Annotated Bibliography of WSCF Asia – Pacific
Book Series Publications
Avila, Charles. R., Peasant
Theology, Reflections by the Filipino Peasants on their process of Social Revolution
Book No. 1 (WSCF Asia, Bangkok, 1976)
This is a theological reflection on the peasant life among the Filipino peoples, which gives a brief historical and current analysis of the social, economic and political influences in the Philippines since its colonial past from Spain and America. Charles writes not just to illustrate the problems of peasant people, but more importantly to illustrate how the peasant Filipino people have developed their own methods of theologising from their own struggles imposed upon them by the injustices of colonialism, politics, landlordism, and land ownership.
Devananda, Sevaka. Yohan., Living Dialogue: Documents of a Development Movement among peasants and youth in Sri Lanka. Book Series No. 2 (WSCF Asia, Hong Kong, 1977)
This is a compilation of documents based on articulation, action and reflection in the rural areas of Sri Lanka where Buddhist-Christian-Marxist dialogue was combined with collective farming. Sevaka Yohan Devananda articulates the community experience and the outcome of community dialogue with the local people. This book shows the beginnings, liturgies, and experiences of the local people and the Devasaranaramaya, Christian monastery. Devananda founded it on the indigenous lines, and a group of people that were committed to explore new styles of life and witness based on indigenous values relevant for today. The founding crux of this Christian Community was to create a forum of dialogue, analysis, and religious doctrine to the serious political concerns and study of land reform, this in turn then became the founding of a collective farm. This is a report that describes the lifestyle that Devananda has tried to implement among people of all religious and political convictions from the People’s Committee for Land Reform to the Collective Farm where the Youth were also active in the daily life and running of the Farm community. This book gives a historical and methodological analysis of inter-faith dialogue among within a Christian – Buddhist and Marxist community in the early 1970s in Sri Lanka.
Dietrich, Gabriele., Would that all the Lord’s People were Prophets. Book Series No. 3 (WSCF Asia, Hong Kong, 1979)
This book is a composition of 6 Bible studies delivered at the 27th General Assembly World Student Christian Federation, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from the 30th of January to the 11th of February 1977. The overall theme for the conference is ‘Christian Witness in the Struggle for Liberation’ therefore in the opening chapter there are several presuppositions that Gabriele brings to the fore to help the conference understand in what context do they do their theologising and biblical analysis. Namely: a struggle for liberation is going; and secondly, there are Christians present in this struggle.
The back cover of the book stipulates that the best qualification that Gabriele has in leading a study among Asian people is her kindred spirit with the people of Asia, especially with the exploited and the oppressed.
Cortez, Nael., (ed) Faith & Social Justice: Papers and Documents of ASFOR Asian Secretaries Formation 1977. Book Series No. 4 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1978)
This book is a report from the papers and documents of Asian Secretaries Formation (ASFOR) held in Manila, Philippines at the Union Theological Seminary in 1977. The foreword better summarises the reports and overall context of this book. ‘Faith & Social Justice’ was the central theme of the inaugural session of Asian Secretaries Formation (ASFOR); it was the focus of the action/reflection study and encounter of SCM workers and leaders across Asia in the context of the realities of Philippine society and the church. These documents were compiled together as part of the WSCF Asia Book Series so that the efforts of this gathering may be integrated with the continuing work of WSCF-AP and SCMs around the Asian Pacific Region. The contents were: Bacolod-Negros Occidental; Bataan Export Processing Zone; Central Luzon & Dialogue with Cultural Minorities; Zamboanga Report, followed by lectures and reflections by Feliciano V. Carino, Carlos Abesamis S.J., Levi Orcion, Sister Mary John. Finally the Pala-Pala statement summarises a unified degree of support and solidarity to the oppressed peoples, workers, students, peasants, managers and professionals and ethnic communities who have experienced the fragmented reality of Philippine society as a result of the Global reality of Third World people. (p 93).
