معرفی
Xi Lian serves as the David Steinmetz Distinguished Professor of World Christianity at Duke Divinity School, Duke University, a position held since 2020 after previously serving as Professor of World Christianity from 2013. His academic leadership centers on advancing global perspectives in Christian studies within a premier theological institution.
Education:
- B.A. from Fujian Normal University
- M.A. from Fujian Normal University
- D.A. from State University of New York at Albany (1993)
Professor Lian's research critically examines China's modern encounter with Christianity, tracing the transformation of missionary Christianity into indigenous Chinese faith movements. His scholarship analyzes the development of Christianity among ethnic minorities on China's frontiers and investigates Protestant elites' complex role in contemporary civil society formation. He employs interdisciplinary methodologies bridging historical analysis with political and sociological frameworks to explore religious identity under communist rule and nationalist movements.
His publication trajectory reveals evolving scholarly priorities from early 20th-century missionary history toward contemporary religious dynamics, consistently intersecting with ethnic studies, nationalism, and civil society development. Recent works demonstrate increasing focus on marginalized communities and dissident religious figures within China's political landscape.
Scientific Awards:
- 2011 Christianity Today Book Award for "Redeemed by Fire: The Rise of Popular Christianity in Modern China"
- 2010 Award for Academic Excellence by Chinese Historians in the United States
- Fifteen Outstanding Books of 2010 for Mission Studies designation by International Bulletin of Missionary Research
Professor Lian directs significant research initiatives including a 2021-2025 Henry Luce Foundation grant for cross-border studies of Christianity in China-Southeast Asia borderlands and a 2015-2016 Association of Theological Schools project on Lin Zhao's Christian resistance. His scholarly influence extends through media commentary on religious freedom and Christianity's growth in China, though specific advising activities remain undocumented in source materials.
