Konfuzius-Institut München: 202. Jour Fixe of the foundation ex oriente

On the occasion of the 200th "Jour Fixe," the Confucius Institute Munich is starting a lecture series on the topic "Religions and Cults in China's Coastal Areas," initiated by our scientific advisor Prof. Emeritus Dr. Ptak. The third lecture in this series consists of two separate presentations by two Chinese scientists. The lectures will be broadcast live from China at the Confucius Institute Munich. For this reason, this month’s "Jour Fixe" will take place on a Saturday afternoon.

China's language, culture and economy in Germany

on friday, october 12th 2024 at 3.00 p.m. in Confucius Institute Munich

Participation is free of charge. This event will be broadcast via livestream at the Confucius Institute Munich.

Part 1: The Changing Status of Macau Before and After the Chinese Rites Controversy

Speaker: Dr. Zhao Dianhong

The "Chinese Rites Controversy in China" during the 17th and 18th centuries was a major event in the history of cultural exchange between China and the West. It originated within the Church but quickly expanded to involve Europe and China, making cities such as Rome, Beijing, Macau, and Paris the centers and stages of the debate. Besides the missionaries active in China from orders like the Jesuits, Franciscans, and Dominicans, other figures like the Pope, the Qing Emperor, the King of France, and Papal envoys were deeply involved. During this process, the Qing court gradually strengthened its control over Macau, leading to the changing status and role of Macau.

Dr. Zhao Dianhong is a PhD in History and currently serves as a researcher at Macau University of Science and Technology. His main research areas include the history of Sino-Western relations, the history of Christian missions in China, and the history and society of Macau. He has published numerous works, including the monograph "Church and Society: The Jesuit Missionary Network in the Jiangnan Region during Late Ming and Early Qing"

Part 2: Evangelism, Diplomacy, and Western Learning: The Bible Presentations to Late Qing Court

Speaker: Wu Qing

Christian missionaries attempted to influence the Qing court from political, economic, and cultural aspects to expedite the spread of Christianity in China. They hoped to use the influence of the sovereign ruler of the Qing to bring the Chinese people to Christian conversion. The hallmark of their evangelist effort was that female missionaries presented the New Testament in Chinese translation to Empress Dowager Cixi in 1894 as a gift for her sixtieth birthday and received rewards. From the perspective of cross-cultural interactions, the event legitimized the entry of the Bible into the Forbidden City. Since then, Emperor Guangxu developed a personal interest in the Bible and read many Western books, but he approached Christianity to understand Western civilization rather than to change his beliefs. The presentation of the Bible did not produce the result that Christian missionaries intended despite their outstanding effort.

Wu Qing, Ph.D., Professor and Deputy Dean of the College of Literature Arts at Jinan University. Her research interests include the religious history of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao and the history of Sino-Western cultural exchanges. She has published several monographs, including "A Study on the Relationship between Hong Kong Bishop Ronald Hall and China."