The symposium "Re-exploring Humanity in the Technological Age: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Theological Anthropology," organized by the Chinese Theological Association and the Institute of Sino-Christian Studies, will take place on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., both on-site and online.
According to Chinese Christian Studies, the event welcomes faculty and students from universities and seminaries worldwide, as well as pastors and institutional professionals with an interest in theological research. Discussions will be conducted in Mandarin, and registration closes on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and neuroscience, conventional understandings of "humanity" are being fundamentally challenged. The symposium seeks to examine how the technological era affects human nature, dignity, and destiny from the perspective of theological anthropology, while exploring how theological insights can offer critical reflection and constructive guidance on the ethical questions and societal visions emerging from these technological developments.
The conference will address, but is not limited to, the following themes:
Artificial Intelligence and Human Dignity: With intelligent systems capable of autonomous learning and decision-making, how should the unique dignity of humans, rooted in the "image of God," be defined? What are the limits of human moral agency and responsibility in this context?
Cutting-Edge Technology and the Transformation of Humanity: Do advances such as gene editing (e.g., CRISPR) and brain-computer interfaces (BMIs) alter the "created" nature of humanity? How can theological reflection help delineate the boundary between nature and human craft and explore the contemporary significance of the concept of "creation"?
Neuroscience and Spiritual Understanding: How might neuroscience's insights into consciousness and spiritual experience reshape our understanding of the human soul and the encounter with the divine? In what ways can the dialogue between science and theology inspire fresh perspectives on the embodied soul and divine presence?
The symposium invites scholars and practitioners from biblical studies, church history, contemporary Christian studies, theology, philosophy, pastoral practice, and interdisciplinary fields bridging theology with related disciplines to engage in exchange.
