The international conference “The Future of Faith: Exploring the Disputes and Legacy of the Nicean Council in Asia” aims to examine the historical impact and contemporary relevance of the First Council of Nicea (325 CE) in Asian Christian contexts, interfaith dialogues, and theological developments. We are interested not only in the Nicene Creed as the “result” of the council but also in the historical context, method and model taken by council fathers as well as the impact of the council on the future of Christian faith, especially when it is confronted with contemporary challenges, such as secularism, scientific development, intercultural and interreligious encounter and social problems. Two fundamental questions we are going to explore in this international conference are: First, what was the dispute and historical legacy of the Nicean Council? Second, which relevance would this council have especially when Christian faith is faced with Asian challenges such as secularism, scientific development, intercultural and interreligious encounter and social problems?
1. Conference Scope
The scope of the conference is, but not limited to:
1.1. Historical Perspectives
- Early Christian communities in Asia and their reception of Nicean theology
- Historical disputes and adaptations in Asian contexts
1.2. Theological Discourse
- Trinitarian theology in Asian Christian thought
- Interreligious dialogue and Nicean orthodoxy
- Ecumenical movements and Nicean unity in Asia
- Future directions for Asian Christian theology
- Orthodoxy of Christianity and the Youth in Asia
1.3. Cultural Integration
- The Nicene Council and inculturation of faith
- The reception of the Nicene creed in a multicultural Church
- Religious belonging of Christians in Asia
- Modern apologetics and interreligious dialogue
1.4. Social Problems and Orthodoxy of Faith
The order and circularity between faith in action and in the celebration (sacraments)