Four Questions for the 2040s
A new series adapted from Sam Ling’s 2025 HLS lecture asks four guiding questions across four axes—China, the West, the church, and ideas—to help us think and serve faithfully as we look toward the 2040s.
Intellectuals
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John C. H. Wu on the Incarnation of the Word of God
The Christian life is lived in real, concrete situations: the union of the transcendent and the immanent, flesh and spirit. The “secret” to navigating this world successfully, as Wu says, is our “union with him,” and with his people.
A New Dawn for Chinese Theology: The Inauguration of the IASCC and the Biola Research Initiative for Chinese Theology
On November 14, 2024, nearly 200 Chinese pastors, church leaders, theologians, and educators from around the world gathered at the picturesque Biola University. Together, they celebrated the historic establishment of the Institute for Advanced Studies of Chinese Christianity (IASCC) and the Biola Research Initiative for Chinese Theology.
![An image of John C. H. Wu with two Westerners. When he finally found the truth, Wu felt that it was just like “tripping blindly over [a] threshold and being thrown flat on his stomach into the House of Light.” In other words, one must give up believing he or she has the power to attain truth by oneself, and humble oneself to the point of realizing that it is a gift.](https://media.chinasource.org/uploads/2024/11/BL241111-ChinaSource-Chinese-Christianity-John-C.-H.-Wu-Republic-of-China-St.-Augustine-Beyond-East-and-West-300x164.png)
From Law to Light
When he finally found the truth, Wu felt that it was just like “tripping blindly over [a] threshold and being thrown flat on his stomach into the House of Light.” In other words, one must give up believing he or she has the power to attain truth by oneself, and humble oneself to the point of realizing that it is a gift.
Engaging the Highly Mobile Generation of Chinese Intellectuals
AFC adopted an innovative ministry model that focuses on supporting micro-communities, which reflect the highly mobile character of overseas Chinese intellectuals….Each micro-community exists to serve actual needs. Collectively, these micro-communities embody the ecosystem of the gospel—the variety of Christian life and the diversity of people groups.
A Writer Turns to Christ
Last month, the Chinese writer and public intellectual Ran Yunfei announced via WeChat that he had become a Christian, following in the footsteps of his wife and daughter who had come to faith earlier.
A University Student Reflects on Faith
The website Xuanjiao Zhongguo (Missions China) recently ran a post written by a university student in China, sharing his/her reflections on faith in modern China.
Understanding China’s Intellectuals
Cross-cultural workers in China service are increasingly aware of the strategic importance of reaching China’s urban intellectuals. Some of these intellectuals, often (mis)named “Cultural Christians,” have taken up Christian thought as a subject for serious academic study. At the same time, these are exciting, confusing days. China is stepping onto the international scene as a member of the WTO. She is searching for new ideas and values. What can the history of China, and the history of Christian missions in China, teach us as we seek to understand China’s intellectuals?
Putting Christianity on the Map—for Chinese Intellectuals
Looking at one of China's "Cultural Christians," Liu Xiaofeng.
Apologists or Antagonists?
The editor's perspective. . .
Who are the Chinese Intellectuals?
Understanding today's intellectuals in China and their interaction with the Christian faith.
Intellectuals and Gateway People Groups
Strategically, reaching intellectuals with the gospel may be key to reaching China as a whole.