Faithful to the Magisterium, Theology of Energy is a new renewing theology for the evangelical purpose of Holy Spirit.
May the Most Holy Trinity and Its whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints continue to guide and bless this theology!
The present hymn for this site is called "Praise Him, Praise Him". To listen further to this beautiful sacred song, click here or here.
Update: *May 15, 2012
--- May 1, 2010 ---
(1) URAM 2013 is now put on the front page of this website for scholars interested in presenting a paper in URAM 2013. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (May 1)
(2) The next AITEA meeting is being held on May 14 accordingly. Entitled "An Ethics for Our Environment," the speaker is Prof. Paulin Batirwa, S.X. Among others, he is a post-doctoral fellow at the Fu Jen Academia Catholic and the co-editor of Fu Jen International Religious Studies. Alleluia! Alleluia! (May 1)
(3) On May 2, there will be an introduction on the Chinese Theology of Qis by the author as mentioned earlier. Entitled "Chinese Theology of Qi: Its Incultural, International and Cosmic Dimensions 中國氣神學：一個本地化、國際化、宇宙化的神學," this presentation is mainly for the visiting priests from mainland China who are studying for a short period at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica. It is being held there from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in room DG420 on the 4th floor. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (May 1)
(4) Here are two pictures taken during the presentation of Theology of Qis mentioned on May 2 at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica, attended by six Chinese visiting priests and one Chinese visiting nun from mainland China. It was a real privilege and a great joy. A grateful word is due to Prof. Bernard LI, Dean of the Academia, Ms. Judy KIANG the secretary, Mrs. Lucia CHANG the Mandarin tutor, as well as Fr. Antonio REN and Ms. Judy KIANG for taking the pictures. The power-point will be released after the next presentation on May 30 at the Fu Jen St. Bellarmine Faculty of Theology 輔仁聖博敏神學院. By the way, the addition "St. Bellarmine" was approved only recently by the College authority. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (May 3)
(5) A grateful acknowledgment is also due to the visiting priests and nun being so attentive during the presentation. It has been a significant dream of the author as regards the Chinese Theology of Qis to go to mainland China to present this Theology to the people. Now this dream has been fulfilled, as least as a beginning, here at Fu Jen. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(6) During the presentation on May 2 aforementioned, Letters to a Brother Priest (Chinese:《給多默神父的信》), a book which encourages Christians to do daily Holy Hour, is also promoted. As far as the author is concerned, Theology of Qis and the Blessed Sacrament are intrinsically inseparable. In fact, one may say, the Holy Eucharist is the beginning (First Cause), the continuation (Efficient Cause), the ultimate goal (Final Cause) of Theology of Qis, as well as the model of transformation (Formal Cause) for anyone doing this Theology *and any created being under study, directly and indirectly so. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (May 4)
(7) As two to three AITEA members at Fu Jen are interested in URAM2013 taking place in a beautiful country called Canada next year, there will be a few minutes of discussion on this important topic before Rev. Prof. Paulin Batirwa, S.X. (Society of Xavier) begins his presentation on May 14 at 12:30 p.m. Alleluia! Alleluia! (May 3)
(8) As a result of the presentation on May 2 abovementioned, three fruits are coming to fruition. First, Prof. Emeritus Aloysius CHANG's perennial article published in 1982 for initiating the development of Theology of Qis, together with the two Chinese and five English published works of author, as well as Letters to a Brother Priest (Chinese:《給多默神父的信》), are now in the hands of the six visiting priests and nun from mainland China as a whole. Second, the second volume of Theology of Qis and the Future Development of Chinese Civilization (No. 2) 氣神學與中國未來文明的發展(之二) is now opening up, since the contents of the current (or the first) volume has already been systematically set up. Third, some positive interaction has slowly begun. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (May 7)
(9) The Superbrain Yoga or A.A.I.Q.E, insofar as the author is concerned, is a great blessing. For example, he used to swim 1000 meters of freestyle daily, in about 40 minutes. Now, if he is doing this exercise over 100 times slowly in about 10 to 12 minutes in the morning, to the point of sweating, he does not have to go swimming that day. It seems the effects are better than swimming if he does another 30 minutes of walking in the evening. In any case, according to Prof. Justina CHAN, an experienced and wise professor of heath science at the Fu Jen Medical School, one should do this exercise slowly and increase the number of times only gradually each time. Overall, it is vital that one should not hurt himself, in particular the knee cap. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (May 7, 2012)
(10) *As mentioned above, the sixth and the last book presentation and discussion on Theology of Energy in the present series entitled "An Ethics for Our Environment: Becoming a Saint Today" was being held on May 14. The humble, erudite speaker was Rev. Prof. Paulin Batirwa from the Society of Xavier (St. Francis Xavier) in Taiwan. He began his comprehensive presentation at 12:30 p.m. and a lively discussion was followed afterwards. Among the three or four scholars planning to attend URAM 2013, a small team or perhaps a symposium consisting of three or four people may be formed to help facilitate the process. Further, Letters to a Brother Priest was also promoted for the purpose of integrating the study of Theology of Qis spiritually with the spirituality of the Blessed Sacrament.
Here is the brilliant power-point presented by Prof. Batirwa. At the same time, these are some of the pictures taken, beginning with the engaging speaker, then a deep thinker, two contemplating priests, a relaxing smile, a popular prayer to the Holy Spirit, and the three helpful assistants. A grateful word, therefore, is due to Ms. Winnie YU, the secretary, to Ms. LIU Kweiwen, the photographer, to Ms. Jane TAN for the hospitality service, as well as to all the speakers and attendants in this series of presentation and discussion of Theology of Energy, in particular to Rev. Prof. Augustine Tsang, S.J., the Dean of the Fu Jen St. Bellarmine Faculty of Theology. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (May 15, 2012)
(11) *If more scholars from Fu Jen or Taiwan are interested in URAM2013, the second symposium consisting of three or four people may be organized if possible. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (May 15, 2012)
--- April 1, 2012 ---
(1) As the real world in which we are living is ceaselessly inter-active, inter-penetrative, and inter-influencing among its countless constituents, one may ask: "Which one of its countless constituents, then, consists of the most positive, most awesome as well as most inter-active, inter-penetrative and inter-influencing source of influences?" Obviously, it is the infinite, omnipresent Most Holy Trinity per se. Yet, as we know, it is in the Blessed Sacrament where the Most Holy Trinity is most intensely present on earth. Therefore, it becomes the sacred duty of each believer on earth to help the Most Holy Trinity in the Sacrament of Sacraments to spread or radiate Its infinite, ceaseless Divinizing Influence to this real world of ours, e.g., by fervent participations in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; by devoted Eucharistic receptions; by frequent visits to Jesus or the Most Holy Trinity in the Tabernacle, and, in particular, by making Holy Hours. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (Updated on April 1 --- the beginning of the Holy Week --- of what was posted here yesterday on March 31)
(2) The next session of the AITEA Book Study and Discussion Schedule takes place at Fu Jen on April 16, 2012. The speaker is Prof. Francisco CHEUNG who teaches at the Fu Jen Department of Applied Arts. As mentioned, Prof. Francisco, among others, is a licensed architect and an expert on the relationship between qi and environment. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (April 2)
(3) On April 9, Monday, the author will share (in Mandarin) the powerpoint presented on March 12 with an evangelical group called Farmer at the Fu Jen Catholic University. In addition, he will also introduce to the group the book on Eucharistic Holy Hours highly recommended by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and two cardinals, etc. Entitled Letters to a Brother Priest (Chinese:《給多默神父的信》), this book is co-authored by Rev. Fr. Vincent Martin Lucia and Rev. Msgr. Josefino Ramierez, which seeks to encourage all believers to spend more time each day with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. By the way, Farmer was officially started by Prof. Bernard LI last year when he was the president of the Fu Jen Catholic University, for the noble purpose of sharing the Gospel with the Fu Jen students. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (April 2)
(4) Someone volunteers to pray for the intentions of the Prayer Box during his daily Holy Hour. Hence, anyone is welcome to visit the Prayer Box and put forward his or her intentions. As ever, we are quite blessed to do it unconditionally. Praise be to the Holy Spirit!
(5) Yesterday, it was a really great honour that the power-point presented earlier on March 12, excepted for the I.Q. Exercise, was re-presented in Mandarin by the author to the Farmer, a small enthusiastic group of five young committed Catholic evangelists for the purpose of Jesus for the Fu Jen students. Included in the presentation were also the message written on April 9 in the Communication of Faith, as well as a quick informal introduction of Letters to a Brother Priest (Chinese:《給多默神父的信》). Each of the Catholic evangelists now has a photocopied copy of this not-for-sale work, due to the farsightedness of the group leader Sister YEN. Praise be to the Holy Spirit!
