Hong Kong Christian Prophets

A long time ago someone said,
“Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against.” (Lk 12:51-52 NLT)

2000 some years later this person appears to have returned.
In the sense of division.

Donald Trump.

Majority of YouTubers blast him.
Even amongst yellow ones, denigrating one another.
Just a small minority defend him.

Tariff pits those pro Trump against old friends and relatives, who have migrated to Canada for many years, and of course those who support PRC.

The division is so starkly clear and widespread, often with strong emotions.
No exception.
No one is immune.

It’s understandable.
It’s also not the intent here to behave as Pro-Trumpers; neither the reverse.

It’s each person’s right to like or dislike, to clap or boo, irrespective of doing so rationally or emotionally.
It’s the fundamental right.
Unless this world has become a totalitarian place where elections often achieve over 90% agreement!
This piece is not written for or within that kind of society.

To reiterate, it’s a fundamental right of each person.

But recently a social media comment by a HK Christian seminary professor presents an occasion for deeper reflection.

This piece aims to articulate such a reflection.

The exact wording of the comment is not important.
It basically explicitly states the point (amongst others more theological):
-  Trump is unrighteous.
-  It’s not good to associate with unrighteous persons like Trump.
-  Ditto for those whose arguments support Trump.

It’s perfectly proper for anyone, particularly one in the theological academia, to hold any independent and provocative views.
It’s essential for academic dialogue.
It’s an inalienable right.

It’s even admirable.
For few dare to be so unequivocal in social media.

What seriously provoked a reflection was namely this:
* Trump, a US President faraway from HK as a target for a HK Christian theology professor in a Government funded University is way too rich whilst the HK political leaders who mucked up HK since 2019, and especially those who assaulted the same University campus with teargas and overwhelming force, got away scotch free.

It’s really the job of an academic to critique the ills of society.
It’s even more so for a Christian theology professor.

More so, it’s an undeniable duty of a Christian prophet, not least one who impresses as such on congregations every Sunday service behind the rostrum with a sermon.

To whom much is given, much is required.

Just imagine what goes through the mind of one sitting in the pew.  

The professor preacher lambasts the faraway US President named Donald Trump.

But what about our local CEs, John Li and his predecessor Carrie Lam (Note: John Li was the Secretary of Security who oversaw the police assaults on university campuses in 2019 when Carrie Lam was the CE.) ?

And what about the judicial system head who allowed for dozens of accused, not convicted mine you, having been detained for over 1000 days without a full trial, not even a curated trial?

How come since 2019 till now 2025, no word from the Lord through the Christian Professor’s prophetic utterance of judgement, condemnation, denunciation, like the unequivocal disassociation in that social media post?

Why that so lopsided and deafening silence?

Perhaps at least two defences could be put up.

First, the reality.
Such outspoken words would no doubt carry the cost of government persecution, at least court case or University pressure.
The job, with over 100,000 per month plus spacious quarters on campus, would add to the cost no doubt.

It’s understandable.
Pointing out Trump as unrighteous carries no cost.
Doing so to the Government does.
 
Second, a theology professor, or a Sunday preacher, is not a prophet.

Sure, no preacher, except in ultra charismatic persuasion, has ever claimed to be a prophet in the line of Isaiah and Jeremiah, not even Paul or Muhammad!

But it’s highly likely that such preachers have rhetorically given the impression that what’s being performed behind the microphone is nothing short of prophetic performative act.

Just sample the pews on their attitude and obedience.
It’s obvious the reception has been achieved.

It’s not the naive belief here that a meagre Christian theology professor’s public comment would change the situation in HK.
It’s pragmatic to stay low.
It’s smart not to even name such unrighteous acts and persons as they are.
Safe and smart.

It’s ok.

The intent here is to request a self reflection on the imbalance within the mind when one speaks forthrightly of perceived ills of the faraway US President Donald Trump, and of his supporters, but at the same time, ignoring equal abundant and blatant ills of HK political leaders.

The Christian theology professor has indeed a remarkable career, rather honestly serving the poor people in HK.
His work on Paul’s letters also reflects careful study and wide research.
His lectures admirably do not boast of himself.

All in all, he’s perhaps a rare breed in many much less honest and more famous professors.

What’s his choice then?

This piece does not pretend to offer an easy way out.
Just to point out to a good young man in the noble profession of a Christian theology professor and preacher, his blind spots.

Perhaps the grace of the Servant Lord will speak wisdom to his heart.

With blessing.