Overview
Christianity is a major global religion, with churches in almost every corner of the world. China is one of the most populous nations, which makes it a particularly intriguing case of how a religion takes root in a country. Although originating from the West, Christianity has become a strong presence in China, supported by its faithful followers and growing infrastructure. Christians in China face many challenges due to their faith and the current political climate, but they have managed to endure and even make progress in their mission. This article will explore the history and current state of Christianity in China, as well as the role it plays in the life of its people.
History
Christianity has a long history in China, with the arrival of the first missionaries in 635 AD. These missionaries were mostly Catholic and belonged to the Nestorian sect, a branch of Christianity that was prevalent in the Middle East during this time. This sect faded away during the Yuan Dynasty, but Christianity resurfaced with the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century. They were met with great success, converting roughly 100,000 Chinese to Christianity before the Opium Wars. The Treaty of Nanjing led to the arrival of more missionaries, and during the late Qing Dynasty, numerous churches and Christian organizations were established throughout the country. Although most of them were Catholic, Protestant missionaries began to arrive in 1807, as well.
Current State
Today, Christianity is practiced widely in China and even boasts official recognition from the government. According to the 2017 Chinese National Census, there are approximately 68 million Christians in China, and the majority of them are Protestants. Churches throughout China have seen immense growth in recent years, with existing churches expanding and new churches being built in record numbers.
The Chinese government actively encourages religious practice and has developed supportive regulations to this end. This has allowed Christians to attend services, study scripture, and practice their faith openly. The Chinese government ensures that churches register with relevant authorities, follow moral standards and refrain from engaging in political activities.
Impact on Society
The role of Christianity in China has undeniably been beneficial for its people. Despite the challenges faced by its faithful, it has served to bring the values of cooperation and love to the Chinese people. Many Chinese Christians have achieved success in their respective fields, such as the Nobel Laureate Mo Yan and Christian philanthropist and businessman Wang Wenxue.
Christianity is also credited with positively affecting social morality. Christianity had a significant impact on society in the late Qing Dynasty and Republican era, largely in terms of ethical education. Authors such as Pearl S. Buck wrote about the role of Christianity in Chinese intellectuals’ lives, and many Chinese intellectuals of the period, including Xu Guang-ping, praised the effects of faith on the nation’s moral standards.
Challenges Faced
Despite Christianity’s widespread presence in China, Christians continue to face many difficulties due to the nation’s governing bodies. Chinese Christians have limited access to the Bible, due to government restrictions on its printing and circulation. Both Catholics and Protestants have clashed with local authorities, who take issue with the activities of Christian organizations. Christians also face discrimination and prejudice in the workplace, where many employers do not favor those who profess a Christian faith.
Relationship with Buddhism and Taoism
Moreover, the presence of Christianity in the nation has been met with opposition by followers of other religions. China is home to two of the world’s oldest religions, Buddhism and Taoism, and their adherents fear that Christianity is attempting to replace them. They cite the number of recent converts to Christianity and the rise in the number of churches throughout the nation as evidence of this.
Outlook
Still, Christians in China remain hopeful. With its continued presence, Christianity is sure to continue to play a strong role in Chinese culture and shape its people. Its impact on social morality and its strong numbers have made it increasingly difficult to ignore or contain. As a growing force in the Chinese landscape, Christianity looks to have a bright future in China.
Infrastructure
The Chinese Christian community has been building its infrastructure steadily in recent years. Numerous state-authorized theological seminaries, Bible schools and congregational review systems have opened since the late 1990s. Biblical study centers have launched translation and translation monitoring systems, as well as publications in China’s many languages. As Christians continue to grow in China, so too have the resources available to them.
Conclusion of Government Policy
The government of China has developed supportive regulations for Christians, ensuring that churches register with relevant authorities, follow moral standards and refrain from engaging in political activities. It is not known how this policy will continue to change, but for now, it is allowing Christians to exercise their faith freely and openly.
Evangelism
Although China has long been a difficult country to evangelize, the rise of Christianity has made it much easier. Christians in China are becoming increasingly well-connected with those in other countries, making it possible to spread their faith further afield. A variety of organizations have emerged in recent years to help Christians to evangelize in China, including individual churches, mission groups, study centers and Bible colleges.
Criticisms
Christianity has also had its fair share of criticism. Some argue that the Western influence in Christianity’s expansion has resulted in an overall decline in traditional Chinese values. Others point to the disturbing reports of child abuse by clergy and the prevalence of fraud among those who claim to be Christian. Despite these criticisms, religion is still a strong force in Chinese culture, and Christians continue to successfully practice their faith through its challenging circumstances.
Expanding Influence
Although Chinese Christians have to contend with many difficulties, their numbers are growing. The spread of Christianity has even reached rural areas, where churches have been established in previously unreached villages. Networking with those overseas has made it easier for Chinese Christians to stay connected and share their faith while doing mission work.
For Chinese Christians, the faith has become a source of strength and hope in these difficult times. Through their resilience and perseverance, Christianity will continue to be a major part of Chinese culture for many years to come.