Apparently, just as the three principles of evangelical success for the well-known evangelist Rev. Billy Graham was "Prayer, Prayer, and Prayer," the three principles of evangelical success for the Catholics seem to be "Holy Hour, Holy Hour, and Holy Hour." Among others, one could witness such a great blessing in the life of the Servant of God Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Bl. Mother Theresa and St. John Vianney, etc.
A grateful word is due to the sister in Christ who took the picture, to Ms. Michelle WU who introduced this book to our attention, as well as to the Mandarin tutor Mrs. Lucia CHANG. Alleluia! Alleluia! (April 10)
(6) The AITEA meeting was being held today accordingly at 12:00 p.m. There was a questionnaire at 12:15 p.m. Afterwards, the speaker, Prof. Francisco CHEUNG began at about 12:30 p.m. with an interesting power-point presentation. A grateful word is due to the photographer Ms. LIU Kweiwen for taking two other pictures, as well as the assistance of Ms. Winner YU, the secretary, and Ms. Jane TAN for the extra service. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (April 16)
(7) Yesterday (April 16), there was also some discussion about the nature of Theology of Qi. Grounded upon the Divine Revelation of the Bible and the teaching of the Church, one may say that Theology of Qi is a theological attempt to describe life and the world around in terms of Uncreated Energy and created energies. As regards Uncreated Energy, one may securely tap into the sacred tradition of God's Uncreated Energy in Eastern Orthodoxy. Respecting created energies, one may certainly explore and connect with the time-tested wisdom tradition of the Chinese multifarious insights of qi. Alleluia! Alleluia! (April 18)
(8) Some visiting Chinese priests from mainland China who are currently studying at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica are quite interested in the Chinese Theology of Qi or Qis. This is a very good news! Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (April 18)
(9) As a prophetic vision (cf. Pro 29:18), one may safely say that if we as a group continue to do Theology of Qis here at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology, one should not be surprised that the day would come when the Faculty would become a principal headquarters or even the main research center for the study and development of Theology of Qis for the blessing of countless people in the world. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (April 20)
(10) Just as the Holy Bible can be explored from many angles, philosophically, theologically, psychologically, sociologically. medically, etc., Theology of Qis or Energies, too, may be studied from many equally sound perspectives. Hence, if anyone has a definition of Theology of Qis or Energies, please forward it here to share with the visitors of this site. The email address is 075338@mail.fju.edu.tw. Please state your name properly if possible. It may be important to take a look at the guide for writing Theology of Qis or Energies. Alleluia! Alleluia! (April 20)
(11) AITEA at Fu Jen has been thinking of doing two electronic anthologies or collections of papers on the Theology and Philosophy of Qis or Energies. To maintain a high academic standard, these papers or articles have to be first published in some academic journals. Afterwards, we will be greatly honoured to put these excellent works here. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (April 20)
(12) There will be two introductory presentations, both in Mandarin, on the Chinese Theology of Qis at the Fu Jen Catholic University given by the author. The title is "Chinese Theology of Qi: Its Incultural, International and Cosmic Dimensions." What is to be presented succinctly is the very contents of a paper scheduled for publication by Collectanea Theologica Universitatis Fujen (神學論集) in Autumn this year. Accordingly, the first presentation is mainly for the visiting priests from the mainland China who are studying for a short period at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica. It is being held on on May 2, Wednesday, at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in room DG420 on the 4th floor. The second presentation is principally for the regular theological students at the Faculty of Theology, being held on May 30, Wednesday, here at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology, from 12:10 -1:30 p.m. in room 708 on the 3rd floor. It is so arranged since room 708 is a bigger room and that there is another class at 1:40 p.m. A grateful word is due to Prof. Simon Wong, S.J., who *kindly made a wonderful advertisement on Theology of Qi during his brilliant crowded public lecture on April 23 at the Faculty. Prof. Mark Fang, S.J., too, expressed a kind word of Theology of Qi during the public presentation of his excellent paper entitled "Evolution and Christian Scripture" at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica on April 26. Everyone, therefore, is warmly welcome to come in his or her free time. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (April 26)
(13) The International Society for the Study of Human Ideas on Ultimate Reality and Meaning is calling for papers for its international conference to be held in 2013. Any scholar interested in presenting a paper is very welcome! Please take a look at this open invitation sent by Prof. David J. Leigh, S.J. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (April 26)
(14) *All scholars are welcome to the URAM 2013. One does not have to be a regular member of URAM or AITEA, etc. Alleluia! Alleluia!
--- March 1, 2012 ---
(1) A light-yellow background is presently added to the present website. Praise God! (March 1)
(2) As mentioned above, the next session of the AITEA at Fu Jen will be held on March 12. Praise the Holy Spirit. (March 1)
(3) By the grace of God, the problem mentioned exactly two months ago as regards the music on the front page of this website is solved. Instead of the hymn "O Sanctissima", "O Salutaris" --- a hymn of Eucharistic adoration --- is put on, not only in anticipation of the Eucharistic Congress held in June in Dublin, but also in that of the Eucharistic Conference being held this evening at Fu Jen from March 2-4, chaired by Prof. Mark FANG, S.J. and Prof. Luis Gutheniz, S.J. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (March 2)
(4) The Eucharistic Conference held over the weekend from March 2-4 mentioned is an important invitation to think of varying issues in terms of Theology of Energy, for example, the question "How big is the Holy Eucharist?" Apparently, if the size of Sacred Host is measured in terms of a non-radiation way of thinking, the Consecrated Species is no more than a few inches in diameter. However, if the Sacred Host is calculated in terms of an unceasing-radiation paradigm, It would become (or It is) even bigger than the created universe itself, permeating all creation and beyond with Its ceaseless and omnipresent Lights, Rays or Radiances. At least, such ineffable effects would affect the cosmos and every person and thing in it unceasingly. As we know, the Sacred Host contains the whole of the Word-become-Man or the Light Incarnate. As Light radiates Light, it is only normal for us to move on to the next stage of Eucharistic thinking, i.e., from the Word Incarnate (hidden in the Sacred Host) to the Light Incarnate (the radiant form of the Word Incarnate hidden in the Sacred Host) paradigmatically.
The following succinct words of Vladimir Lossky (1903-1958), an Easter Orthodox theologian, may be inspiringly vital to understand how the Light or perhaps the Light Incarnate could be mysteriously and fully present in each Ray or Light radiated transcosmically from the Holy Eucharist: "If we participate in God in His Energies, according to the measure of our capacity, this does not mean that in His process ad extra God does not manifest Himself fully. God is no way diminished in His Energies; He is wholly present in each ray of His divinity." (The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church, 1976, p. 74)
That is perhaps why Jesus said: "Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink of His blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life and I will raise them up on the last day, for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink." (Jn 6:53-54) Just as we can think of truly good non-Christians as anonymous Christians, perhaps we can think of the omnipresent Dao, for instance, as Christ's omnipresent Light radiated from the Holy Eucharist without ceasing, beyond time and space. Hence, all those former wonderful Daoists and non-Christians living in Heaven now seemed to have received abundantly the omnipresent Eucharistic Light(s) without knowing while they were on earth. For this reason, the Catholics should be unspeakably more proud of their Church, since without Christ or the Holy Eucharist as His ceaseless presence on earth all people would not be saved, enjoying eternal life in Heaven. That is perhaps also why the Tabernacle containing the Centre of the whole Church, of the whole world, and even of all creation should be put at the centre of a church, so that the nourishing Eucharistic radiances could be partaken, received or absolved by all attendants easily and equally.
If people could come to realize the incredible unceasing Radiances and that they really need this radiant Vitamin Eu ceaselessly, any church would be overflowingly packed and the Church would grow so fast, indeed without precedence. The Church and her priesthood, etc., would, all of a sudden, become as important or even more important than their glorious old days in the Medieval Ages in the new Eucharistic Age inaugurating the post post-Christian era. How to educate people about the incredible sacred reality and radiant vitality of Vitamin Eu is another great challenge faced by the Church today.
