Mans Ramstad
Folk Thinking among Rural Christians
Christianity in rural China is heavily influenced by concepts of Chinese folk religion and functions in many ways like a folk religion. This is due to the influence of traditional religious concepts and the limited education among most rural people. Folk concepts observed in rural Christianity include predilection for the mysterious including evidence of supernatural power, obsession with objects (the evil of unspiritual objects as well as the benefit of spiritual objects like pictures of Jesus or crosses), an intuitive desire for ritual to express one's faith and other aspects to be discussed below.
Lead Article
Medical Work as Whole Person Transformation
Increasingly the work of foreign medical workers is being integrated into the local community and is enhancing both the medical effectiveness of the treatment and the social and spiritual impact upon the community and individuals. This holistic approach is making an impact on China.