Cortez, Nael., (ed) Women and Men in Asia (The Woman Question in the Asian Context). Book Series No. 5 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1979)
This is a compilation of position papers and documents from the WSCF Asia Women’s Workshop that was held in December 4-13, 1978 in Bangalore, India. As a project of the World Student Christian Federation there was a need to focus on the issues that faced women in both her oppression and liberation by societies where the majority are exploited by those who hold economic and political power. The contributors to the conference and to the publication of this book comprise of women who have had first hand experiences with the struggles of women within the Asian context. Gabriele Dietrich opens the book with comments on WSCF Asia’s stance on women’s issues, followed by a bible study by Nael Cortez, Theological Reflections by Florence Deenadayalan and Unjust Liturgical Traditions and Women by Arvind P. Nirmal. The book concludes with 7 position papers made by the workshop participants to the conference: 1) Our Stance on the Woman’s Question; 2) Our Biblico-Theological Perspective; 3) Women in Industries & Estate Plantation; 4) Tourism & Prostitution; 5) Women & Health Care System; 6) Cultural Aspect of Woman’s Oppression & Liberation; 7) The Women’s Project: Recommendations.
Cortez, Nael., (ed) Education and Liberation: Papers and Documents of ASFOR Asian Secretaries Formation 1978. Book Series No. 6 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1978)
This book is a report from the papers and documents of Asian Secretaries Formation (ASFOR) held at Satya Wacana Christian University Salatiga, Indonesia in co-operation with the Gerakan Mahsiswa Kristen Indonesia (Indonesia SCM). This meeting was the second to be held carrying the life and vibrancy of the Asian Secretaries Formation. Twenty-five participants attended this gathering from various church and movements within the Asia region, the Christian Conference in Asia, and the National Council of Churches in Indonesia. Contributors to the conference were Dr. Sutarno, Rector and Vice Rector of Satya Wacana, the President of GMKI Tony Waworuntu, General Secretary, Frans Allolerung. Lecturers and speakers were: WSCF General Secretary, Emidio Campi, Rev. John England who’s insights on liberating education and Christian formation.
Ahn Jae Woong & Mathew, Koshy., (ed) Ferment and Protest: Some Christian Responses to Peoples Aspirations. Book Series No. 7 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1982)
The dominance of alien values in the vast melting pot of Asia has become a problem to a society that is based on a rich sense of pluralism of culture, religion, spirituality and political systems. This book is a collection of theological reflections that are based on the experiences and perspectives of SCMs within the Asian and Pacific basin. Therefore these reflections reflect the experiences of people who are involved in a new vision of hope among the alien values of colonialism/neo colonialism and the decimation of values that break down family, community and relationship building within the diverse societies of Asia. The struggles of Asian people is a struggle to rebuild their identity from these external factors that usually have another motive based on exploitation of people and ecological resources. Therefore each chapter is based on the experiences and struggles within the Asian context: 1) Christian Mission and the Peoples of Asia by D. Preman Niles. 2) How to respond theologically to the Human Condition in Asia Today, by Kim Yong-Bock. 3) Concerns of ‘Living Theology’ in Asia, by Feliciano V. Carino. 4) Development, Traditional Values and Christian Responsibility, by Paulose Mar Paulose.
Tremewan, Chris., Teatime at the Revolution Book No. 8 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1983)
Chris writes from his experiences as an advocate for the various levels of youth issues from around the world, from the ‘World Council of Churches Youth Working Group’ held in Geneva to the ‘New People’s Army’ in the Philippines in the early 80s. He also discusses at an in-depth analysis the political lobbying from the Ecumenical Churches around the world that consolidates similar oppressive policies to that of secular state politics. Although the church tries to operate out of the square of political oppression to its secular counterparts Chris’ analysis shows a somewhat different view that portrays the Church and State Politics of oppression work in the same arena. This of course is very difficult to fully understand and see when the very arena that nurtures our spirituality is also involved in the advocacy of military regimes, corrupt politics and the increasing poverty of a nation. Therefore the message in this book is to encourage critical systems of analysis for Youth, but more importantly to generate conscious minds that needs to articulate the social problems of the communities that effect young people, from the racial issues of Maori and Pakeha to the Militia oppression.
