Church History
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.
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.
10 Women Who Served China
Ten pioneering Western female missionaries to China who with their Chinese co-laborers made significant contributions to missions work in China.
When “Apolitical” Is Not an Option
Echoes from the Church’s Past
Reflecting on the response of earlier leaders of the Chinese church.
Two Reformation Videos
Chinese pastors and scholars share their thoughts on the significance of the Reformation for Chinese churches.
China’s Past as Key to the Present
Examining the lens of Chinese church history to better understand where China’s church finds itself today.
The Chinese Church’s Attitude towards Its Own History
An Interview with Nathaniel Yuan
An interview with an oral historian on the importance of church history.
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.