International Conference “Christian Thinkers in Vietnam in Comparison with the Region”

The seminar was attended by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim (Party Secretary, Vice Rector of the University), Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (Former Rector, former Director of the Center for Contemporary Religious Studies), Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Tung (Director of the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Science), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chu Van Tuan (Director of the Institute of Religious Studies). Also present were many religious researchers and representatives from various religious training institutions both domestically and internationally.

Overview of the conference

Five centuries ago, Christianity was introduced to East Asia and Southeast Asia. Throughout history and in the present day, Christian thinkers and intellectuals have made significant contributions to industrialization and modernization, acting as catalysts for the economic development of countries in the region. Furthermore, the spread of Christianity has brought a breath of fresh air to religious and cultural life in general. In Vietnam, the introduction of Christianity has changed the landscape of religious studies. From the colonial era, Christianity spread to mountainous and highland regions, as well as to the plains inhabited by ethnic minorities. Today, it can be said that it is present in almost every region of the country.

Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim delivered the opening remarks at the conference.

This conference was organized to analyze the cultural and ideological values ​​of prominent figures in Catholicism and Protestantism; thereby offering recommendations to enhance the role of Christian intellectuals in the development of modern culture and society. The conference was guided by the motto: "All resources for development can only be utilized when we are fair and objective with history."

Over the course of two days, the speakers focused on discussing and clarifying several issues:

• Christianity in the early encounter between East and West
• Explaining the transformation of Christian thought in Vietnam from a philosophical and cultural perspective.
• The Influence of Christian Humanistic and Ethical Thought in Vietnam from a Cultural Philosophy Perspective
• The influence of Christian humanism and ethics on cognitive, behavioral, and organizational culture in Vietnam.
• Comparison between Buddhism and Christianity
• The role of Catholic clergy and intellectuals in preserving and promoting the cultural values ​​of the Vietnamese nation.

Furthermore, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Associate Professor Dr. Lam Ba Nam (Director) summarized the activities of the Center for Contemporary Religious Studies. In a decade of formation and development, the Center has achieved many positive results for Vietnamese religious studies in particular and international religious studies in general: organizing 10 international conferences and 5 domestic seminars on religious issues, publishing 8 publications, completing 3 state-level science and technology projects, and implementing 3 ministerial-level projects. Many staff members of the Center have received postgraduate training in South Korea, the United States, and the Federal Republic of Germany. In addition, with the active support from the Institute for Religious Studies of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Center has established a Religious-Cultural Documentation Room with nearly 2000 documents. For these achievements, the Center for Contemporary Religion was awarded a certificate of merit by the Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Associate Professor Dr. Lam Ba Nam presented a summary report of the achievements during 10 years of operation.TCenter for Contemporary Religious Studies

Professor Nguyen Van Kim, on behalf of the School's leadership, received a thank-you bouquet from the Center's Board of Directors.