The above is just an after-thought shared by the author after participating in the wonderful and enlightening Conference on the Holy Eucharist. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (March 5, updated on March 8)
(5) One may say that there are two universes, the Uncreated and the created. While the finite created universe consists of finite created energies, the infinite Uncreated Universe consists of the infinite Uncreated Triadic God --- the infinite, eternal Uncreated Triune Light --- and the Lights or Energies ceaselessly radiated from the Most Holy Trinity with an infinite uncreated range of radiation. Since the Consecrated Host contains the whole of the Uncreated Universe, i.e., the Real Presence of the Most Holy Trinity with Its real infinite radiation of Uncreated Energies, it is logical to say that the Sacred Host is greater, indeed even infinitely greater than the created universe itself. How infinitely awesome is the Holy Eucharist, i.e., the Sacrament of Sacraments! It is vital to note that God the Son, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit are eternally inseparable, perichoretically or inter-penetratively speaking. Praise the Holy Spirit! (March 9, updated on March 10)
(6) The theme of discussion on March is "Energy in our Environmental Evolution," based on chapter 3 of Energy and Environment: The spiritual-human-material nexus entitled "The Process of Familization of the Totality of Energy --- Energies in our Environmental Evolution." A bad news is that Prof. Owen CHUANG, overloaded by works as a professor of history, etc., at Fu Jen, just cannot come. However, a good news is that Prof. Owen is substituted by the author. The meeting is divided into three parts. At about 12:25 p.m., the author will share a time-and-experience-tested qi exercise called A.A.I.Q.E., i.e., Anti-aging Intelligent Qi Exercise which he learned a few years ago and has benefitted from. Actually, it is nothing that special. It is a very simple exercise known by many already, but people may find it difficult to believe in. However, it works! Then, at about 12:35 p.m., he will sum up chapter 3 aforementioned, before opening up the class for discussions. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (March 9, updated on March 10)
(7) Here is the power-point presentation by the author on March 12. Enclosed is also the video on the Superbrain Yoga or A.A.I.Q.E. Apparently, this exercise may be called varying names as long as the real circulation of qi or energy within our spiritual-human-material bodily system is conveyed accordingly. It was called A.A.I.Q.E. by the author since he had no way of locating this exercise on the internet. The obtainment of this video is really a miracle. The author had spent more than an hour or two over several days looking for it, but to no avail. However, two hours or so after the class, it was sent to him by a teacher at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology. Another miracle is that this presentation was conducted in Mandarin and the attendants understood it! Praise be to the Holy Spirit! A grateful word is also due to Prof. Spark CHEN for the video, to Ms. LIU Kweiwen for the photo pictures, to Ms. Winnie YU for her assistance as a secretary, as well as to Mrs. Lucia CHANG for the Mandarin tutorship. (March 12, updated on March 14)
(8) Present in the meeting on March 12 were also Dr. John SELVAMANI, Director of the Center for the Study of Science and Religion at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica and Rev. Prof. Paulin BATIRWA, S.X., the speaker on May 14 as seen above. Dr. SELVAMANI, an assistant professor of biology at Fu Jen, prefers to be humbly addressed as Dr. SELVAMANI. Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (March 14)
(9) The next speaker on April 16, Prof. Francisco CHUNG, teaching at the Fu Jen Department of Applied Arts, was there too. Among others, Prof. Francisco is a licensed architect and an expert on the relationship between qi and environment. Praise be to God! (March 14)
(10) The Center for the Study of Science and Religion at Fu Jen and the AITEA at Fu Jen may do a project in 2013. It is still in the early stage of exploration. May the will of the Holy Spirit be fully fulfilled! (March 15)
(11) Someone at Fu Jen asked the author yesterday (March 25): "What is Theology of Qi?" As the answer may be given in varying ways, here is an answer in one sentence, expressed in two versions. The simple, shorter version is: Theology of Energy (Qi) is the study of the past, present and future relationship between God's Uncreated Energy and God's created energies, so that God's created energies would be increasingly, indeed even forever, filled with God's Uncreated Energy.
The more profound, longer version is: As every thing is (or appears as) qi or energy in all of existence (spiritual, human, physical, created and Uncreated, etc.) and that one may say there are three categories of qi or energy in God's created universe, i.e., the Uncreated (Divine Presence, Grace), the created (angelic, human and physical beings) and the Uncreated-created (Christ, the only Mediator between the Uncreated and the created), Theology of Energy studies the past, present, future ceaselessly inter-active, inter-penetrative, inter-influencing relationship among the three categories of energy, so that God's created energies, in a person, a community or the world, etc., would be increasingly filled with God's Uncreated Energy through Christ the Uncreated-created Energy, His Real Body (the Holy Eucharist) and His Mystical Body (the Church), and in the end, except for those created energies (diabolic and sinful energies) which remain forever un-divinized or un-divinizable, God's Uncreated Energy may be eternally All in all of God's created energies (cf. 1Cor 15:28) in the whole of the everlasting Heaven, i.e., the New Heaven and New Earth (cf. Rev. 21). Praise be to the Holy Spirit! (March 29)
(12) Some may ask: "Why don't we use 'being' (Latin: ens) for 'energy' or 'qi'?" Well, as we know, the real world --- whether it is within a particle, one's body, one's soul, one's community, the internet, the society, or the universe itself, etc. ---- is ceaselessly inter-active, inter-penetrative, and inter-influencing among its countless constituents. This is perhaps why 'being' (ens) as a universal unifying metaphysical paradigm for 'thing' is not well accepted and, in fact, has been increasingly abandoned by philosophers and metaphysicians today. As it is, 'being' is too static, abstract, transcendent, woolly, ceaselessly non-inter-active, non-interpenetrative, non-inter-influencing with other 'beings.' Therefore, 'being' needs to be re-interpreted as something dynamic, concrete, immanent, factual, ceaselessly inter-active, inter-penetrative, inter-influencing with other 'beings,' like 'energy' or 'qi' with other 'energies' or 'qis', before people would use it ('being') again en mass as in the Mediaeval world. One may say, for example, that the renowned work Explorations in Metaphysics by W. Norris Clarke, S.J. (1915-2008) is an excellent attempt to revive Thomistic metaphysics, in particular the concept of 'being'. Clearly, before such an important renewal or re-interpretation of 'being' takes place universally, it seems that 'energy' or 'qi' is a fitting or the most fitting alternative for describing the real world and every 'thing' in it today, serving as an acceptable universal unifying metaphysical paradigm microcosmically and macrocosmically, etc. (The above is copyrighted.)
--- February 1, 2012 ---
(1) A heavenly hymn entitled "Praise Him, Praise Him" is now added to the present website. For details about this fitting hymn, click here or here. This seems to be a most wonderful song for our praise and love for Jesus Christ together with His whole Family Holy Angels and Saints. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(2) Accordingly, the next session of the AITEA at Fu Jen will be held on Feb. 13. Praise the Lord!
(3) As AITEA is an international association for both English-speaking and Chinese-speaking people, Mr. Robert LIM, the speaker on Feb. 13 would be speaking mostly in Mandarin. A Ph.D. candidate at the Fu Jen Department of Philosophy with an engineering background, Mr. LIM knows a lot of about qi, natural science and Chinese philosophy. His thesis is on dream, expressed in terms of philosophy and science. The reference reading is chapter 2 of Energy and Environment: The Spiritual-Human-Material Nexus entitled "The Whole Environment is a Spiritual-Human-Material Nexus." The meeting will start at 12:00 p.m.
(4) From theology to philosophy to theology: Normally, people use philosophy as a servant to serve theology. In the case of Mr. Robert LIM, he intends to do a cycle in using theology to serve philosophy, so that theology would be better served in the future. What follows is his awe-struck power-point presentation given on February 13, strengthening the philosophical position (or click here) of his Ph.D. thesis in terms of Theology of Qi. Yet, it is his hope that eventually Theology of Qi would be better served in terms of his present Philosophy of Qi. To take a look at the meeting, click here and here. A thankful word is due to the photographer Ms. LIU Kweiwen, as well as to Mrs. Peggy LIM, Ms. Winne YU and Jane TAN for their assistance. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(5) The editorial committee of Collectanea Theologica Universitatis Fujen has approved the publication of the author's paper presented on Jan. 27 at the Centre for Catholic Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Entitled "Chinese Theology of Qi: An encultural, international and cosmic theology," this Chinese article should appear in the Fu Jen theological journal by the end of this year. Praise God!
(6) It is significant to note that the Fu Jen theological journal mentioned above is the distinguished Chinese Catholic theological quarterly which published the ingenious inspiring article entitled "Zhongquoren di qi yu shenxue shang di jige keti" (The Chinese people's qi and several theological themes) by Emeritus Prof. Rev. Aloysius CHANG, S.J., in the autumn of 1982, inaugurating and establishing, therefore, the possibility of doing the present Chinese Catholic Theology of Qi. Afterwards, there are at least three notable followers, i.e., Prof. Sr. KWONG Li-Kuen, teaching at the Holy Spirit Seminary College, Hong Kong; Deacon YEOW Yu Hong, Hong Kong, who just published his second book on the spirituality of Taichi; and the author here at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology. However, a few potential authors of this Theology seem to have appeared ever since, partly due to its natural course of development, and partly because of the present promotion of this Theology through AITEA at Fu Jen. Without doubt, it takes time for this Theology to spread. Praise God!
