Converts to Civil Society

Lida V. Nedilsky is Professor of Sociology at North Park University. Ethnography enables her engagement with the world, whether as a researcher in Hong Kong or as a citizen of Chicago.

Introduction 1. A Question of Competence 2. Conversion to Christianity 3. Conversion to Civil Society 4. The Work of Civil Society 5. Passing the Torch 6. The Question of Convergence Conclusion

Nedilsky traces individual developments over time and examines how the entrances and exits involved in religious groups build a sense of agency, adding to the sense of competence and possibility for self-rule. -- Rhys H Williams, Professor of Sociology, Loyola University Chicago Not only does Nedilsky offer a refreshing look at the role of religion in public life in Hong Kong, she also presents peoples voices and choices in the context of a society undergoing rapid changes. -- Lui Tai-Lock, Professor of Sociology, the University of Hong Kong "Lida Nedilsky gives us the memorable voices of Hong Kong Chinese Christians who are bravely and creatively building bridges between a Western Faith and Chinese political and social realities. With sociological insight she shows us the possibilities and perils embedded in this cultural encounter." -- Richard Madsen, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, University of California, San Diego ...Nedilsky's volume presents a fascinating array of some of the most socially active Christian personalities in Hong Kong during a remarkable period of momentous change. -- Wai Ching Angela Wong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China -- China Information ... Converts to Civil Society is an interesting and valuable study. It has much for general readers, as well as researchers on civil society, Hong Kong politics, and the highly topical issue of the interaction between religion and politics. -- Phil Entwistle -- International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church Lida Nedilsky's timely and well-written book provides a rich view into the journeys of select individuals as they convert to civil society,expressing their Christian faiths through Hong Kong NGOs. Converts to Civil Society is a focused treatment on an important segment of Hong Kong that cannot be ignored by researchers interested in the public role of religion. -- Alexander Chow -- Pacific Affairs