Kong Contents Acknowledgments Note on Chinese Names Introduction Part I. OVERVIEW OF THE HONG KONG PROTESTS Chapter One. A Critical Review of Events during the Hong Kong Protests of 2019 Chapter Two. From Crony to Authoritarian Capitalism: Structural Problems Underlying the Hong Kong Protests Chapter Three. “If Not Us, Who?” Youth Participation and Salient Aspects of the Protests Chapter Four. Understanding the Use of Violence in the Hong Kong Protests Part II. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON THE HONG KONG PROTESTS Chapter Five. Biblical Allusions on the Hong Kong Protests Chapter Six. “For Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood”: The Demonic in Hong Kong Chapter Seven. Hong Kong “Freedom Cunt”: Sexual Violence and Crucifixion Chapter Eight. Crucified People, Messianic Time, and Youth in Protest Chapter Nine. Is Dialogue in the Church Still Feasible after the Hong Kong Protests? Part III. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES Chapter Ten. When the Minjung Events Erupt: Protests from Korea to Hong Kong Chapter Eleven. When the Stones Cry Out in Palestine: Protesting Empire Chapter Twelve. Armenia, Hong Kong, and Political Change Chapter Thirteen. Hong Kong and Ireland: Protests and Post/colonies Chapter Fourteen. The Power of Nonviolent Direct Action Suggested Further Reading Index About the Contributors