(7) Some may ask: "What about Theology of Energy or Energies?" Apparently, this Catholic form of Theology of Energy (or Energies) first appeared in the spring of 1985 at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael's College, University of Toronto. Under the erudite founding direction of Rt. Rev. Petro M. T. BILANIUK (1932-1998), a 21-page class assignment entitled "A General Outline of Different Energies and Their Synergisms" was written by the author as a part-time M.Th. student. Later this document was expanded and incorporated into chapters 1 and 2 of Energy and Environment: The Spiritual-Human-Material Nexus in 1992. At that time, the author did not know Prof. Aloysius CHANG, S.J. They met in 2002. It is obvious that the Holy Spirit was the One who inspired both Theology of Energy and Theology of Qi. Now it appears that these two forms of Theology are more or less integrated into one another and become inseparably one. While the former is written in English principally for English-speaking readers, the latter is inscribed both in Chinese and English in terms of the Chinese cultural concept of qi, etc. Praise be to the Holy Spirit!
(8) It may be important to reinstate that the concepts "qi" and "energy" are used as synonyms intertranslatably. As we know, strictly speaking, "qi" is untranslatable. However, more and more scholars are using these two terms as two synonymous concepts. Apparently, using "qi" and "energy" interchangeably has become an acceptable solution to many people in the imperfect world of translation.
(9) Some readers may notice the present way of writing one's last name, i.e., using capital letters. In this way, there will be no confusion, for example, between Russell SAWA and Paul RUSSELL. As we know, someone's first name can be another's last name, and vice versa.
(10) It may also be important to note that Prof. Mark FANG, S.J., has written at least two articles on qi in his series of study delving into the relationship between the Holy Bible and the Chinese culture a few years ago. Hence, with his in-depth theological background and over 50 years of teaching theology and religion, etc., he should be recognized also as a distinguished advisor of Theology of Qi. Praise be to the Holy Spirit who has inspired all these encultural works!
(11) Apparently, besides the professors and scholars who advised the works of Prof. Sr. KWONG Li-Kuen and Deacon YEOW Yu Hong, this list of distinguished advisors should include also Prof. Vincent SHEN, Prof. Bosco LU, S.J., Prof. Joseph CHAN, Prof. John B. CHUANG, Prof. Carlos KWAN and Prof. Bernard LI, including even Prof. Luis GUTHEINZ, S.J., and Prof. Louis ALDRICH, S.J., who have advised or are advising the author's works on Theology of Qi or Energy. How about the author, then? Well, he is already one, sui generis (i.e., unique, of its own kind). Praise the Holy Spirit!
(12) One may ask: "What qualities enable the author to be a theologian of Theology of Energy or Qi?" Well, besides a gift of knowledge and spirituality on Theology of Energy, he is also given by Providence a gift of sensitivity of various energies, in particular of God's Divine Energy and the Divine Energy radiated constantly from the Holy Eucharist. Most of the time they are mild but sometimes they are strong, completely under divine initiation. In fact, such an experience began on Monday June 7, 1976, feast of Our Lady of Grace. One may say this is the principal reaffirming reason why he is so committed to this Theology which is leading readers directly and indirectly to the Holy Eucharist, as it should. As Verbum Domini reminds us, "God's plan is manifested progressively and it is accomplished slowly, in successive stages" (p. 25). Praise be to the Holy Spirit!
(13) "Why does the author talk about this experience now?" Well, most recently some people thought that he has weak knees but in fact he was overpowered by the Divine Energy. Since this event took place publicly twice in a row, a public explanation has to be given. By the grace of God, the author usually does physical exercises for more than an hour daily and his knees are not weak. Praise God!
(14) One may also ask: "Is the author spiritual?" Well, like all of us, he is trying to pray and grow daily spiritually. He still can go to Hell with this gift, even deeper. Hence, he has to pray more and go to the Sacrament of Confession regularly. Praise be to the Holy Spirit!
(15) One may also ask: "Why is the design of Communication of Faith next door upgraded?" Well, right now there are more news than usual to report or share in this column, due to the varying on-going sessions discussing Theology of Energy. However, when this series is completed in May, there would be less news. Hence, it is important that Communication of Faith continues on. Praise be to the Holy Spirit!
--- January 1 , 2012 ---
(1) Happy New Year! Through the ever faithful and ever powerful intercession of the Mother of God, may the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace! (Num 6:24-26) May the whole Divine Heavenly Family, i.e., the Most Holy Trinity and Its whole Family of Saints and Holy Angels, be always with you also! To hear a timely song, click here. In fact, this wonderful site has just been received from the email. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(2) On the one hand, Rev. Fr. William Addley, S.J., the current pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Toronto, once said that naming people is an impossible task, since it is impossible to please everyone. On the other, Rev. Fr. Jim Duffy, M.H., a past spiritual director of the author, mentioned once about the sacred habit of an Orthodox tradition of asking for forgiveness at the beginning of the year. In light of this experience and virtue, the author would like to ask for pardon or forgiveness for his mistakes and faults for missing the names of many wonderful friends and scholars in the past, e.g., as regards point 7 below in December 2011, knowing that the same mistakes may occur again and again. It is sincerely hoped that God would also pardon him too for this very imperfection. If daily life is filled with countless opportunities for the practice of inner freedom, the present site is of no exception, giving visitors many challenges for such a practice. To be sure, this is a not a regular informal site for communication with personal friends and relatives like one at the Facebook, but one seriously dedicated for the development of Theology of Energy. Thank you for understanding!
(3) So far, nothing above has been mentioned directly on Theology of Energy. Indeed, the author intends to take it easy and take a little time off from writing on this site. Unless something is really important, he would just focus on his regular research work and spend the last two weeks of January for holiday during which he is scheduled to give a public lecture on the encultural, international and cosmic dimensions of Theology of Qi at the Centre for Catholic Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Jan. 27, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the committee for the development of qi and healing by the Holy Spirit will also be meeting in January. May the plan of the Holy Spirit be fully fulfilled! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(4) The author would like to apologize for the sudden disappearance of the regular front page of Grace Institute of the Holy Eucharist. It was due to a mistake with the music that he tried to fix yesterday afternoon (Jan. 1), not unknowing that it would lead to a greater mistake. However, praise be to the Most Holy Trinity and all Its Holy Angels and Saints that the whole web site is recovered this morning (Jan. 2), although the little mistake with the music is still there. It was a real test to practice inner freedom. A word of appreciation is also due to the prayers of many wonderful visitors. Entitled "O Sanctissima", the song on the front page presently sounds like a duet. Maybe it is meant that way for a long time, as a gentle reminder of the importance of doing a duet co-operatively with the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(5) During the present school-examination week at Fu Jen, AITEA at Fu Jen (or Fu Jen Faculty of Theology) has been blessed with two little committee meetings (on Jan. 9 and on Jan. 11), one internally and one externally. As a result, the Center for the Study of Science and Religion at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica, in cooperation with the AITEA at Fu Jen, would like to host an open planning discussion on the theme “Eucharistic Radiance” by the end of June or beginning of July this year at the Fu Jen Academia Catholica. It is hoped that this discussion would not only be God-pleasing, but also be attended by professors, scholars and experts, etc., interested on the subject matter. In this way, a much better perspective for organizing some meaningful conference or meeting around May 2013 may be obtained.
Apparently, if the Holy Eucharist is the Incarnate Light (the Son of God Incarnate) under the sacred appearance of the Consecrated Species, then, tangibly speaking, the Holy Eucharist radiating Its divine nature or Energy unceasingly to us is not only the Greatest Treasure of the Catholic Church, but also of the whole humanity and of the entire universe. We should, then, take the Sacred Host and Its inseparable Radiance with all seriousness, respecting the Church seriously also as a faithful steward or CEO of this priceless Treasure for all creation. Thus, we are convinced that --- as suggested three years ago by a visiting professor with a doctorate of science from Harvard University --- the unceasing Eucharistic Radiance should be carefully studied not just dogmatically, doctrinally, historically, spiritually, and mystically, but also scientifically, psychologically, sociologically, medically, and therapeutically, for the immense benefits of both the Church and the whole world.
(6) As it is, this exploration on the radiant effects of the Blessed Sacrament --- complementary to the forthcoming laudable Conference on the Holy Eucharist organized by the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology on March 2-4, 2012 --- should become a great blessing to many people for the coming Year of Faith (Oct. 11, 2012 - Nov. 24, 2013) within as well as outside of the Catholic Church. In fact, some committee members may be attending the Eucharistic Conference at Fu Jen in March.