David Kwang-sun Suh, Theology, Ideology and Culture. Book Series No. 9 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1983)
This book is in three parts that are based on both David’s lived experiences as a Christian among a society that is driven by a dictatorship ideology and missionary desiccation of culture. David was a professor of Philosophy and Theology at Ewha Woman’s University from 1968 to 1980, he was then forced to resign because of his involvement with student movement groups and his belief in the Minjung struggle. David polarises two types of theologies, ideologies and cultural understandings of Korean people who have been influenced by dictatorship policies and western missionary fundamentalism. As a political detainee David was made to write about what is Minjung theology and justify this with his work with student movements as a Christian. This book also illustrates the conflict that traditional Korean Shamanism has had with Western Christian Fundamentalism, as well as Buddhist and Taoist beliefs, especially when Mudangs (priest of Shamanism) are usually known to be women who are gifted in mediation between the spirit world. Therefore David goes on to add that minjung in this case are the Mudangs who are oppressed by society and the church because of their gifts and therefore the minjung in general associate themselves as part of the Mudangs.
Ahn, Jae Woong (ed) The Image of God in Minorities. Book Series 10 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1984)
‘The Image of God in Minorities’ is a book about people’s struggles to find meaning in their deprived living conditions because of several factors that oppress them for example the caste system in India, Japanese Patriarchal Structures, to the Maori who are struggling for their own sovereignty under British Colonialism. The emphasis of these collected stories, from the Praxis Journal, is to demonstrate how the Image of God is found in the struggles of the oppressed that have suffered. People who are disenfranchised from their land, culture and sovereignty and the right to govern their own lives among a predominantly western society that has changed the social structures all indigenous cultures. Each story expresses the need to challenge, critique and bring about an image of God that is pro active in restoring a living giving theology among minority groups who have suffered under oppression by people who have economic, political, and religious power.
Carino, Feliciano. V., The Sacrifice of the Innocent: Themes on Christian Participation in the Philippine Struggle Book Series 11 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1984)
‘The willing sacrifice of the innocent is the most powerful answer to insolent tyranny that has yet been conceived by God and man.’ The arrival statement of Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., 21st August 1983. (p 3). Carino recaptures the build up to the assassination and subsequent after affects of the popular opposition leader in Filipino politics during the early 80s, Benigno S. Aquino otherwise known by most people as Ninoy. Whatever reasons for Ninoy’s return back to the Philippines, regarded as foolish, or an act of martyrdom, or because he truly though he could establish some justice among the current volatile Marcos dictatorship, there still remained a sense of strength of popularity among the people he so wished to serve. Amidst the unstable and unsettled politics the most important aspect of this book is Carino’s analysis that Politics and the Church serve each other to gain the establishment of a Christian civilised society according to the measures that Marcos ‘The First Family’ were able to portray. Church liturgy alongside political rhetoric was the most important feature of public campaigning when seeking the peoples vote to establish or re-establish the ‘First Family’ back into the seat of power. Carino suggest that the theological reflection must be done in praxis by putting into action the Christian principles of challenging the needs for social justice among the innocent and casualties of political dictatorship.
Ariarajah, Wesley., The Bible and People of Other Faiths Book Series 12 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1985)
What does the bible say about other faiths? Wesley encourages Christians to view this question from another perspective and view point to avoid getting caught up in various misconceptions of other faiths, which crosses cultural and various social models of life according to people of different faiths. The first point that Wesley stresses is that we must understand that even if the bible does not indicated any teaching of inter-faith dialogue it does mean that inter-faith dialogue and discourses are non existent within biblical text. The second point that he stresses is that unless we interpret and read biblical text in its entirety we will limit our understanding of what the bible says about the various religious and cultural interactions that happen in Biblical times. ‘Towards a theology of dialogue’ Chapter 7 speaks of ‘Theocentric’ as the theological approach that Wesley encourages us to understand to enable an opening to inter faith dialogue among people of different religions. Many of the Protestant inability to deal with religious pluralism is based on their selective treatment of scriptures that Christ is the ‘full’, ‘final’, and ‘decisive’ revelation of God. He later states that God is then pushed to the periphery, and according to Protestant missionary activity provides no grounds for inter faith dialogue.
