Johnny Lai
Thesis title: Reading Oliver O’Donovan’s Theology of ‘The Common Good’ in the Context of Hong Kong
PhD supervisors:
Background
I am from Hong Kong and currently a PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh working on a thesis "Reading Oliver O'Donovan's Theology of 'The Common Good' in the Context of Hong Kong".
Before coming to Edinburgh, I undertook a ministerial training (MDiv) at China Graduate School of Theology and worked in ministry at Abounding Grace Baptist Church for six years. I then completed a MTh Theology in History at University of Edinburgh in 2023. Prior to my journey of theological studies and ministry, I obtained my bachelor's degree in mathematics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and taught in local secondary schools for three years.
Qualifications
BSc - Mathematics Chinese University of Hong Kong (2009)
PGdip - Education University of Hong Kong (2010)
Master of Divinity China Graduate School of Theology (2016)
MTh - Theology in History (Distinction) University of Edinburgh (2023)
Responsibilities & affiliations
PG Convener 2024-25 Society for the Study of Christian Ethics
Members: Society for the Study of Theology, Society for the Study of Christian Ethics
Undergraduate teaching
2024-25 Tutor - DIVI08026 – The God(s) of the Philosophers: Proposals and Problems
2025-26 Tutor - DIVI08024 – Ethics and Society
Research summary
Christian Ethics, Political Theology, Systematic Theology
Current research interests
Christian Ethics in Oliver O'Donovan's thought, Theologies arisen in the context of Hong Kong, Sanctification and Social Transformation, Secular authorities and ChurchesPast research interests
Kevin Vanhoozer's Theological HermeneuticsOrganiser
2025: SSCE PG Conference: Conflict and Peacebuilding (Edinburgh, 7th May). Plenary Speakers: Oliver O'Donovan and Rachel Muers.
2024: Postgraduate Forum at SSCE annual conference (York St John's, 5th Sept): Studying Ethics with Social Media. Speakers: Robert Song, Rachel Muers and Anthony Reddie.
Papers delivered
The Failure of Hong Kong Political Theology? An Evaluation and a Proposal,’ Societas Ethica’s 62nd annual conference 2026, 20th - 23rd Aug, 2026 (Forthcoming)
‘The Pilgrims of HongKongers: A Theological Examination of “Peoplehood”,’ Society for the Study of Christian Ethics Postgraduate Conference, 6th May, 2026 (Forthcoming)
‘The Failure of Hong Kong Political Theology? An Evaluation and a Proposal,’ Society for the Study of Theology Annual Conference 2026, 13th- 15th April, 2026. (Forthcoming)
「信望愛作為神學跨學科對話的神學基礎」，全球視野下的華語基督教學術和教會——回顧與展望，2026年4月8-11日 (Forthcoming)
'”Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” and a Glimpse of Political Theology,’ Society for the Study of Christian Ethics Postgraduate Conference, 7th May, 2025.
'Food and the Recognition of a People,' Society for the Study of Theology Annual Conference 2025, 9th April, 2025.
'”Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” and a Glimpse of Political Theology,’ in Whose Christianity Anyway? Exploring Theological Contestations in the Public and Political, 9th Jan, 2025. Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Edinburgh.
‘Hauerwas in dilemma? Analysing Two Strands of Political Theology in Hong Kong Which Employ Hauerwas’ Social Ethic,’ Postgraduate Colloquium, 7th Jun, 2024. School of Divinity Postgraduate Committee, University of Edinburgh
‘An Evaluative Study of Theological Interpretation of Ezekiel 14:1-11 Through Conversing With Traumatic Reading,’ Scottish Universities Biblical Studies Postgraduate Day Conference, 3rd Jun, 2024. University of Edinburgh, Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities.
‘”We Are What We Eat”: Towards A Theology of Eating as a Respectful Communion of Peoples,’ Society for the Study of Christian Ethics Postgraduate Conference, 22nd March, 2024.