(7) By all appearances, such a project on the Eucharistic radiances seems unprecedented in the history of the Church. To be sure, it is not going to be perfect. The important thing is that others around the world may do better afterwards. Without a doubt, a grateful word is due to Mr. Edward Yau, the wise gentleman who boldly initiated the study on qi and healing in the Holy Spirit (which led to the present project), to Prof. John Selvamani, director of the Center for the Study of Science and Religion, for his openness to the theme, as well as to Prof. Augustine Tsang, S.J., Dean of the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology, for the freedom given to the author in pursuit of this possible Eucharistic study. Obviously, Prof. Bernard Li, Dean of the Fu Jen Academia Catholica, Prof. Vincent Kiang, the new President of Fu Jen Catholic University, Prof. Mark Fang, S.J., Prof. Luis Gutheniz, S.J., and many others are also quite happy about it. May the perfect will of God be wonderfully fulfilled! Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(8)
The
public lecture introducing Theology of Qi in terms of its local,
international and cosmic dimensions delivered on January 27 at the
Centre for Catholic Studies at the Chinese
University of Hong Kong has given the author the greatest confidence and
affirmation over his 30 years of research that this new renewing theology could
effectively serve the Church well, both now and in the future. There were about
four dozen people present. A word of
gratitude is, therefore, due to Rev. Prof. Patrick
TAVEIRNE,
CICM (Director of the Centre),
Rev. Prof. HA Keloon,
Louis
(9) Hence, the author would welcome invitations to do a similar introduction of Theology of Qi or Theology of Energy in Taiwan and elsewhere, even if it has to take a translator. Again, a word of gratitude is due to the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology for giving him the freedom to be offering his service exclusively as a full-time researcher on this theology. God will surely bless and reward the Faculty in due time for such an investment. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(10) A few days ago, the author received a friendly email reminding him about the danger of becoming famous. To be sure, as far as he is concerned, such a new renewing theology would not be universally recognized over the next few decades. The history of theology reaffirms it. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(11) Some may ask: "Why does the author talk about himself so frequently?" Well, it is difficult not to, since there are so few people in the world who are doing this theology full-time. In fact, the author is still shy as he may be the only one presently. Hence, he has to dutifully report its blessed development. Apparently, AITEA will lessen such a frequency and, in particular, bring forth this wonderful blessing to many others. Praise be to the Most Holy Trinity and Its whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints!
(12) It may be important to note that the works of Theology of Energy are done according to high ethical principles. Among others, it follows strictly the teaching of the Holy Bible and the Magisterium. Besides, it does not seek to bad-mouth others in any negative implications. For example, in Vol. 4 Radiation of the Holy Eucharist, when readers are advised (p. 39, footnote 11) that the image of Our Heavenly Mother as Our Dearest Mother in Heaven should not be overshadowed by the 1981 movie Mommie Dearest, it means just that. Upon watching a part of this film in which some scenes may be offensive, readers could judge for themselves that what was said was correct. Again, a word of gratitude is due to the three Canadian friends who reminded the author about that particular North American cultural background. Praise God!
--- December 1. 2011 ---
(1) Entitled "Different Energies in our Environment", the second session of the Fu Jen Theology of Energy Study and Discussion takes place on December 12. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(2) Some asked: "Why do we study Philosophy and Theology of Energy?" Well, as said, every 'thing' is both a 'being' and a 'qi'. Broadening Peter Morea's concept of 'being' as 'becoming' (cf. P. Morea, Personality: An Introduction to the Theories of Psychology, p. 170), one may say that every 'thing' is both a 'becoming' and a 'qi'. In this light, every 'thing' can be described as a 'beoming-qi', 'qi-becoming', or an 'energy-becoming' radiating its, his or her 'qis' ceaselessly in all directions.
Therefore, as all kinds of spiritual, human, physical qi --- both good and not so good, healthy or not so healthy, etc. --- are homing in on each of us invisibly from without and within ceaselessly, indeed permeating even our very spiritual-human-material being as a 'spiritual-human-material qi-becoming', the natural question to ask is "How do we take care of our very being as a 'qi-becoming' in view of these penetrating qis coming unceasingly and oftentimes unnoticeably into our qi-becoming from all directions?" In other words, how good and healthy we become spiritually, humanly and physically depends always on our how soundly we deal with these incoming qis.
Apparently, this is why we are studying this Philosophy and Theology of Energies/Qis. Besides, if we do not take good care of ourselves, we may be radiating harmful, bad-quality qis to others and to our environments, spiritually, humanly and physically. On the other hand, if we take good care of our spiritual-human-physical energy or qi field as well as that in others and our environments, we would be blessing many people without ceasing.
Substantially similar to yet broader and more dynamic than Theology of the Body which many are interested in today, the scope of Philosophy and Theology of Energies is beyond the time and efforts of one or two people. Hence, for the blessing of many, it is vital that this rather new or underdeveloped exploration is being studied by many, in particular its theological implications with respect to God's omnipresent Divine Energy. Praise God!
(3) Naturally, any human qi-becoming (i.e., any human being) in the process of becoming would like to be constantly filled with all possible kinds of positive qis, consciously, subconsciously or unconsciously. This is so true among the people of qis (i.e., the Chinese) and those who are consciously aware of the omnipresence of various qis. Since no one on earth is perfectly there, we all have something to improve on daily. This is another important reason for us to study or know more about qis.
(4) Higher recommended as something new from Asia by Sr. Antoinette, a copy of Energy and Environment: The Spiritual-Human-Material Nexus was given to Cardinal Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, when he came personally to visit the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology on December 4. Accordingly, he encouraged the whole faculty to take the Holy Eucharist as the Source and Summit of all our thoughts and activities. There is no doubt that, if Theology of Energy continues to take the Holy Eucharist faithfully as the ultimate Source and Summit, as it has been directly or indirectly for many years, it would be widely embraced by the People of God in the future. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(5) Yesterday on December 12, Prof. Paul Kwong, D.Sc. (doctor of science, Harvard University) replaced Dr. Constance Chan as a presenter. Dr. Chan is currently doing two doctoral programs at Fu Jen as a full-time dentist. Dr. Kwong gave a brilliant presentation. Having briefly mentioned various energies in our environment. he reviewed the current findings on attributes and implications of physical energy. Enclosed is his lecture and pictorial handout (copyrighted by Wikipedia). For pictures taken yesterday by Ms. Liu Kuei Wen, click here (The author is thinking of changing the name of this site at the YouTube from "John Cheng Cheng" into "AITEA".) A thankful word is also due to Ms. Winnie Yu for looking after the registration list, to Ms. Chang Yu Fen for taking care of the food and Ms. Jane Tan for the book table. Praise God!
(6) It must be made clear that Energy and Environment: The spiritual-human-material nexus --- similar to Emeritus Prof. Aloysius Chang's article on the future development of Theology of Qi --- is only a point of reference as regards the relation between different energies in our environment and the Catholic faith. Like what Prof. Kwong did with physical energy, one should feel free to explore far and wide beyond this little springboard or distillation of Theology of Energies for the evangelical purpose of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(7) On the other hand, since we are doing the Catholic version of Theology of Energies/Qis, it becomes necessary that it is being done appropriately within the Catholic tradition. This is precisely why A Guide to Writing Theology of Energy, in particular the erudite wisdom, experience and insights respecting the traditional Catholic doctrines of various professors --- such as Prof. Augustine Tsang, S.J., Emeritus Prof. Aloysius Chang, S.J., Prof. Mark Fang, S.J., Prof. Luis Gutheniz, S.J., Prof. Louis Aldrich, S.J., Prof. Bosco Lu, S.J., Prof. Jesus Munoz, S.J., and Prof. Antoinette Ngutzler, as well as Prof. John Perry, S.J., Prof. Michael Lapierre, S.J., Prof. David Leigh, S.J., Pro. Mark Destephano, S.J., Prof. Michael Kwok, S.V.D., Prof. Lucas Wang, Prof. Frank Budenholzer, S.V.D., Prof. Vivian Boland, O.P., Prof. Joseph Tham, L.C., Prof. Leo Reilly, O.S.B., Prof. Joseph Wong, O.S.B., Cam., Prof. Janine Langan, Prof. Zhang Yu Ying, Prof. Vincent Shen, Prof. Joseph Chan, Prof. Russell Sawa, Prof. Paul Hwang, etc. --- are very much needed as the guardians of Catholic faith, whether or not they could attend every or any discussion meeting. Naturally, as the proper guardians of the Catholic faith, the list should include countless other authorities, like President Bernard Li, Prof. Vincent Kiang (the new President of Fu Jen Catholic University), Prof. Peter Chow (new vice president), Msgr. Paul Russell, Archbishop John Hung, S.V.D., Archbishop Savio Hon, S.D.B., Rev. Friedrich Bechina, F.S.O., Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, and even Pope Benedict XVI. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(8) Most recently, Prof. Kwong and the author come to agree that there are three groups of Westerners and Westernized Chinese. (1) Those who think that they understand qi, but in fact they do not. While many keep quiet, many publicize their misleading views. For example, Prof. Kwong reported: "In addition to physical energies, Wikipedia has a rather derogatory category called 'Allegorical, esoteric, and pseudoscientific (energy)' and 'qi' is listed under it." (p. 6 of his lecture). At the same time, many truly God-loving Southern Baptists and fundamental Catholics in North America, for instance, innocently equate qi as a part of the heretical New Age movement. In other words, all qis to them are negative and evil. There are no good and positive qis as such at all. (2) Those who think they do not understand qi, but they are open and humble enough to take time to study it. (3) Those who think they understand qi and, indeed, they do to a significant extent, since they have taken much time to study it. The fact is that no one can understand qi completely, since it has permeated countless aspects of the Chinese civilization and culture.
