Report: Christianity Sweeping China as Millions Convert

Newsmax ^ | 03/09/2018 | Cathy Burke

[SeekAndFind]

China's on track to contain the world's largest Christian population thanks to a surge in underground house churches and state-sanction places of worship, according to the Council of Foreign Relations.

In a background document titled "Christianity in China," the CFR estimates of the number of Protestants at anywhere from 58 million to 115 million and higher — though fewer than 30 million attend officially registered churches.

The CFR reported underground house churches exist parallel to state-sanctioned Christian churches, operating outside of the guidelines of the government, and their regulation by party authorities is largely determined by local leaders.

According to the background report, the number of Chinese Protestants has grown by an average of 10 percent annually since 1979, putting China on track to have the world's largest population of Christians by 2030.

Estimates of the Catholic faithful in China, meanwhile, range between 10 to 12 million — despite the fact that the Holy See and Beijing haven't had formal diplomatic ties since 1951. According to the CFR, the two sides now are reportedly close to finalizing a deal on the appointment of Catholic bishops.

According to the CFR, social scientists are linking the rise in Christianity with that of a spiritual vacuum following decades of unbridled economic growth in China. And with a richer and better educated society and a renewed interest in religion, the Chinese Community Party philosophy loses its public traction, the CFR noted.

[GoldenState_Rose]

Beijing is tightening its grip out of fear...but I would imagine there is a conundrum Chinese Christians feel between loyal to Christ and filial loyalty to their State. And the test is to see what they will pick.

Even genuine Christians can still fall for propaganda and toxic hyper-nationalism.

[PanzerKardinal]

I suspect these Christians would choose God over the state.

Christ has risen! He has truly risen!

[GoldenState_Rose]

Thank you! Your post reminded me of the life and work of Gladys Aylward, missionary to China in the first half of 20th Century...

http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/73.html

(Ingrid Bergman portrays her in the film based on Aylward’s “Inn of the Sixth Happiness” - have yet to see it though.)

[sasportas]

Good news from China. We must remember, however, there was a great conversion to Christ in the days also before the communist takeover. Mao had his army slaughter the Christians without mercy. Communists historically consider Christianity the greatest threat to their ideology.

Lets not forget that the present regime in China, now with a dictator for life, are communists. If they begin to feel threatened by too many conversions to Christ, the boot heel will drop.

[Truthoverpower]

The commies FEAR Christ
As they should
Even mother Russia and Putin EMBRACE Christ now
The chicoms days are NUMBERED and the GREAT CHINESE PEOPLE
WILL FINALLY KNOW PEACE
I LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY

[GoldenState_Rose]

Russia is actually adopting much of China’s behavior but is too economically weak and image conscious to go further. I suggest you look up the “Yarovaya Law” and persecution of Christians, particularly of the non-Orthodox variety. (Baptist missionaries and such...) or the way Catholics were treated in Crimea following Russia’s annexation.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

Here's a picture of Jesus Christ as seen in China:

(Notice the halo.)

[SoFloFreeper]

If you have a chance, read “Jesus in Beijing”. The author visits several above and underground believers in China.

The Holy Spirit is on the move in Asia. Bigly.