Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

photo Courtesy VWC.edu

Lorenzo concludes CSRF semester series

By Tara Kinard

tlkinard@vwc.edu

Dr. David Lorenzo concluded the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom’s spring semester line-up, with his lecture “Religion and Religious Freedom in the PRC.” Lorenzo’s discussion focused on Chinese religious traditions spanning from Confucianism to Christianity, and their historical conflicts with the government.

Center Director Paul Razor introduced Lorenzo to a group of approximately 20 individuals and operated the PowerPoint presentation Lorenzo provided to compliment his material.

A major theme throughout Lorenzo’s lecture was the traditional conflicts between religions and the government.

“Contemporary problems are an extension of conflict between faith and state,” said Lorenzo.

While religion is obviously a major factor in the Chinese culture, the PRC constitution has a provision which specifically prioritizes the state above religious freedom. It gives the state authority to regulate religious activities deemed as disorderly to the state.

Government hostility toward faith is so strong that government officials can not be affiliated with any particular religion. However, this does not mean they do not worship. Many of them do, only to maintain their position, they must keep it secretive.

A major issue which provides tension for the PRC government is the fact that many of these religions do not consider state loyalty to be a follower’s number one priority. Christianity, for instance, teaches that one must be first and foremost committed to God; while Confucianism emphasizes the family.

“Lorenzo explained that in Confucianism, “Loyalty to the family should be primary. It should supersede the state. Laws and regulations are not primary ordering devices; they should only come into effect as a last resort.”

This failure of religions to recognize state superiority has been a fundamental component of the historical conflict between faith and politics in China.

While China seems to have expanded in terms of the number of religions recognized, the state does not appear to be reconsidering its willingness to accept religious practices, or risk any loss in state authority by changing its position.

The lecture sparked reactions from two sides of the spectrum.

Elaine Stephens, a Virginia Beach resident and frequenter of CSRF events commended the program.

“The speaker had a very interesting topic. But the topics are always interesting,” said Stephens.

Another community visitor who has attended several CSRF events concurred that the topic was indeed interesting but was disappointed in the speaker.