Church and State
Dealing with Local Officials in a Changing China
An Update
Few aspects of living and working in China today are more important or more challenging than securing the good will and assistance of local Chinese officials. While a host of factors both internal and external to China are adding unwelcome strain to these vital relationships, the basic principles for understanding Chinese officials remain the same.
Belt and Road Initiative
A Reading Round-up
Following the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing last week, here are resources to provide background and context.
7 Reasons Why Sinicization Is Not Rhetoric This Time
Isn't this just propaganda, empty threats, or show. Haven’t we seen similar programs rolled out in the past?
“Sinicization” of Christianity—Understanding the Contexts
A look at the political, rhetorical, historical, and theological contexts of sinicization.
National People’s Congress
A Reading Round-up
Reporting and analysis of the "Two Meetings," and a video.
The Year of Living Sensitively
Being aware of this year's sensitive anniversaries will be helpful in understanding events in China as they unfold.
Clarifying the Boundary between Church and State
Unified with the historic Christ who humbled himself, the church should be humble and suffering in this generation, bearing witness for the gospel. Only such a path is the true path of the cross of the Chinese church.
The Kingship of Christ
Looking at the boundary of church and state from this perspective, the church holds fast to its heavenly citizenship in a prominent manner, but holds fast to its outward rights in an inconspicuous manner.
The Nature of the Church
"I agree with the principle of separation of church and state. However, this is simply a concept. It is not sufficient to help us face complicated church-state relationships. We must carefully, diligently study the Bible. How is the church to exist in this world?"
The Boundary between the Church and State
Over the past year, prominent house churches in China were shut down by government authorities stirring up questions about how the church and state in China should interact. How can the church be the church in this environment? Where is the line between the church and the state?