(9) The truth is that, due to the national cultural revolution in mainland China, in particular the massive Westernization of China since the May 4 Movement started on May 4, 1919 in Beijing, many educated Chinese today have lost touch with their traditional civilization and values, including the concept and practice of qi. Hence, as every 'thing' is qi or related to qi in this culture and civilization of qis, qi needs to be properly discovered or rediscovered by Westerners and Westernized Chinese, as well as by many educated Chinese in the East and the rest of the world.
(10) For the purpose of evangelization, it would become a great blessing to the people of qis if qi as such is correctly known and soundly applied by Christians! Apparently, this is why a wise gentleman in the present series of discussion --- blessed providentially with years of Charismatic experience and practice of inner healing --- would like to start a little research team exploring qi and the healing of the human soul, mind and body by the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(11) During the AITEA meeting on Dec. 12, participants toasted each other with a cup of tea, since AI can mean 'love' (in Mandarin) and TEA can mean 'tea'. This seems to be a simple, gentle and delightful way of greeting one another during an AITEA meeting. Alleluia! Praise God!
(12) Mrs. Lim, the dearly beloved mother of Mr. Robert Lim, the next speaker in this series of discussion, passed away a few days ago. Let us kindly remember her and her family in our prayers. Robert is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Fu Jen Department of Philosophy who knows much about qi.
(13) Yesterday (Dec. 15), the author went to the Buddhist funeral of Mrs. Lim. There he met Mr. Robert Lim's classmate who would soon complete her doctoral thesis on qi at the Fu Jen Department of Philosophy. As a result, she is thinking of attending the next discussion meeting to listen to her classmate. As a Catholic and grandmother, she may also find AITEA at Fu Jen a proper place for her to further develop her philosophy and even theology of qi after graduation.
(14) When the logo for the Jubilee celebration of Fu Jen Catholic University is examined carefully, one will find 'two wings' flying over the four traditional characteristic marks (transcendentals, virtues or values) of the Fu Jen Catholic University, i.e., Truth, Goodness, Beauty and Holiness. Perhaps it is about time to qicize these transcendentals, making them really present, flying everywhere within and outside Fu Jen as the omnipresent, participable qis or energies of Verum (Truth), Bonum (Goodness), Pulchrum (Beauty) and Sanctitas (Holiness). In fact, Prof. Kwong and the author have been working on a paper with this very theme. Hopefully, it would be presented during 2012.
(15) So far, 'qi' and 'energy' have been used interchangeably as synonyms. This seems to be an appropriate solution in an imperfection world. Strictly speaking, as we know, 'qi' is untranslatable. Fortunately, more and more scholars are increasingly identifying 'qi' and 'energy' as synonymous. If we call Theology of Energy exclusively as Theology of Qi, Eastern Orthodoxy, for example, would find it unacceptable, due to its sacred tradition of Divine Energy. As Theology of Energy is done for both the East and the West, perhaps Theology of Qi as a term is used principally for the Chinese, whereas Theology of Energy is for the West.
(16) Due to the importance of the subject matter, Prof. Vivian Boland, O.P., and the author have been thinking of beginning slowly the study on being and qi in early 2012. Apparently, such an exploration is so fundamental to the development of Theology of Energy/Qi that it may affect the subsequent study and exploration of other subjects. Since both of us are presently committed to a few projects, this study would have to proceed on at a non-rushing speed intermittently, i.e., whenever time allows. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(17) "Test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Thess 5:21-24). One may say that, more fundamental than the study of being and qi, is that the very foundation of Theology of Energy/Qi is being built upon the Eastern Christian Orthodox understanding of the Biblical concept of God's Uncreated Divine Energy or Light. Analogically, it is like standing on the shoulders of a giant, so that one may see much wider and farther. If we take this route, it will save us 18 or more centuries in testing the truth and reality of God's Divine Energy, since the idea and practice of God's Divine Energy have been tested and re-tested for that amount of time by Eastern Orthodox mystics, saints, scholars and Church Fathers. Therefore, the study of being and qi and the addition of different other energies, etc., would help only to elaborate or express Theology of Energies more appropriately for the purpose of evangelization.
(18) Succinctly, one may say that Theology of Energy is the study of the relationship between God's Uncreated Energy and created energies. Salvation is created energy (or energies) being transformed or Energized completely by God's Uncreated Energy, Light or grace. Hence, salvation to a significant extent may begin on earth when created energies in a human person or in the world are being transformed more and more by God's Uncreated Energy through, for example, the Word, prayers, Confession, the Holy Eucharist, cooperation with the Holy Spirit, and the practice of virtues and good works, etc.
(19) One may ask: "Why isn't the site on A Handbook of Theology of Energy Publications above being updated as frequently as before?" Well, that site was designed by the 1995 technology. To update a simple word on that site, for example, it usually takes 7 to 10 minutes, whereas it only takes 5 to 15 seconds for the present site (i.e., News Update on Theology of Energy). Hence, unless something is really important to be added on that site, the present site would take priority.
(20) One may ask also: "Why does the author write so much these days?" Well, as a little, humble, imperfect instrument, he is trying to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, putting down what seems important on Theology of Energy before it is forgotten. In any case, humanly speaking, starting from today (Dec. 19), he would like to focus on writing a paper over the next few weeks during regular working hours. Have a prayerful and wonderful Christmas and New Year! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(21) As the following thoughts on Theology of Energy -- imperfect as they are --- seem to have appeared providentially, the author has to write them down for later discernment, perhaps collectively. Apparently, Theology of Energies is the study of God's Uncreated Energy and its relationship with other energies (physical, human, saintly, angelic and diabolic). Insofar as Theology of Energies is concerned, physics is the study of physical energy. However, increasingly, physicists are exploring human life on earth consciously, perhaps even extra-terrestrial divine life, human life, saintly life, angelic life, diabolic life subconsciously within and beyond the solar system. Further, scientists have invented highly sensitive electronic tools to test the presence of human energy and even other energies in the spiritual realm. At the same time, human energy study such as psychology is the study of both good and evil human energies and their relationship with other energies. Hagiology is the study of the saintly energy of saints and its relationship with other energies. Angelology is the study of the angelic energy of the Holy Angels and its relationship with other energies. Demonology is the study of the diabolic energy of evil spirits and its relationship with others energies. All in all, the exploration of Theology of Energies, as mentioned, should lead us principally to human salvation both on earth and in Heaven, i.e., the increasing transformation of the human being as the human energy-becoming (or human qi-becoming) by God's omnipresent Uncreated Divine Energy. In the process of doing so, personal experiences of these energies are also foundational, since Theology of Energies is more for daily living than for intellectual exercises. If we do intellectual thinking, it is oriented towards the improvement of daily life for those interested in this new renewing theology. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(22) It appears that one of the quickest ways for the energies of Truth, Goodness, Beauty and Holiness (Light or Happiness, etc.) to fly everywhere within and outside Fu Jen (or any parish and community) is visitation or adoration (if possible on our kneels humbly, knowing that some people cannot kneel for various reasons) of the Holy Eucharist. Apparently, the infinite Source of all these energies is so pleased each time that we would be greeted personally by an abundance or superabundance of Its radiation in all directions, blessing us and our environment incredibly. However, as grace respects how nature works, it may be necessary to be aware of the overwhelming omnipresence of un-Godly energies. Hence, amid this tug-of-war between positive and negative energies, many more God-pleasing visitors or adorers of the Blessed Sacrament are needed, both for the blessing of others and for their own.
