Chinese Christian Voices in Reflections on the Year of the Dragon

The dragon in Chinese mythology is seen as a friendly and auspicious being, while Western Christians typically see dragons as negative—as the enemy in fairy tales or the Devil in the Bible. How can Chinese Christians resolve this paradox? ChinaSource ran a series of articles in 2024 examining the question, with contributions from Chinese pastors, scholars, and Western gospel workers. The resulting series take into account history, Scripture, and culture while coming to nuanced and careful answers.

Chinese Christian Voices

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."

Rev. Dr. Lien-Hwa Chow Memorial Foundation ⋅ ⋅ Apr 01, 2024

Chinese Christian Voices

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).

Jeshurun ⋅ ⋅ Feb 09, 2024