Countering Infiltration and Going Global
In recent years, the approach to religious affairs has shifted toward the “Sinicization of Christianity.” This strategy is rooted in two key objectives: “countering infiltration” and “going global.”
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Faith Under Party Rule
Sinicization is the UFWD’s agenda for Chinese religious associations. All religions are to be Sinicized, even Taoism. But the challenge of bringing “foreign religions” like Christianity and Islam into the Party’s agenda requires increased effort.
How Zhongguohua Was Adopted as a Path in China’s Current Religious Policy
Xi’s directive to align all religions with Zhongguohua is not only rooted in academic and institutional history but is also deeply embedded in the traditions of the official Protestant church.
On Rhetorics and Lived Religion
The work is a must-read for anyone concerned with the direction of Chinese religions and China’s religious policy.
What’s in a Name?
Sinicization, Chinafication, or Zhongguohua? Defining the term in question goes to the heart of understanding China’s current policy and its effect upon religious believers.
Key Scholarly Works on the Sinicization of Christianity in China
Here are some sources that may interest ChinaSource readers concerned with religious life and religious policy in contemporary China, with a thematic focus on Protestant Christianity.
Who Are Our Ninevites?
Expressions of distrust and judgment have loomed so large that some Mandarin-speaking churches and newly established Hong Kong congregations in the same cities avoid any interactions.
Unpacking the Shifting Narrative of Christianity in China
Sinicization, Chinafication, or Zhongguohua? Defining the term in question goes to the heart of understanding China’s current policy and its effect upon religious believers.
Meeting Gen Z where They Are—An Insider’s Perspective
Young people need a community where faith and real life intersect in meaningful ways, rather than simply attending traditional worship services.
Engaging Gen Z Anew
Guangxiao Church and Zion Church, two of Guangzhou’s leading and historical churches, are pioneering youth-focused outreach efforts to counter the decline in youth attendance. To attract them to the church, the two churches offer various youth-centered activities, including a "Faith Pharmacy," comic exhibitions, and storytelling sessions.
Cultural Harmony and Gospel Fidelity
Chinese house churches must deliberate on how to be genuinely Chinese and truly Christian. Both the concepts that are overemphasized cause distortion. It takes constant navigating to be “in the culture but not of it.” Authentic Chinese Christianity will result from keeping both ideas in healthy tension as Chinese house churches negotiate between indigenizing and acting as pilgrim communities.
Pursued by Goodness
As we close out 2024, I am filled with gratitude—for God’s goodness that has pursued us, for faithful partners like you, and for the lives being transformed through his love. Today on this Giving Tuesday, I invite you to join us. Your partnership helps us connect people, ideas, and resources to advance God’s work in China and beyond.