China plans its own 'Christian theology'

[God-Sent]

China says it may try to create a theology based on Christianity - that integrates the religion with Chinese culture and is compatible with the country's socialist beliefs, it's been reported.

 

Wang Zuoan, a senior official for religious affairs, says China supports the development of Christianity within the country. But "the construction of Chinese Christian theology should adapt to China's national condition," the state-backed China Daily website reports. His comments came at a conference for Sinicization of Christianity in Shanghai.

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-28687520

 

I don't even know what to say about this one. *facepalm*

[Lefebvre]

Not really surprising. China has been struggling with the issue of Christianity since it was introduced to the country. Protestantism has done marginally better adapting to the fabric of Chinese culture -- if I recall correctly, Chiang Kai-Shek was a Methodist -- but the PRC has done its damndest to keep religion on a tight state-controlled leash and this is just another logical step in that direction. It's certainly interesting, and by no means impossible from a non-Catholic theological standpoint, so I look forward to seeing where this goes.

 

Also, old news bro.

[Guest JAG]

They've had state-run churches for a while with censored bibles and teaching.  Christianity will eventually destroy Chinese pessimism.

[Wesker]

I and my Christian Anarchism are not pleased. 

[Guest Mike Spero]

Wow, I hate China so much less now.

 

Legitimately, they can twist and screw up and do whatever they want with Christianity to try and initially integrate it. It's going to be legal to practice and preach now, and the truth will find its way in. I don't care what people think of this, this will soon be a huge victory for our Body

[Lefebvre]

Wow, I hate China so much less now.

 

Legitimately, they can twist and screw up and do whatever they want with Christianity to try and initially integrate it. It's going to be legal to practice and preach now, and the truth will find its way in. I don't care what people think of this, this will soon be a huge victory for our Body

 

Are... are you serious? Firstly, Christianity has been legal to practice since Deng Xiaoping was el Jefe; and it has been almost always state-controlled at an organisational level. And that goes for Buddhism, Islam, you name it. Literally the only thing this achieves is the Party forcing itself into Protestant theological affairs, adding an entirely new dimension of red tape, government oversight, and the continuing intrusion of the government into daily life. I cannot see how this is a "huge victory."

[Guest Mike Spero]

Are... are you serious? Firstly, Christianity has been legal to practice since Deng Xiaoping was el Jefe; and it has been almost always state-controlled at an organisational level. And that goes for Buddhism, Islam, you name it. Literally the only thing this achieves is the Party forcing itself into Protestant theological affairs, adding an entirely new dimension of red tape, government oversight, and the continuing intrusion of the government into daily life. I cannot see how this is a "huge victory."

I was told otherwise, but I don't exactly spend all my time studying China, so I'll trust you that it's been legal for some time now.

 

And the whole point is that they're trying to integrate Christianity in the first place. Whether or not they're trying to throw up lots of red tape, they're representing it and allowing it to grow more. I have the utmost confidence that with the new emphasis on the Faith, the Believers in China will be able to reach out and extend the Word of God on a much larger level than before. The political leaders trying to incorporate it can put up as much tape as they want, if the disciples alone could bring the true Word of God to the entirety of the world (and under penalty of death, might I add) then surely a newly integrated group of Christians can tear down as much red tape as the Chinese government thinks it can put up. China is trying to further integrate Christ and you're upset that they're twisting the religion to "their version"? Have you no faith in how God can move?

 

I don't care if the Taliban say "we're emphasizing a red-tape Jesus in our ranks", I'll call that a possible victory. He can accomplish anything, and the more of His name, the better