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.
Brother Liu
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September 18, 2017
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Ideas
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.
Peregrine de Vigo
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Ideas
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.
Brother Li
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Scholarship
Strong faith is built upon history. Knowledge and reflection on history are essential for the church and for those who serve.
Brent Whitefield
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Scholarship
How can financial resources be shared effectively? What needs to be considered?
Si Shi (四石)
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September 15, 2017
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Ideas
The Chinese church passionately desires participation in missionary sending. The international church seeks to partner with Chinese missionary senders. Finances are one key, but controversial, area of possible collaboration. Funds can become a stumbling block to mission efforts. Discriminating, time-limited use of money to support Chinese missionary sending in the framework of sound principles of financial giving decrease risks of dependency.
GJ, Si Shi (四石)
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September 14, 2017
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Ideas
The long-awaited revision of the draft religion regulations circulated last September was signed into law last month and will take effect February 1, 2018.
Brent Fulton
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September 13, 2017
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Ideas
Excerpts from conversations with mainland attendees of the Reformation 500 and the Gospel conference held in Hong Kong in May 2017.
ChinaSource Team
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September 12, 2017
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Stories
As ChinaSource celebrates 20 years of ministry, it is a time of reflection and giving thanks. We are privileged to have served the China-ministry community for as long as we have. With today’s post, we are beginning a series, called Looking Back that will take a closer look at those twenty years.
Joann Pittman
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September 11, 2017
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Ideas
A review of Andrew Kaiser's The Rushing on of the Purposes of God: Christian Missions in Shanxi since 1876.
Andrea Klopper
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September 8, 2017
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Stories
A second look at Chinese Theology, an apology, and a way forward.
G. Wright Doyle
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September 6, 2017
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Ideas
The journal ChurchChina published an article earlier this summer on how Chinese Christians can care for and minister to the increasing senior population in China. In recent weeks we have published parts one and two of a translation of that article in which the author described her ministry to the elderly in a senior center and helpful recommendations for serving seniors. This is part three in which the author reflects on and summarizes serving the elderly.
ChinaSource Team
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September 5, 2017
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Stories