Clarke, Jennie., (ed) Weaving New Patters: Women’s struggle for change in Asia and the Pacific. Book Series 13 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1986)
“Women all over Asia and the Pacific are denied recognition of their full dignity and equality with men… class, race, religion and caste…. Women of lower class suffer double oppression; those who also belong to a race which is discriminated against suffer triple oppression….” This book is a product of the World Student Christian Federation who saw the need to publish the stories of women who have been tortured, raped, abused and forced to live secondary to men according to race, class, religion and caste. The WSCF-AP have also expressed that the church has not been innocent towards the oppression of women over the years in the Asian and Pacific regions and subsequently in the entire world. In the Chapter ‘Christian responses’, a discussion on Feminist Theologians, Karen Campbell-Nelson, presents a workshop on understanding structures, images and theologies from feminist perspective as a tool of reinterpreting scripture and church liturgy. This reinterpreting tool helps both men and women live in community with each other based on respect, responsibility and nurture. Karen also admits that herself and Theologian Rosemary Radford Ruether write and theologise from a White Middle Class perspective but their motive is to show support and solidarity to all women of class, race, religion and culture who have been oppressed on differing social levels.
Yule, Sandy., Making Peace, Making Sense. Book Series 14 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1988)
Sandy writes from his own personal experiences of peace issues and peace education, inviting readers to also dialogue into asking the pertinent questions and answers towards issues that involve the everyday lives of ordinary people. Sandy seeks questions and answers that focus on issues surrounding our perceptions of injustice and powerlessness when global catastrophe and the need for violence is highlighted by societies in advance social and political situations. The introduction challenges us to realise the disparity between the global arena and our own personal experiences, justified by the feeling of powerlessness in the face and threat of a nuclear war. Peace education operates at a personal and face to face level, so that the limitations of what can be achieved at this level need to be consciously addressed. The primary focus of this book is the threat of global thermonuclear war and out personal responses to this threat (Chapter 1). Sandy believes that any resolution to the nuclear arms race is possible without the creation of a new global sense of identity, achieving more co-operative political, cultural and economic structures.
Antone, Hope. S., & Yong, Tingjin (ed) Our Stories, Our Faith. Book Series 15 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1992)
This is a resource booklet that was developed as a result of the ‘Women Doing Theology Workshop’ that was held in Taiwan, 1-12 February 1991. It was a gathering of 25 women from the Asia and Pacific Regions for learning and sharing even coming together in search of a vision to act out their role as in women in the midst of human struggles. Subsequently the workshop aims were to: a) introduce and promote the importance of the need for women to do theology from women’s experience in the SCMs; b) ensure the continuity of the process of women doing theology; c) deepen critical awareness and prepare young SCM women to respond in concrete action to women’s issues at national and regional levels; d) interpret the Bible from the women’s perspective; e) share and listen to teach one’s personal stories and gain strength in realising shared experiences. The programme areas of the workshop were; creative worship; personal storytelling; Bible studies and faith reflections on “Women in the Old Testament,” “Women in the New Testament,” “The Woman Who Dared to Break In” and “Ephesians and Workers;” as well as workshops on “Reading the Bible from a Woman’s Perspective”…….
Antone, Hope. S., & Yong, Tingjin
(ed) Re-living
Our Faith Today: A Bible Study Resource Book. Book
Series 16 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1992)
This is a resource booklet is a collection of Bible studies presented at various times for programmes hosted by the World Student Christian Federation Asia-Pacific. In 1989 during the Human Resources Development it was highlight that there was a need for ‘doing theologies in Asia from the perspectives of young people, women and students.’ There was also an observation that many SCMs lacked basic biblical knowledge to help get a better understanding of the bible in conjunction with the social issues and realities that each SCMer came from. This collection of Bible studies also includes a presentation from the grassroots women’s leadership formation program of the Christian Conference of Asia-Urban Rural Mission: ‘Judith: A Paradigm of Faith and Steadfastness’ also reflects the same focus to the constituency of WSCF A-P. The contributors to this book are: Hope S. Antone (Philippines); Dhyanchand Carr (India); Sharon Rose Joy Riz-duremdes (Philippines); Kang Won Don (Korea); Kim Hae Rang (Korea); Kowk Pui Lan (Hong Kong); Lee Won Don (Korea); Sohn Eun Ha (Korea); Ann Wansbrough (Australia).
