china

Two interesting data points from Justin Long

First: in an increasing number of places around the world, China is viewed more positively than America. This isn't just amongst dictators and authoritarians. In every region of the world, China's influence and help are being positively received.

Second: China is a suppressor of the church, arresting church leaders, tearing down church buildings, and undertaking a "Sinicization" [the process of making non-Chinese societies, cultures, or ideologies increasingly Chinese in character] campaign against churches (and other religions too, for that matter).

This leads to two questions: 

1. what does it mean for a global influencer to be a known church-suppressor? and,
2. might the Chinese church become more influential in the world, as it endures oppression?

There are no simplistic answers to these questions. Those of us in the West have little idea of what is really going on in China, other than what China wants us to know. What I do know, from observation, is that there is a global expansion of Chinese influence in East Africa - both through investment in infrastructure, at a major financial cost to African nations; and through education. There are a number of East African nations which are now introducing Mandarin into the school system.

As I have said many times, we need to read and re-read the book of Acts. Acts shows us to live in a world that is not Christian and where followers of Jesus are persecuted for failing to worship Caesar. The book/letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is above all, including our religious suppositions and practices.

We don't know what the next few years hold. As I look at North America, American and Canadian evangelicals are increasingly trying to hold onto something that is no longer a reality. We are becoming increasingly politicised. And not in the good way. The root of the word politics is polis... we are to be concerned for, pray for, work for the good, the health, the peace, the flourishing, the shalom of the city and indeed the world. Instead, many are going after power and control. Our brothers and sisters in China, can show us how to live faithfully in a complex political environment.