Narratives from the Hinterland: Expanding the Study of Christianity in China beyond the Major Urban Centers

Description: This project is designed to cultivate a rapidly expanding area of study by generating new knowledge in Chinese-Western cultural history through the study of Christianity in China. It endeavors to promote—on a much broader and deeper national level than previously undertaken by scholars in the field—the study of Christianity in China as a viable multi-disciplinary academic field for higher education today and in the future. The project is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation in New York, USA.

Deliverable: Symposia, public lectures, visiting scholarships and publications

Participants: Six universities of remote provinces in China

Expected completion: 2013

Nourishing the Spirit: Religion, Culture and Social Development

Description: Teaching and writing project examining the role of religion in support of social and cultural development, east and west. The goal is to make clear, for the Chinese university audience, the continuing contribution of religion to humanity's quest for communal wellbeing, social justice, and world harmony. Co-sponsored by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, Shanghai Fudan University.

Deliverable: Workshops and publication

Participants: By Lizhu Fan 范麗珠 (Fudan University), James D. Whitehead, and Evelyn Eaton Whitehead (USF Ricci Institute)

Expected completion: 2012

History of the Chinese Rites Controversy (2005-2010)

Description: Through a new sinological research approach, this project will attempt to captures the religious, historical, and cultural essence of the Chinese Rites Controversy based on primary sources in Chinese and other languages.

Deliverable: two-volume publication in English

Participants: Paul Rule (La Trobe University), Claudia von Collani (University of Würzburg) and Eugenio Menegon (Boston University)

Expected completion: 2012