Articles on Church History
Supporting Article
Word Choice Challenges
Translation is complex, and the words chosen to communicate concepts are crucial; they can significantly influence the understanding of the reader. Strand gives examples of how translators struggle with this aspect of their work.
Lead Article
A Century Later, Still Dominant
The Chinese Union Version of the Bible, published in 1919, remains the most dominant and popular translation used in China today. Here are some reasons why.
Book Reviews
Be Amazed, Encouraged, and Challenged for Under $10
A Book Review
This concise volume on the life of Morrison challenges with the description of the difficulties he overcame and the prolific amount of translation work he achieved.
Supporting Article
The Waning of a Pragmatic Cosmopolitanism
Western Denominations in the Views of Cheng Jingyi and Ni Tuosheng
Sun considers the differences between the views of Cheng and Ni regarding denominations in the first half of the twentieth century.
Lead Article
History: It’s Essential
Strong faith is built upon history. Knowledge and reflection on history are essential for the church and for those who serve.
Supporting Article
Fragmented and Complacent
The Chinese Church that Lacks Historical Consciousness
The Chinese church’s lack of historical consciousness is longstanding. While the secular world has increased its understanding of history in many areas, the church has lagged behind. Only recently has research into church history begun. As it becomes known, the church needs to recognize that history has practical applications and must learn how to apply these. When this does not happen, there are negative effects, and the author discusses some of these.
Supporting Article
Traditional Chinese Views of History and Contemporary Chinese Christianity
Following a brief review of the ways Chinese have viewed their history over the centuries, the author turns to the consideration of how today’s PRC citizens view their history. All Chinese views of history have included “history” that is promoted nationally and directly serves the interests of the state. This approved narrative means that for most Chinese there is a nation-wide, generally agreed upon social narrative that may well be the only one he or she knows. The author then offers four items for the foreigner to remember when considering Chinese history or Chinese Christian history.
View From the Wall
Why Believers Need to Understand Chinese Church History
We must know the past to understand the present. For the most part, Chinese Christians do not understand Chinese church history; therefore, they often have no means to properly respond to changes in society. A look back at Chinese church history shows us that many of the difficulties faced by today’s Chinese church have similarities to those that have confronted the church over the years. Not only can history suggest appropriate ways to respond to today’s difficulties, it can help us discern God’s purposes in the present.
Peoples of China
Women in China’s Protestant Church and Missions
In both church and mission in China, women make up the majority of workers; however, their contributions and circumstances can sometimes be overlooked. The author looks at how God has used women of bygone days to build his church in China. She discusses three examples of women as well as a trio of women who provided leadership and greatly impacted the development of China’s Protestant faith. She also provides a bibliography for those interested in further study of this topic.