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Religious freedom and Christianity in China today

In July 2015, Renmin University of China released a report based on its China Religion Survey. The report concludes that Christianity is the most socially adaptable religion among the five major faiths practiced in the country (the other four being Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Catholicism). At the same time, the education level of Chinese Christians is on the rise.


Consequent to the strengthening of Chinese economy in recent years, many parents choose to send their children for overseas education to enhance their competitiveness back home. Many of these overseas students have been exposed to the gospel and accepted Jesus before their return. With China taking off in her economic growth, it needs a workforce with foreign language capability and overseas exposure to linkup the nation with the world.


The overseas returnees, equipped with the saving knowledge of Jesus and trained in modern management, are considered more progressive than their counterparts in peasantry house churches. Given their advantages, these Christians enjoy better chances for more influential positions in the society. This is probably a major reason for the rapid growth of Chinese churches in the last 30 years. In this connection, many have asked: Has rapid economic growth brought about more religious freedom in China? Are Chinese Christians enjoying freedom of worship and sharing the gospel?



In Wenzhou alone, more than 400 cases of crosses were forcefully demolished by the authorities amid reports of believers being arrested, beaten and charged in courts. Protests by local churches attracted global concerns. Religious freedom in China appears to be a flash in the pan.


No one is certain of the stand of the Chinese government with regard to religions. Is it going ahead to open its door wider? Or is it doing the opposite? We need to pray more, that the Chinese churches may know the will of God. That way, the churches may under whatever circumstance fulfil God’s plan for China.

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