Center for Public Theology
History of CESNA and C4PT
In January 2022, CESNA launched the Center for Public Theology as part of the "Pathways for Tomorrow" grant awarded by the Lilly Endowment. This initiative aligns with CESNA’s mission to "respond from a biblical perspective to contemporary issues that concern both Christians and society at large." In its Pathways for Tomorrow proposal, CESNA highlighted that Chinese churches have traditionally lacked the training to discern and address current social issues from a biblical perspective. Public theology, as a branch of theology, aims to help Christians live out their faith while engaging in dialogue with society.
Furthermore, CESNA established the Research and Strategic Initiatives (RSI) division to oversee the Center for Public Theology, along with other initiatives such as the Spiritual and Character Formation Center, the Church Empowerment Program, and the Pastor Care Project, all of which are supported by various Lilly Endowment grants. Dr. Chiu serves as the director of RSI.
Vision
The vision of the Center for Public Theology is rooted in the belief that God's sovereignty extends to all aspects of creation. The Center seeks to bring God’s sovereignty into the public square, particularly within the Chinese community, by educating Christians on the importance of public theology and addressing societal concerns from a biblical perspective.
Mission
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Academic: Educate Christians on the importance and relevance of addressing public concerns.
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Church Community: Encourage churches to motivate believers to seek the well-being (shalom) of society.
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Society: Engage with broader culture on public issues in ways that are accessible and comprehensible to the general public.
Our Team
Director
Agnes Chiu, Ph. D.
Ph.D. in Ethics, M.A. in Biblical Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary
UCLA School of Law, Juris Doctor UCLA
Vrije Universitate, Ph.D. Candidate
Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives,
Director of the Center for Public Theology,
Assistant Professor, China Evangelical Seminary North America
Phone：626-917-9482 X261 / Email：agnesc@cesna.edu
Board of Advisors
Rev. Dr. John Hsu, Ph.D.
former president of Evangel Seminary of Hong Kong (1984-2003). Dr. Hsu received his Ph.D. from the Aquinas Institute of Theology.
Board of Advisors
Rev. Dr. Albert Lam
Senior Pastor of Chinese Bible Church of San Diego. Rev. Lam, a native of Hong Kong, has ministered in the Philippines. He received his D. Min. degree from Westminster Theological Seminary.
Board of Advisors
Dr. Sebastian Kim, Ph.D.
Professor of Theology and Public Life and Assistant Dean of the Center for Korean Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. Doctor of Philosophy from Fitzwilliam University, Cambridge. Dr. Kim is also the founding editor of the International Journal of Public Theology.
Board of Advisors
Dr. Matthew Kaemingk, Ph.D.
Director of the Mouw Institute of Faith and Public Life and Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics. Dr. Kaemingk received his Ph.D. from Fuller Theological Seminary and the Vrije University of the Netherlands.