(23) Conscious of the incredible radiant effects and blessings of the Holy Eucharist, the author presently belongs to three Eucharistic groups at Fu Jen. Besides the one taking place on each first Friday at the big Jesuit Chapel, two are taking place on Mondays, i.e., at the Immaculate Conception Chapel and the little Jesuit Chapel. While he has recently joined the latter group, he has been going to the former group for more than seven years. Since he cannot bi-locate like a Holy Angel, he is thinking of going to both alternately as a healthy balance to show his genuine support. Since no one is taking his shift at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays for the moment at the little Jesuit Chapel , he is thinking of visiting the Immaculate Conception prayer group about once a month. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(24) Prof. David Leigh, S.J., C.E.O. of the International Society for the Study of Human Ideas on Ultimate Reality and Meaning, teaching at Seattle University, sends prayerful greetings upon hearing the progress of Theology of Energy taking place at the Fu Jen AITEA! Prof. Joseph Wong, O.S.B., Cam. would also pray accordingly! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(25) Last but not the least, as scholarly discerners and developers, the list above (no. 7) should also include, along with the author, the other presenters of this series of presentation and discussion, namely, Prof. Paul Kwong, Mr. Robert Lim, Ph.D. candidate, Prof. Owen Chaung, Prof. Francisco Cheung and Prof. Paulin Batairwa, each specializing in at least one special area with respect to the development of Theology of Energies. However, as the theological knowledge of the presenters is not perfect although some are improving progressively more, the erudite wisdom, experience and insights respecting the traditional Catholic doctrines of those scholars listed above (no. 7) are still very much needed, directly or indirectly, as regards collective discernment in the future. Alleluia! Alleluia!
--- November 2, 2011 ---
(1) The Fu Jen Theology of Energy Book Study and Discussion Schedule begins on November 14. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(2) The pink colour is a sign of joyous hope in the sacred tradition of the Church.
(3) The author will present a paper related to Philosophy of Qi entitled "Comparing Tai Chi in Zhu Xi , Dao in the Guangzi’s Four Daoist
Chapters and Bhutatathata in the Mahaparinirvanasutra" in Chinese during an international conference at the Department of Philosophy,
National Taiwan University on Nov. 12. For registration and further details, visit this website. Praise God!
(4) A grateful word is due to Prof. Mark Fang, S.J., for proofreading the above paper. As it should, being a researcher of the Faculty, a copy is given to Prof. Augustine Tsang, S.J., Dean of the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology. Praise God!
(5) For those who may plan to travel, the author is scheduled to give a public lecture in Cantonese on the local (encultural), international and cosmic dimensions of Theology of Qi at the Centre for Catholic Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong. The date is January 27, 2012, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Praise God!
(6) Some may ask: Why does the author say "Praise God!" and "Alleluia!" all the time? Well, it is a way to acknowledge gratefully the very source of such blessings. Indeed, even the ability to praise God is an indispensible grace. Ultimately, without God the Most Holy Trinity, and oftentimes without the intercessions of the whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints, all these blessings would not have been there. Praise God! Alleluia!
(7) The author would be glad to make public announcements here on this website for all the talks and lectures related to Philosophy of Qi and Theology of Energy/Qi. If it is on Philosophy of Qi, it has to be related to Theology of Qi. As we know, countless talks on Philosophy of Qi are taking place each month around the world which are not related to Theology of Qi. In any case, just send the author the information.
(8) Today (Nov. 7) is the Feast of All Dominican Saints. Dr. Vivian Boland, O.P. --- a visiting professor to the Fu Jen Department of Philosophy to deliver four exciting lectures on St. Thomas Aquinas --- has agreed to be the advising collaborator with the author on the book project on Being and Qi. Dr. Boland, O.P., a scholarly gentleman stationed presently at Rome assisting the Master General of the Dominican Order, was the former Director of the Aquinas Institute and a Member of the Theology Faculty at Oxford University, U.K. Hopefully, this project would start in 2019 or so as a continuation of the author's Ph.D. thesis on being and qi. Potentially, this work should be a great blessing to both the West and the East. As a footnote to North American friends, while Vivian as a first name is usually used for females in North American, this name is used for males too in England and Ireland, etc. This picture was taken at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology on Nov. 7 when Dr. Boland came to visit the author informally. To take a look at Prof. Boland teaching a class at the Fu Jen Department of Philosophy on Nov. 9, click here (the counter does not seem to count the number of visitors correctly). Alleluia! Alleluia!
(9) As we know, every 'thing' in Western civilization is 'being' as the most universal unifying metaphysical paradigm, whereas for the Chinese, it is 'qi'. Further, while 'qi' radiates itself ceaselessly and boundlessly, as well as immanently and interactively, 'being' does not. At the same time, 'being' leads transcendently and gracefully to the Divine Being and the Most Holy Trinity, etc., but 'qi' does not. Hence, the project on being and qi is vital to both the future of Western and Chinese civilizations. This work is so fundamental to the development of Theology of Energy that it may be started earlier than 2019 if possible. Praise God!
(10) Some may ask: Is the author a teacher? The Lord says: "You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last." (Jn 15:16) Well, it seems that Providence does not call the author to be a teaching professor. However, he is called to be a teaching researcher or developer on the professorial level in terms of developing new research ideas and areas, as well as delivering papers, publications and special presentations, etc. Having been licensed and taught as a highschool teacher in Canada and an assistant professor in Taiwan, he is chosen providentially to teach or share with others what has been carefully developed, researched and tested on special occasions. In no uncertainty, he is busy enough to be a researching developer with so many important concepts, papers and books waiting to be properly written. Praise be to the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit for this extraordinary blessing!
(11) Near the end of the 4th lecture, Prof. Boland asked the author to say something. Since the author was not ready and that it was not expected by the class, he declined respectfully. At this moment, he is a bit ready and has the following to say: Apparently, St. Thomas' language of talking about God can be relevantly enhanced in terms of the Chinese language of qi. From (9) above, we know that every 'thing' is both 'being' and 'qi', observed and described from two different civilizations. In the final analysis, the truth is that 'being' and 'qi' are simply two complementary ways of depicting 'thing'. For example, God, as 'the Uncreated Divine Being' may also be described as 'the Uncreated Divine Qi' or biblically 'the Uncreated Divine Light'. Thus, all of a sudden, one may find God radiating Himself ceaselessly and boundlessly, as well as immanently and interactively to (into, or with) all creation, in particular human beings. As we know, 'being' as the most universal unifying metaphysical paradigm has been regarded as too abstract, non-empirical, woolly, transcendent and non-interactive, etc., negatively affecting our understanding of God as the Divine Being. There is, for instance, a book by H. Mühlen entitled Abendländische Seinslehre als der Tod Gottes on the relation between the Western doctrine of being and the death of God. All in all, every new cultural era has to find its appropriate language for God. Praise God!
(12) The author has adjusted the colour 'pink' to 'green', making it easier to read. Yet, the colour 'pink' remains for the little asterisk or star. This evergreen colour signifies growth and everlasting freshness. As a Chinese proverb says, while it takes 10 years to raise a tree, it takes a century to nurture a person educationally. Alleluia!
(13) Among the 30 registrants, 7 are professors teaching at the Faculty of Theology, 9 are students from the same Theological Faculty. Besides, there are 3 professors from the Fu Jen Academia Catholica and several guests from outside the university. Room 608 may accommodate up to 30 people. This is going to be an informal get-together, starting at 12:00 p.m. at noon. (Nov. 14, 8:50 a.m.)
(14) For the 1st informal get-together of the Fu Jen AITEA presenting and discussing Theology of Energy at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology on Nov. 14, a word of grateful acknowledgement is due to the congenial presence of Prof. Augustine Tsang, S.J., Dean of the Faculty of Theology, as well as Prof. Emeritus Aloysius Chang, S.J., Prof. Mark Fang, S.J. and Prof. Luis Gutheniz, S.J., among other distinguished scholars and guests. Above all, the blessings of the Most Holy Trinity and Its whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints must also be confessed. Here is the contents of the author's presentation which includes a definition of Theology of Energy and A Guide to Writing Theology of Energy.
(15) Earlier the author was asked why he is doing Theology of Energy and talking about the Most Holy Trinity and Its Holy Angels and Saints frequently? Well, for more than two decades, however imperfectly practiced, he has been given three purposes to live by Providence: (1) To live for the Divine Heavenly Family, i.e., the Most Holy Trinity and Its whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints; (2) To develop Philosophy and Theology of Energy for the Divine Heavenly Family; (3) To bring many people forever into the Divine Heavenly Family. It must be made clear that it is at the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, before the Tabernacle and during the Eucharistic Exposition that the Divine Heavenly Family is most intensely present on earth. Hence, directly or indirectly, the Holy Eucharist, the Divine Heavenly Family, as well as Philosophy and Theology of Energy are inseparable. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(16) Heaven = A New Heaven and a New Earth + the Beatific Vision + the Divine Heavenly Family. One may say that Heaven is a sum total of (1) a New Heaven and a New Earth (Rev 21:1; etc.), (2) the Beatific Vision of God (1Cor 13:12; etc.) traditionally emphasized by St. Thomas Aquinas and (3) the Divine Heavenly Family (Rev 21:3; etc.) traditionally stressed by Eastern Orthodoxy.
(17) These are some pictures taken on Nov. 14: the Dean, Emeritus Prof. Chang, the speaker, Prof. Gutheniz, Prof. Fang, Prof. Sr. Antoinette, and some theological students. A thankful word is due to the photographer Ms. Liu Kuei Wen. Praise God! Alleluia!
