Marxism Research Network
Unofficial English Translation

Zhu Xiaoming: See the Achievements and the Light to Boost Our Confidence and Courage

Science & Atheism

First, please allow me, on behalf of the academic consultants, vice presidents, and secretaries-general of the Society, to express my heartfelt welcome and gratitude to all directors and scholars—especially those traveling from out of town—for their enthusiastic participation in the 2015 Annual Academic Conference of the Chinese Atheism Society. This meeting is jointly organized by the Chinese Atheism Society, the Center for Science and Atheism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), and the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB). The leadership of USTB, the leadership of its School of Marxism, and the team of the "Zuo Peng Studio" (a Prestigious Teacher Studio for Ideological and Political Theory Courses in Beijing Universities) have done a great deal of careful and meticulous preparatory work for this conference. I extend my sincere thanks to them!

This annual meeting is being held against the backdrop of active preparations for the National Conference on Religious Work. In his speech at the Central United Front Work Conference in May 2015, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed that: in order to actively guide religions to adapt to socialist society, we must persist in the direction of Sinicization, improve the level of the rule of law in religious work, view the social role of religion dialectically, and emphasize the role of personages in religious circles. We must guide religions to strive to serve economic development, social harmony, cultural prosperity, ethnic unity, and the unification of the motherland. This has pointed out the direction for doing religious work well under the new circumstances. Therefore, this meeting is both a routine annual academic exchange and a session to earnestly study and grasp the Central Committee’s important expositions on religious issues and religious work, thereby advancing research on scientific atheism and its disciplinary construction.

According to the typical conventions of academic societies, the annual meeting is primarily for academic exchange. However, since directors and expert scholars are only able to gather once a year, everyone is concerned about the status of the Society as a "home" for researchers of Marxist atheism. Given the quickening pace of work and life in society today, communication of information is valued for its timeliness. Furthermore, as some fresh insights and ideas require timely exchange, and future plans require listening to your opinions and suggestions, I take this opportunity to briefly report on the Society’s work over the past year. I hope this continues to attract your attention, participation, and support.

Since most directors of the Society have their own full-time jobs, the Society’s work and academic activities are often conducted during Saturdays and Sundays, while communication is primarily maintained through email and WeChat during the week. It remains difficult for our grasp of the situation to be fully comprehensive or complete.

The main work and progress of the Society in 2015 include:

  1. On March 18, presided over by Comrade Zhao Shenghen, Vice President and Deputy Secretary of the Leading Party Group of CASS, the CASS Institute of Philosophy and Intelligence invited experts and scholars from the Atheism Society to hold a symposium on the situation and policy issues of religious work.

Analyzing the situation of religious work and researching theoretical policies has always been a key focus of the Atheism Society. On October 20 and November 12, 2013, the Society held two consecutive seminars on religious work situations and theoretical policies, resulting in four summaries. These were synthesized by the CASS Institute of Philosophy and Intelligence into a Yaobao [1] ("We Should Vigorously Strengthen Publicity and Education on Atheism from a Strategic and Global Perspective," December 2, 2013, Yaobao No. 224). The background of the March 18 symposium was that the Central Committee was then preparing for the National Conference on Religious Work and the Sixth Representative Meeting on Tibet Work. A central-level conference on religious work had not been held for 14 years. Following the Central Ethnic Affairs Work Conference and the Second Xinjiang Work Forum in 2014, this represents an important deployment of global and strategic significance in the fields of ethnic and religious work by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as General Secretary. The 2014 Central Ethnic Affairs Work Conference and the Second Xinjiang Forum answered major questions of public concern with clear banners and powerful precision. The upcoming National Conference on Religious Work will undoubtedly play an important role in building consensus, unifying thinking, clarifying right from wrong, and defining directions in the field of religious work. This will create a united and stable social situation and political environment for implementing the "Four Comprehensives" strategic layout. Great preparation is essential for a successful conference. Directors of the Society have also been thinking seriously and actively offering suggestions. The directors who attended the March 18 symposium prepared conscientiously and spoke enthusiastically. After the meeting, the Institute of Philosophy and Intelligence organized seven sets of materials to be reported upward. Although we have not received feedback on whether leading comrades issued specific instructions [2], we feel the Central Committee has heard our voice and absorbed the opinions of the Society’s scholars, judging by the fact that the Sixth Representative Meeting on Tibet Work placed greater emphasis on work in the ideological sphere and more clearly and powerfully stressed the unremitting, extensive, and in-depth promotion of Marxist atheism publicity and education. For this, we are greatly encouraged and gratified.