Park, Sang Jung, Ecumenical Praxis and Democracy in Asia: Some Biblical and Critical Reflections Book Series 17 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1993)
Park critically
reflects on several biblical texts that helps us understand a more grounded and relevant
insight into understanding the life Jesus in relationship with people who have been
socially, religiously and politically marginalised by classim, racism, and sexism. Park
draws on Minjung Theology to biblically reflect
upon the social realties of the marginalised during Jesus’ and current Christian
times. Ecumenism and Democracy in Asia can
only been achieved by having some insight into the Christian experiences of Asian peoples,
therefore the biblical reflections and analysis of this book helps the reader to
understand a pure Asian context of doing theology among the marginalised peoples. Foreword by Yong Ting Jin she highlight two
‘cardinal points’ on which these biblical reflections are based on
‘people’ and ‘Christian Witness’, it is at these points that ecumenism
that be encountered. “Rev. Park reflects on the minjung in Korea, he
does not exclude other people……… he
takes a specific context to demonstrate the point that Jesus is with the
‘ocholos’ everywhere.”
Engel, Frank., Living in a World Community: An East Asian Experience of the World Student Christian Federation 1931 – 1961 Book Series 18 (WSCF-AP Hong Kong, 1994)
This book is an historical illustration of the WSCF Asia and Pacific Region from 1931 to 1961. Frank captures many of the important events and visits by various peoples who have been influential and involved in WSCF from New Zealand to the East Asian region, from Dr. T.Z Koo, to his invitation to become the Secretary for WSCF A-P in 1959 to 1961. This book is well researched in the history and earlier development of WSCF within the Asia and Pacific region and written for the centennial in 1995 in response to the need of examining the historical and current life of WSCF globally (Foreword by Harvey L, Perkins; Edited by Yong Ting Jin,& Wong Wai Ching) In conclusion the appendixes illustrate individual travel journals and added material of Frank Engel, John Gault, Patricia McGrath (Travelling Secretary, ASCM) and General Committee Members Margaret Bearlin and Jean Stock.
Ahn, Jae Woong, God In Our Midst Book Series 19 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1995)
Ahn Jaewoong, a former Regional Secretary of WSCF-AP, contextualises the struggles of Asian people which parallels the realities of people in similar circumstances throughout biblical times. Written at a time during the centenary in 1995 he writes about his concerns and experiences throughout his ecumenical career as an advocate for peace and justice. The expression of this book ranges from the problems of worshipping an unknown God that is caught up in capitalism and individualism to issues of migrant concerns from the past to the present. Chapter 8 highlights ‘The Wisdom of Minjung in Korea’ that,“The Korean Minjung that Korea must liberate itself from the domination of the superpowers”. With this statement Dr. Ahn also encourages us to understand that minjung is a theology for all people who continue to struggle from a lower cultural, social, and economic climate that forces people to live in an oppressive situation from the superpowers of politics and institutions. At the conclusion Dr. Ahn’s hopes and wishes for a peaceful global community is based on his thoughts of strong ecumenical ties which will make Isaiah’s dream come true (Isaiah 11:6-8).
Antone, Hope. S (ed)., Ecumenical Student Ministry in Asia-Pacific Book Series 20 (WSCF-AP, Hong Kong, 1995)
This book consists of selected papers presented at the CCA-WSCF Joint Programme held in Bangkok from 1st to 8th April 1995, with two other specially solicited papers. The 18 papers of this book are arranged into 6 sub-sections. Biblical Perspectives for Ecumenical Student Ministry (Bible studies led by Monica Melanchthon & Archie C. Lee). Context of the Student Ministry (papers presented by Feliciano V. Carino, and Australian SCM). Focus of Student Ministry (papers by Singapore SCM and Jega Ponnambalam of the Asian Students Association). Strategies for Ecumenical Student Ministry (papers by Aotearoa-New Zealand SCM, Sri Lanka SCM, Hong Kong SCM and Kwon Jin Kwan of Korea). Ecumenical Student Ministry: Partnership of SCM and Churches (Papers from Taiwan SCM, Christine Ledger and Clyde Robinson Jr). Review of Student Ministry in WSCF and the Asia-Pacific (Papers from Yong Ting Jin, CWP’95 keynote addresses of Amanda Tibbey and Kyaw Than). Each chapter talks about the growing difficulties Christian students have had to face amidst social, economic, religious and political conflict. The common ground this book highlights is to find a ground of solidarity among the ecumenical factions of student ministry in each particular context within the Asian Pacific Region.