The Chinese Church’s Attitude towards Its Own History
An interview with an oral historian on the importance of church history.
Ideas
Editorial reflection and analysis on issues shaping Chinese Christianity.
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China in Africa: Clues to the Future of “Belt and Road?”
Chinese engagement in Africa to date may provide some clues as to how China will impact the "belt and road" nations in the future.
Traditional Chinese Views of History and Contemporary Chinese Christianity
Following a brief review of the ways Chinese have viewed their history over the centuries, the author turns to the consideration of how today’s PRC citizens view their history. All Chinese views of history have included “history” that is promoted nationally and directly serves the interests of the state. This approved narrative means that for most Chinese there is a nation-wide, generally agreed upon social narrative that may well be the only one he or she knows. The author then offers four items for the foreigner to remember when considering Chinese history or Chinese Christian history.
Why Believers Need to Understand Chinese Church History
We must know the past to understand the present. For the most part, Chinese Christians do not understand Chinese church history; therefore, they often have no means to properly respond to changes in society. A look back at Chinese church history shows us that many of the difficulties faced by today’s Chinese church have similarities to those that have confronted the church over the years. Not only can history suggest appropriate ways to respond to today’s difficulties, it can help us discern God’s purposes in the present.
Understanding the Past, Understanding the Present
The guest editor's point of view . . .
Wise Financial Partnerships
How can financial resources be shared effectively? What needs to be considered?
The International Church Role in Chinese Missionary Sending, Part 2
The Chinese church passionately desires participation in missionary sending. The international church seeks to partner with Chinese missionary senders. Finances are one key, but controversial, area of possible collaboration. Funds can become a stumbling block to mission efforts. Discriminating, time-limited use of money to support Chinese missionary sending in the framework of sound principles of financial giving decrease risks of dependency.
New Religion Regulations to Take Effect in February
The long-awaited revision of the draft religion regulations circulated last September was signed into law last month and will take effect February 1, 2018.
Looking for 21st Century China
As ChinaSource celebrates 20 years of ministry, it is a time of reflection and giving thanks. We are privileged to have served the China-ministry community for as long as we have. With today’s post, we are beginning a series, called Looking Back that will take a closer look at those twenty years.
I Was Wrong
A second look at Chinese Theology, an apology, and a way forward.
Chinese Theology: Text and Context
Most books on Chinese Christianity try to trace its history, focusing on key people, events, and movements. While Chloë Starr does not neglect these, she highlights something that most historians neglect: the theology that arose from different contexts expressed the thought and struggles of influential leaders, and shaped the ways that Christians responded to their situation.
The International Church Role in Chinese Missionary Sending, Part 1
The Chinese church passionately desires participation in missionary sending. The international church seeks to partner with Chinese missionary senders. In addition to prayer, the international church can support Chinese missionary-senders through resource sharing, mission-sending organization support, and through business cooperation. Chinese medical missionary tentmaking as a business opportunity is examined as a prototype for other potential Chinese tentmaking missionaries. Leadership of Chinese missionary sending efforts must remain in Chinese hands.