  1. On April 15, on behalf of the Society, Comrade Zhu Xiaoming attended the publication symposium for the Collected Works of Ren Jiyu (ten volumes), organized by the Ren Jiyu Research Association and National Library Press, and delivered a speech titled "Recognizing the Contemporary Value of Marxist Atheism." The speech noted that Messrs. Du Jiwen, Li Shen, Xi Wuyi, and Zhang Xingying from the Chinese Atheism Society actively participated in the editing of the Collected Works, investing significant effort. The publication of the Collected Works is a major event long-awaited by the directors and scholars of the Society. The speech emphasized inheriting and carrying forward Mr. Ren Jiyu's spirit of promoting science through personal practice under new historical conditions: first, persisting in Marxism to advance studies in religious studies and scientific atheism; second, expanding the influence of atheism through academic research methods and results; third, combining scientific atheism research, publicity, and education with solving practical problems and promoting practical work; and fourth, unswervingly implementing religious policy during publicity and education. He stated: Scientific atheism shares a common fate with the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and with the responsibility and future of Marxism. Although scientific atheism is temporarily at a low ebb and facing difficulties, the sparks remain. Persistence in truth and scientific research is not about following trends. in future struggles against various forms of mysticism, scientific atheism will play an important role and may even shine brilliantly at critical moments.

  2. On May 24, some experts and scholars from the Chinese Atheism Society and the Ren Jiyu Research Association held a seminar themed "Atheists and Traditional Chinese Culture." Mr. Du Jiwen, academic consultant of the Society, gave the keynote speech, and attending scholars engaged in a lively discussion. A summary of the discussion was compiled by Deputy Secretary-General Wang Zhen and published in the 5th issue of Science and Atheism in 2015.

This method of conducting focused seminars on a theme of common interest was an innovation in the Society's work in 2015. We originally intended to hold several more such seminars, but due to time constraints, we did not hold as many. For a seminar to be effective, it requires repeated communication, the determination of a theme, careful preparation, and active participation. Some scholars suggested that seminars should closely grasp the main, prominent, and major problems facing atheism research, publicity, and education. How to seize key points, promote exchange, and enliven the academic atmosphere still requires continuous innovation, enrichment, and perfection in practice.

  1. On June 28, coordinated by Vice President Zhang Xingying, Comrade Zhu Xiaoming was invited by the Shandong Provincial Office for Preventing and Handling Cult Issues [3] and the Provincial Federation of Social Sciences to give a public lecture at the 100th "Qilu Grand Forum" titled "What Kind of Spirit Does Today's China Need?—On the Contemporary Value of Scientific Atheism." More than 300 listeners from all walks of life participated enthusiastically. This was also a beneficial attempt to advocate atheism to the public. The lecture outline was published in the 5th issue of Science and Atheism in 2015.

  2. On the afternoon of August 7, a Society Presidents’ Office Meeting was held. Chen Yongge, Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Zhejiang Academy of Social Sciences, was invited to attend. The meeting studied and discussed General Secretary Xi Jinping’s speech at the Central United Front Work Conference and the content related to religious issues in the Regulations on the United Front Work of the Communist Party of China (Trial Implementation). Attendees unanimously agreed that in scientific atheistic research, we must earnestly study, grasp, and implement these strategic thoughts and important principles that are directly relevant and have important guiding significance. Director Chen Yongge was invited to introduce the progress of "Three Reforms and One Demolition" [4] in Zhejiang and the prominent problems facing the religious field, as well as their observations and reflections. Attendees believed that the direction of the "Three Reforms and One Demolition" is correct and the measures for management according to law are necessary. This should receive our high attention. We should study typical cases and practical experiences, improve methods and strategies, and explore the "Four Musts" [5] to find feasible paths and methods for actively guiding religion to adapt to socialist society. The meeting determined the theme for the 2015 annual meeting. Attendees unanimously agreed to seize the important opportunities provided by the Central United Front Work Conference, the issuance of the Regulations on United Front Work, and the upcoming National Conference on Religious Work. By connecting with the reality of religious work and targeting prominent problems in the religious field, they decided to conduct atheistic academic research. It was decided that the 2015 annual meeting would be held in Beijing in early December, with the theme: "Scientific Atheism and Religious Issues under the New Situation."

  3. From September 25 to 29, experts and scholars from the Society taught a special training course on the Marxist view of religion for Beijing universities. This training course was hosted by the "Zuo Peng Studio," organized and invited by Professor Zuo Peng. Comrades Du Jiwen, Zhu Xiaoming, Li Shen, Xi Wuyi, Jia Runguo, and Dai Jicheng gave thematic reports on the Marxist view of religion and scientific atheism, the Party's religious policies and national religious regulations, and opposition to "Tibet Independence," "Xinjiang Independence," and religious extremism. Eighty-four teachers of ideological and political theory courses, students, and cadres in publicity and united front work from more than 40 universities in Beijing received the training. This was the first time experts from the Society participated collectively and on a scale in a relevant education and training project.

  4. On November 1, the CASS Center for Science and Atheism Studies and the Atheism Society jointly hosted the Third Scientific Atheism Forum with the theme "The 'Four Comprehensives' Strategic Layout and Scientific Atheism." The innovative highlight of this year's forum was its formal inclusion in the "Eight Major Forums" of the CASS Project to Build Marxist Theory. This provides sustainable support within the system and marks an important step toward forming a series and a brand.

  5. The commissioned project "Research on Basic Theoretical Issues of Scientific Atheism" is progressing smoothly. At the 2014 Zhuhai Annual Meeting, experts and scholars conducted a focused discussion on Professor Li Shen's manuscript for the monograph Principles of Scientific Atheism. After the meeting, Professor Li Shen made careful revisions, and Director Jia Runguo completed the writing of sections related to Marxist atheism. Currently, the monograph and the collection of essays have respectively signed publication contracts with the People's Publishing House and have entered the final review and editing/publication process.

  6. On November 20, the "China Science Exploration Center," co-established by the China Research Institute for Science Popularization, the China Care Association, and the Chinese Atheism Society, held its 2015 expert symposium. It discussed and passed the center's organizational structure, work mechanisms, and work plans. Du Jiwen, Shen Zhenyu, and Zhu Xiaoming from the Society were invited to serve as consultants, with Xi Wuyi and Wang Huimei as Vice Chairs. This provides an important platform for promoting the combination of natural and social sciences, the combination of treating symptoms and root causes, the combination of popularization and research, and the combination of internal and external efforts in scientific atheistic research and education.

  7. The work of the "Southern Research Center" of the Chinese Atheism Society has made new progress. The Society affirms and encourages their work and enthusiasm, and suggests they connect with reality, leverage their strengths while avoiding weaknesses, and focus on in-depth investigation and pilot programs regarding atheism education for high school students to obtain first-hand experience.

Experts and scholars of the Atheism Society also undertook multiple scientific research and teaching tasks in their respective primary jobs, achieving gratifying results. For example: Academic Consultant Du Jiwen is a banner of atheism research; though over eighty, he remains vigorous and has been appointed as a doctoral supervisor in Marxist Religious Studies at the CASS Graduate School. The first volume of Scientific Atheism, edited by Vice President Xi Wuyi, has been published by the China Social Sciences Press. The second volume of Scientific Atheism and the fourth volume of Marxist Atheism have also been submitted to the CASS Marxism Project Office. The paper "Be Vigilant Against Cult Organizations under the Banner of Christianity—Also on the Trends and Characteristics of Contemporary Chinese Cult Development," written by Xi Wuyi, won the Grand Prize in the "Governing Cults According to Law" essay competition. The article "Traditional Chinese Culture from a Marxist Perspective," written by Deputy Secretary-General Wang Zhen, was edited into two internal reports by relevant departments, both of which received important instructions [2] from top central leaders.

Furthermore, the Society performed other tasks, researching and addressing prominent existing problems. For example: In February, the chairpersons of the Society jointly submitted the "Proposal on Establishing Mr. Ren Jiyu [6] as a Role Model for Intellectuals" to the relevant departments. On April 10, the Institute of Marxism Studies (IMS) of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the Society jointly submitted a "Request for Instructions Regarding Comprehensive Rectification in Response to the 2013 Annual Inspection Results of the China Atheism Society" to the Institute’s Research Management Bureau. On July 5, Mr. Du Jiwen [7] convened relevant comrades for a special meeting to study the issue of manuscript sources for the journal Science and Atheism, and proposed measures for improvement. And so on.

