Church and Culture
From Auspicious Dragon to Christian Devil
The Metamorphosis of Myth into Faith
In his reflection on cultural heritage, Rev. Chow acknowledges that while no one has physically seen a dragon, it stands as a potent spiritual symbol for the Chinese, embodying a complex and profound mix of emotions—a reverence filled with honor and dignity. Rather than dismissing the dragon for its mythical nature, Rev. Chow proposes that we "value it doubly, as an integral part of our treasured traditions."
Taking Another Look at the Chinese Dragon
Chinese Christians are not only receivers of traditional culture but also reformers of contemporary culture and creators of emerging culture. When reflecting on the complex relationship between the gospel and culture, we need a grand and holistic Christian worldview, capable of carrying the gospel’s tolerance of, challenge for, and renewal of culture.
Dragons: Friend or Foe?
Reflections on the Year of the Dragon
The Bible presents us with good reasons both for celebrating dragons and for slaying them. Insofar as they represent those unfallen throne guardians of heaven, they should be duly revered; and insofar as they represent that fallen seraph Satan, they should be crushed underfoot.
Women in China
A Look through the ChinaSource Archives
In honor of women’s month, we’ve highlighted the experiences of women in China ministry on the blog. Today, we’re expanding our lens to look back at articles published on how Chinese women’s lives have changed in the past century, how they are working in the church, and their triumphs and struggles.
Chinese Christians and the Chinese Zodiac
Idolatry or a Cultural Artifact?
For Chinese Christians, embracing both church feasts and traditional Chinese festivals is a delicate balance. While adhering to biblical principles and avoiding idolatry, we are also called to live in harmony with all, showcasing God's goodness to unbelievers (Romans 12:18).
Chinese Culture and Christianity: Diving into the Archives
ChinaSource Summer School Session 1
Chinese culture is a rich and complex topic, and we’ve created a reading (and listening!) list from our archives for you to immerse yourself in this subject.
Christians and the Hungry Ghost Festival
For Chinese Christians in Asia, being filled with the Holy Spirit is an assurance of God’s presence and a safeguard against any attacks by evil spirits during the Hungry Ghost Festival—and beyond.
Supporting Article
Thoughts on Culture and Contextualization
The church does not exist in a vacuum. It responds to various cultural factors which raises many questions about the contextualization of the gospel. This article analyzes some key features of the cultural context of Chinese house churches.
The Path of Christian Literature in China
Literature and art are indispensable parts of Christian culture. As Chinese Christians grapple with the issue of Sinicization, this article discusses what it means to have Christian elements in literature and art and the implications for society and evangelism.