Abstract
Hong Kong has been experiencing a difficult time since 2019 due to the anti-extradition movement and the imposition of the National Security Law. The movement has grown from a simple demonstration against a bill to a full resistance to political domination. It testifies that the people will make a way by themselves when there is no way. The song “Glory to Hong Kong” also symbolizes a spirituality of resistance that transforms anger and doubts into faith and hope of liberation. This paper argues that this spirituality of resistance is essential not only to the fight for political freedom but also to the struggle against environmental degradation. By employing liberation theology as a tool of analysis, it illustrates that the practice of political resistance against an authoritative and dominating regime leads to the contemplation of the depth of reality that calls for our solidarity with the oppressed. Amid climate change and destruction of ecosystems, this underlying spirituality of the movement to liberate Hong Kong also constitutes a foundation for planetary liberation. In the light of Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas, the demonstrators in Hong Kong can be seen collectively as a priest who brings the wounded planet to the face of the ultimate mystery. This serves as a spiritual ground for ecological actions that commit to both human and planetary well-being.
Presenters
Bryan K. M. MokResearch Associate, Centre for the Study of Religious Ethics and Chinese Culture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Hong Kong, Resistance, Spirituality, Liberation, Environmentalism
