Seeing any aspect of our faith through others’ eyes—especially in another culture, is like a set of new glasses. The questions, the doubts, the rejection, the wonder and yes, the amazement force one to look anew at what might be treasured but unchallenged.
In a recent presentation by Daryl Ireland on early twentieth-century Chinese Christian posters, a wealth of insights emerged that illuminate the intersection of faith and culture in China. As Chinese Christians continue to navigate the challenges of their cultural and political environment, the lessons from history can serve as both a warning and an inspiration.
Enjoy the recording of I’Ching Thomas’ lecture, “Human Flourishing in Chinese Thought: A Christian Response.” Drawing on themes from her book Jesus the Path to Human Flourishing, I’Ching explored the notion of human flourishing in Chinese thought, focusing especially on Confucius’ teaching on self-cultivation and benevolence as keys to achieving the ideal of the Noble Man.
After the House of Joy Christian Church in San Dimas established the independently operated mission organization…we were among the first to be called by God to serve the smuggling route travelers. We faced the same challenges as other churches, but after a year and a half of service, both the mission and the church experienced profound spiritual breakthroughs.
Sharing the gospel with Muslims, including Chinese Muslims, takes a lot of cultural sensitivity. “The First and Last Sacrifice” is one method of sharing the story of Jesus which incorporates references to the Quran, Arabic names, and Islamic concepts to reach Muslims for Christ.
Enter into the world of rural China and open your heart to the story of a young woman who suffered with depression until she heard the gospel in college. Now she is full of hope and joy because of truth and beauty of her Christian faith. She has led her family to Christ and was able to minister to the house church in her village.
I suspect that many…have narrowed decisions about the future to one of two possible options: stay in China or return to one’s home country…. I see a compelling third option: relocate to an area outside of China to serve diaspora Chinese or train Chinese missionaries (or both).
Bible & Treaty tells the story of how the gospel first came to the Māori and details the rich Christian heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand. In addition, it is a story that resonates with the story of mission in China and elsewhere.
The devastation of drug addiction has impacted people around the world, affecting addicts and their families. In this article from China Christian Daily, we learn of the impact of gospel-centered rehabilitation on one addict and his continuing ministry helping others out of addiction through the gospel.
Three challenges facing the church in China.
A pastor responds to a tragic suicide in Gansu province: "So, I can only say three words: share the gospel. Nothing else. Aside from the gospel of Jesus Christ, the punishment of law, execution of justice, human rage, public condemnation, systematic restraint—none of these can truly save us."
The Bible tells us what to believe—the gospel. It also shows how to contextualize the gospel? In One Gospel for All Nations, Jackson Wu explains practically why we must not choose between the Bible and culture highlights implications for both missionaries and theologians. Contextualization should be practical, not pragmatic; theological, not theoretical.