In addition to the innovations mentioned above, there were many new initiatives and highlights in the work of 2015. For example: (1) At the symposium on March 18, leaders of CASS expressed their intention to incorporate the research of the Atheism Society into the newly established "Ideology Think Tank." Vice-Chairperson Zhang Xinying actively maintained contact to secure special research projects, and Vice-Chairperson Jia Runguo and Director Gong Yun completed the drafting of the manuscript "Scientific Atheism is an Important Foundation of Socialist Ideology," which has now been submitted. (2) We established the WeChat group "Jiyu Academic Society," managed by Deputy Secretary-General Wang Zhen as the group owner. Currently, it has attracted more than 70 atheism researchers and enthusiasts to participate actively, building an exchange platform filled with "positive energy" [8]. (3) Vice-Chairperson Zuo Peng and Professor Xu Lin attended the "2015 Shanghai Atheism Forum" for the first time. Some organizers of this civil forum hold biases against Marxist atheism and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many participants are young people with backgrounds in the natural sciences. The Society must continue to pay attention to the development of the "New Atheism Movement" in China, provide guidance based on prevailing trends [9], and welcome its members to submit manuscripts in their individual capacities to Science and Atheism for selective publication. (4) Led by Professor Li Shen and involving Professors Lyu Jianfu and Xi Wuyi, the project "Compilation and Research of Ren Jiyu’s Philosophical Documents" was approved as a 2015 National Social Science Fund Key Project.

Fellow directors and friends: "What is past is prologue." The "Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for the 13th Five-Year Plan" adopted at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee emphasized the need to promote the coordinated development of material and spiritual civilization, adhere to the forward direction of advanced socialist culture, strengthen the construction of socialist spiritual civilization, advocate the scientific spirit, and promote traditional Chinese virtues. General Secretary Xi Jinping, in his speech at the Sixth Central Symposium on Tibet Work, emphasized: We must unswervingly carry out publicity and education activities regarding the Marxist views on the motherland, ethnicity, religion, and culture, as well as on materialism and atheism; we must emphasize that "unity and stability are blessings, while division and turmoil are disasters" and promote the "Three Inseparables" [10], so that the masses can master the ideological weapons for the struggle against separatism. Two documents issued after the meeting required the extensive and in-depth promotion of Marxist materialism and atheism, the vigorous popularization of scientific knowledge and advanced culture, and the guidance of the masses toward healthy and civilized lifestyles and a social atmosphere of pursuing progress. Article 23 of the "Regulations on the Work of the United Front of the Communist Party of China (Trial Implementation)," which came into effect on May 18, 2015, reaffirmed: "Communist Party members should unite with religious believers, but shall not believe in religion." Articles 55 and 58 of the "Regulations on CPC Disciplinary Action" published on October 21, 2015, contain clear and specific disciplinary provisions for organizing or utilizing religious activities to oppose the Party's line, principles, policies, and resolutions, or for undermining national unity, as well as for organizing or participating in superstitious activities.

These important instructions from the Central Committee—which emphasize and support the promotion of Marxist atheism education—and the regulations regarding the prohibition of Party members from religious belief and disciplinary actions for violations on religious issues, have created favorable conditions and opportunities for us to open up new horizons in the study of contemporary Chinese Marxist atheism. The China Atheism Society faces both important opportunities for development and severe challenges, such as religious interference in social life and national education, the promotion of "religious fever" in the name of "culture," and the rampant activities of cults and religious extremism. I hope that all directors, experts, and scholars will seize these opportunities, face difficulties head-on, and actively offer suggestions on how to further promote the research and education of Marxist atheism under the new situation. Through this annual meeting, we must further expand our ties with experts and scholars engaged in atheism research and identify young talents. Nearly half of the participants at the Third Scientific Atheism Forum on November 1 were newcomers. After the meeting, many new friends joined the "Jiyu Academic Society" WeChat group, with some members praising the day as the group's "Development Day." April 15, 2016, marks the centenary of Mr. Ren Jiyu's birth, and the Society intends to jointly hold commemorative activities with the Ren Jiyu Research Association to honor Mr. Ren’s character and scholarship.

Researcher Gong Yun of the IMS of CASS was appointed Director of the Atheism Research Office this year. He holds a PhD in history, focuses on Party history and Party building, possesses a broad vision, sharp thinking, and a prolific body of work. He has just returned to his post after completing a year of temporary "grassroots" training [11] in Jiuquan, Gansu Province. Following discussions among the Society’s academic advisors, chairpersons, and the secretary-general, it was unanimously agreed that Director Gong Yun should concurrently serve as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Society. As the Director of the Atheism Research Office of the Sinicization Department of the IMS—the only scientific atheism research entity in China—this will facilitate communication and coordination both within and outside CASS and allow the office to function as a hub for this academic stronghold.

I hope all directors and scholars will actively offer suggestions on how to further improve the Society's work. Let us take this annual meeting as a new starting point, pool our wisdom and efforts, act with vigor, and continue to move forward, making efforts and contributions worthy of the Era and of society!

(Author: Chairperson of the China Atheism Society) Web Editor: Caihong Source: Science and Atheism, Issue 1, 2016