Tag: Religious Affairs Bureau
The Mountains Are Shorter, Part 2
Mountains today no longer symbolize separation, but rather strength, as suggested by another phrase, tieda de Jiangshan (铁打的江山). Literally meaning “rivers and mountains forged in iron,” it is commonly translated “iron-clad country,” a fitting description of the seemingly unshakeable state power being exerted throughout Xi’s China.
Back in China
Challenges notwithstanding, the resilience and unwavering faith of the Chinese church are awe-inspiring. God’s grip on his church remains unyielding, and amid adversity, a vibrant faith continues to thrive in the hearts of believers across China.
Supporting Article
The Church in China: Living in Babylon
The author recounts personal stories showing how much things have changed in China since 2015, as evidenced by the CCP's increased control, repression, and persecution.
Internet Regulations Six Months On
Due to the licensing and real-name requirements, these regulations… certainly make it more difficult for individuals and unregistered churches to put religious content online.
Reading Tea Leaves from the 2021 National Religious Work Conference
What can we learn from the recent conference on religious work? A comparison with the 2018 conference helps tease out key points.
Raising the Walls of the Sandbox
As churches in China experience continued tightening, it’s worth considering the wider context of the measures and what their broader purpose is.
3 Questions: Sinicization or Chinafication?
More new religious regulations? What do they mean for the church in China?
3 Questions: Being Theologically Prepared
A conversation with Dr. Carsten Vala of Loyola University on the current situation of the church in China.
Resource Corner
Regulations on Religious Affairs
国家宗教事务局-- Decree of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China No. 426
Becoming familiar with China’s regulations on religious affairs can provide an official reference point for informed discussion on this issue.
Supporting Article
The Present Condition of Christianity and Religious Regulations in China
Huang Jianbo looks at China's basic understanding of religion which affects the formulation and execution of its religious policies. To date, the state has believed that religion is a problem although it has never explicitly stated what kind of problem. The author identifies three possible ways in which the government might perceive religion to be a problem. He then offers three suggestions for altering the thinking and implementing of policies. He concludes by affirming religious policies in China have improved greatly over the past thirty years.