The Lantern

The Internet: China’s Public Forum

Public expression is something we in the West value as a God-given right but also take very much for granted. We expect to be heard, have the right to be heard, and are encouraged at every stage of our lives to express ourselves. In the West even a 4-year-old child has a voice.

However, for much of the world, public expression is not a God-given right. Christians in many places are not able to publicly share about their beliefs without severe penalty. The internet has changed this by becoming a public forum where voices can speak and be heard; a place where one can express their opinions and beliefs and pass it on to others.

Now, the internet in China has the appearance of being regulated and highly censored. The idea that the internet can be a public forum in China is a difficult concept for those outside of China.