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August 03, 2005
More Christians in China than Communists?
China's rulers are said to be ambiguous about Christianity's growth. Some see its emphasis on personal morality as a force for stability. House churches which go along with the authority and theology of the official organisations are often left alone.But many reject the party's control over Christian practice and doctrine, and these are seen as a threat. After all, 80 million members would mean there are now more Christians than Communists in China.
Few believe that many of the party's 70 million members keep the faith burning any more.
This year the Politburo made it easier for churches to register, but at the same time launched a wave of persecution of those which refused.
But will this make Christians the new "Falun Gong"?
Posted by Doug at August 3, 2005 01:33 PM
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"But will this make Christians the new "Falun Gong"?"
If you mean by this question will Christians be targeted for murder by the Chinese government than the answer is YES.
It is already happening. The Chinese government is completely intolerant of any religion and there is already reports that Christians are already being murdered and Church's burnt to the ground.
Posted by: Justin at August 3, 2005 04:12 PM
It's been happening for at least 30 years in China, and for two-thousand years all over the world. Persecution of even this magnitude is nothing new. Fortunately the Bible is not silent on the subject. I wrote more here (albeit a while ago).
Posted by: Adam Heine at August 3, 2005 08:39 PM
Also, while it may be true that Communism in terms of official party affiliation is decreasing, it doesn't mean that Christianity will become more acceptable. Communist participation is decreasing, in part, because business is becoming more important in China and communism doesn't always fit with that. However, even Chinese businesses understand that it is better to ignore communism than to go against it, because Communism is still in control.
China may achieve the first Communist Capitalist system. But it doesn't look like it will be Christian friendly any time soon.
Posted by: Abigail at August 3, 2005 09:25 PM
There will always be concerns about the required registration of churches. There has been too much fear and persecution for House churches to accept "easier registration" as a sign of religious freedoms.
However, I would like to hold out a word of hope.
Abigail said:
Communist participation is decreasing, in part, because business is becoming more important in China and communism doesn't always fit with that. However, even Chinese businesses understand that it is better to ignore communism than to go against it, because Communism is still in control.
The Article quoted:
"some [within the CPC] see its [Christianity's] emphasis on personal morality as a force for stability"
This is a sign of tremendous changes in the core identities of China. The hope is that the Chinese church will continue to exponentially grow - in this season - fueled by persecution. The ultimate hope is that the CPC will face Christianity with the same acceptance that Chinese businesses have approached communism. 80 million evangelical Christians (and growing) is a significant number, and the effects are already beginning to be seen from within. This is new, and it is a sign of new things to come. I'm not suggesting that the age of persecution of the Chinese church has ended, but I am holding out hope that the blood that has been spilled is paving the path for a China which is free to worship openly in Spirit and in Truth.
Posted by: humblethorn at April 1, 2006 10:46 PM