--- October 2, 2011 ---
(1) On September 23, two very important special guests visited the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology. They are Rev. Fr. Friedrich Bechina, FSO, Congregation for Catholic Education, Department for International Collaboration in Higher Education, and Rev. Msgr. Paul Russell, the Vatican Chargé d'Affaires a.i. in Taiwan. Among others, they were quite excited about Theology of Qi in its contextual encultured approach to theology. Hence, insofar as Theology of Energy or Qi is concerned, a copy of the author's Ph.D. thesis was given to each of the gentlemen. If history is correct, it would take a long time for this current renewing theology to be recognized by the Church. Once it is, it would be widely popular. Meanwhile, before that days arrives, it should give those called to research and write Theology of Energy much much time to do what they are called to. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(2) The blue color is the color of Our Heavenly Mother. It seems appropriate to use it for the month of the Holy Rosary.
(3) Rev. Sisters' Acts: Introduced by Sr. Antoinette (an American) at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology. Sr. Deborah (an American) in Los Angeles is quite excited about the theological significance of qi and may do some study in the future accordingly. Earlier, a consecrated sister in San Diego has purchased all the seven published works of the author (five in English and two in Chinese). Meanwhile, a cloistered nun in Taiwan would really like to read Radiation of the Holy Eucharist in Chinese. In fact, it was a religious sister in charge of Eucharistic adoration who recommended this book to be translated. Further, Sr. Kwong at the Holy Spirit Seminary College in Hong Kong and her inspiring Ph.D. thesis Qi Chinois et Anthroplogie Chrétienne (L'Harmattan, 2000) should be noted. A grateful acknowledgement is due also to a cloistered sister in North America, as well as to St. Thérèsa of Lisieux and St. Teresa of Avila for their kind intercession for Theology of Energy for years or decades. Praise God! Alleluia!
(4) A Generation of Co-founders of Theology of Energy: Inspired by the Italian Renaissance which promoted the idea of human beings sharing in the creative works of God as co-creators with God, perhaps we should call the advisors, authors and co-authors of Theology of Energy as co-founders of Theology of Energy too, at least for this generation. Ultimately, as we know, all the great and wonderful ideas of this new renewing theology are given by the Holy Spirit, even those of the two founders, i.e., Rt. Rev. Prof. Petro Bilaniuk (1932-1998) and Prof. Emeritus Aloysius Chang, S.J.
(5) AITEA (Association of International Theology of Energy Authors) at Fu Jen is blessed by divine providence to host a series of presentations and discussions on Theology of Energy at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology in English, starting on November 14. Of the 20 seats, 10 are reserved for the advisors and speakers. Registration will continue until all the seats are taken. For further information, take a look at the top of this page.
(6) So many people are talking about Steve Jobs (1955-2011) these days. What can Theology of Energy learn from him? At least from two aspects, i.e., it has to "stay foolish," (in his actual words) however small this theology still is, and to "stay hungry" (in his actual words) as regards continuous exploration. Where would such an exploration lead us then? T. S. Eliot would come in pertinently with his poem entitled Little Gidding: "We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploration will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." Apparently, this is a wonderful definition of what a new renewing theology means.
(7) In addition, quoting the Canadian famous hockey player Wayne Gretzky, Steve Jobs believed that one should "not skate to where the puck is, but to where it is going to be." An explanation is going to be given by the author on November 14 when introducing Theology of Energy. It will be posted here some time afterward.
(8) Being the first time, this event with AITEA at Fu Jen has to begin small. Hence, it is not being advertised in many places. Thank you for understanding.
(9) All the 20 seats for the Fu Jen AITEA event starting on Nov. 14 have been booked by 8:00 a.m. on Oct. 19. However, the waiting list is still open. Praise God!
(10) To be objective, one has to say that most of the world's present experts and advisors on Theology of Qi are assembling here at the Fu Jen AITEA event. This is a really rare opportunity, in particular that emeritus Prof. Aloysius Chang, S.J., the living founder of Theology of Qi, is with us. Hence, anyone who feels called by the Holy Spirit to learn more about this renewing theology has to let us know. We will try to accommodate his or her attendance even after the list of 20 is filled.
(11) One may ask: "What about the contents of the book to be studied?" No book is perfect. As a distillation of Theology of Energy, this book should initiate a lot of discussions. In process, the various discussed suggestions would generate ideas on how this book would be improved or revised in the future. It is a win-win event. Alleluia! Alleluia!
(12) Presently, no plan is made to vastly expand the coming AITEA event at Fu Jen. However, it is hoped that a more public event would be organized next year in terms of a series of public lectures on Theology of Energy, giving the current presenters and those interested in doing so time to prepare for their scholarly talks in a year or so. Educationally, the present series is a learning process for both the presenters and attendants. The red colour of the schedule is a colour for a festive, party or celebration of a get-together.
--- September 2, 2011 ---
(1) As a memorable event, a word of appreciation is due to all the participants for their amazing presentations in the symposium entitled "Vital Issues in Postmodernity" held on Friday August 12, 2011 during the 16th Biennial Meeting of the international Society for the Study of Human Ideas on Ultimate Reality and Meaning. Although not each presentation was on Theology of Energy, the author as the organizer of the symposium would like to give thanks to Prof. Vincent Shen, Prof. Russell Sawa, and Prof. Paul Hwang for their great intelligence and participating efforts. Click here to take a look at the four speakers (from left to right: Sawa-Shen-Cheng-Hwang).
(2) It must be acknowledged that Prof. Russell Sawa's paper entitled "The Positive Aspect of How Multiple Perspectives Can Open Up Metaphysics and Epistemology" presented during the symposium is a part of the Theology of Energy book project called Metaphysics of Relation: A Christian Approach. In due time, it should become a chapter of this volume.
(3) The author's two presentations on Theology of Energy, i.e., "Developing Aquinas' Missing Metaphysical Concept of Christ" and "Mystical Yearning for the Divine Ground in Postmodernity" were well received. While the former presentation is ready to be sent out as a paper to the URAM journal for publication, the latter has to be put together properly as an article. Nonetheless, the latter may become a vital starting point for the future book project entitled Divine Grounds: A Christological Inter-religious Dialogue.
(4) Like Prof. Paul Kwong, a co-author of the Theology of Energy project, Prof. Russell Sawa has recently retired from his full-time teaching career. It is true that they are still doing part-time teaching and research. In any case, we would like to continue to honour them with the title "professor," hopefully for decades to come.
(5) Ms. Victoria de Marco, a retired Catholic teacher in Toronto, has recently taken time to read Radiation of the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, her recommendations for further improvements of the volume will be considered in the future revision of this wonderful book. Indeed, if there are further thoughtful suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact the author.
(6) During the annual general meeting of the international Society for the Study of Human Ideas on Ultimate Reality and Meaning held on Friday August 12, it was agreed that the future symposium on Theology of Energy -- if it is organized accordingly -- would be welcome in the 2013 URAM Conference in Toronto.
(7) Today (September 28) is Teacher's Day in Taiwan. May the Lord continue to bless all the advisors, teachers and researchers of Theology and Philosophy of Energy of the past and the present!
--- August 4, 2011 ---
(1) August 1, 2011/ The newly revised version of A Comparative Study between St. Thomas Aquinas's Concept of Ipsum Esse Subsistens and the Concept of Qi in the Guanzi's Four Daoist Chapters is available. For a free electronic access, click here, courtesy of Grace Institute of the Holy Eucharist. For further information, contact: graceinpress@yahoo.com.
(2) There will be two presentations on Theology of Energy during the coming international Ultimate Reality and Meaning Conference at Regis College, University of Toronto. from August 10-13, 2011. The first is a lecture entitled "Developing Aquinas' Missing Metaphysical Concept of Christ", and the second is delivered in a symposium called "Vital Issues in Postmodernity." Everyone is welcome.* To take a look at the conference program, click here.
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* This column is reported by John Cheng Wai-leung, Ph.D., a co-founder and researcher of Theology of Energy at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology, New Taipei City, Taiwan. His email address is jjcheng321@yahoo.com. Accordingly, "jjcheng" represents an ideal spirituality of the author in following Jesus Christ; cf. Gal 2:20. As it is, "jjcheng" as an acronym is quite numerous at the Yahoo. As a result, the only "jjcheng" obtained for the present email address is "jjcheng321".
** This site includes news on Philosophy of Energy/Qi which leads to Theology of Energy/Qi inseparably.
*** We wish there would be even more presentations on this new renewing theology by many authors in the future. However small, informal and slow-progressing, we are taking Eph 3:20-21 seriously: "Now to God who by the power [or God's Divine Energy] at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to God be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen." At the same time, we sincerely hope that Num 6:24-26 will come true to us all: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Alleluia! Alleluia!
