Ideas

Editorial reflection and analysis on issues shaping Chinese Christianity.

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The Chinese Church’s Shifting Battleground

Christians throughout history have seen themselves engaged in a battle that is ultimately spiritual in nature. Forces arrayed against them, political or otherwise, are physical manifestations of this unseen battle, which will ultimately conclude with the return of Christ.

Marriage and the Church in Urban China

For first-generation urban Christians in China, social expectations regarding marriage present difficult dilemmas as they seek to remain faithful to biblical teaching regarding the family.

“China Needs Priests”

When Father Ye Yaomin, a Catholic priest, returned to his parish in Foshan, Guangdong province in 1980 following years of persecution, his friends urged him to emigrate.

“China needs priests,” he replied.

Social Media in China (Part 3)

The first two parts of this series outlined the importance social media tools in China and drilled down into what makes the WeChat messaging platform so innovative.  This post will focus on practical tips for using any social tool to drive deeper connections and more effective interactions with your Chinese colleagues.

Social Media in China (Part 2)

What makes WeChat innovative is not only that it offers first rate messaging features, but more importantly provides easy access to other valuable services. 

Church Leader Development in China

The development of leadership training within China’s unregistered church has followed a trajectory that roughly parallels that of the larger society as it has experienced major advances in education, a rising standard of living, and massive urbanization.

Social Media in China

Social media is impacting societies across the globe, but China's social technology landscape is unique and largely unknown to those outside China. Honestly, how many people outside of China have ever heard of any of the popular social technology brands listed in the image below?

A New NGO Law Coming?

On January 16, 2015, the magazine China Briefing reported that a new Charity Law, which has been in the drafting stage for months has finally been introduced as a bill in the National People’s Congress (NPC). The establishment of laws governing social organizations (NGOs) has long been rumored and hoped for in China, by domestic and foreign enterprises alike. Many Christian organizations are hopeful that a new law will make it easier for them to operate in China. Here’s what the article has to say about the draft law: