Upcoming Book Circle Discussion: September 20, 2025

On a day such as this—September 11—it is important to remember the value of friendship, peace, and dialogue among neighbors around the world. Through international virtual Book Circle Discussions, biennial Conferences, and other programs, the USCCA aims to build bridges across differing perspectives, cultivating mutual respect in the midst of differing voices.

In the USCCA's Book Circle discussions, attendees from around the world come to discuss history, Chinese culture, theology, philosophy, and the life of the Church in China. Since January, the Book Circle has been reading John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality, available from Angelico Press for 15% off with the discount code wu15.

Image from Angelico Press

On September 20, the Book Circle will discuss pages 127–141 and 203–226 of Wu's work; these pages cover the sections entitled "Thérèse and Céline" and "Appendix: The Science of Love." This discussion will be held at the usual Book Circle discussion time: 6 am PT / 7 am MT / 8 am CT / 9 am ET / 9pm Chinese Standard Time.

Prior to the discussion, Book Circle participants are invited to consider the following prompt from Book Circle facilitator Kathy Stout:

We will read two separate sections about Thérèse of Lisieux from John Wu's book, Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality: "Thérèse and Céline" (127-141); "Appendix: The Science of Love" (203-226). The first section tells the story of the beautiful friendship between Thérèse and her sister Céline, while the appendix speaks of the bridal love between Thérèse and Jesus. You are invited to consider the following questions as you read: What do you find particularly impressive about the relationship between Thérèse and Céline? How does their story speak to us about friendship in general and friendship with God? What do you find most powerful about the intimate bridal relationship between Thérèse and Jesus? How do these chapters help us understand Christianity as "the Religion of Love par excellence" (204)?

If you have not yet joined us for a Book Circle discussion, please sign up for Book Circle email updates today, and invite your friends to do the same! For additional opportunities to learn about the Church in China, including Study Tours and biennial Conferences, we invite you to subscribe to the USCCA's email newsletter.

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