I have recently been struck by how susceptible my attitude is to being influenced by my environment. This sounds obviousalmost tautologicalbut let me explain a bit about the kind of influences I am thinking of.
A white paper entitled "Teacher Education in China: A Context Study" is available.
China's history and culture are key factors that help create the environment for education in the country.
Geography, economics and access all contribute to creating inequality in Chinese education.
Can alternative education work in China? What are the misconceptions and challenges?
Editor's Note: This editorial originally appeared in "Christians and Education in China" (CS Quarterly, 2011 Summer).
Governing Educational Desire: Culture, Politics, and Schooling in China by Andrew Kipnis. University of Chicago Press (Chicago: 2011), 174 pp. ISBN 13:978-0-226-43755-2; $27.50.
Reviewed by Lisa Nagle
Chinese families have a deep cultural desire for education.
Nanlai Cao, a research assistant professor at the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, gives us a unique and comprehensive analysis of the Wenzhou revival. His study pursuits in both China and Western metropolises, as well as his intimate connection with Wenzhou (native family connections through his mother and grandparents) offers him a perspective not otherwise readily possible.
Editor's note: This editorial originally appeared in "The Structure of China's Urban Church" (CS Quarterly, 2011 Spring)
China's rapid economic and social changes have compelled the churches in China to transform. By far the factor that contributed most to the need for structural changes within the Chinese house churches has been urbanization. Other factors have contributed as well: the one-child policy, increasing availability of higher education, and increasing opportunities for theological education and leadership development.
Over the past sixty years, the Protestant church in China has grown exponentially. Most of this increase has taken place in what are often called house churches. Many of these congregations meet in large buildings and are still called house churches. Therefore, the debate of whether it is better to meet in smaller groups in homes or to gather together in a larger venue. In addition, there is also debate about whether individual home-based congregations should join together in larger networks. This article will examine the question of a proper place for Christians to meet together.
When interacting with church leaders in China, questions about the church inevitably emerge. At some point, issues concerning church structure will be brought up. How they respond will deeply affect the long term growth of the church. It is both exciting and agonizing to observe.