Christianity has been a part of the Chinese society for centuries, and its presence has continued to grow and evolve over the years. It’s religion that has been deeply rooted within China’s culture, as it holds an immense amount of importance to a large part of the population and has thus been a strong social and even political force. However, while progress is being made, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. In this article, we’ll cover how Christianity has changed within the Chinese population over the years, how influential it is today, and what the future holds for Christianity in China.
Historical Overview
Christianity was introduced in China as early as the 7th century A.D., though it had its most significant growth as a religion during the 19th and early 20th centuries when Chinese converts increased from 100,000 to 2.5 million. During this period, several pioneers from different denominations established churches in different parts of the country, such as the London Missionary Society in the Shanghai area, the American Presbyterian mission in the northwest, and the Methodist mission in the south. Additionally, Catholic missionaries had played a significant role in introducing and expanding Christianity within China.
Present Impact of Christianity in China
Today, Christianity remains as an integral part of many Chinese communities, with an estimated estimated 70-100 million followers of some Christian denomination. It’s become a powerful force, influencing society in various aspects on both a political and religious level. There has been a tremendous amount of progress in terms of freedom of belief within China, with the expansion of publicly recognized churches, Bible distribution, and even Christian television channels and radio programs that have grown substantially over the past decade.
Types of Churches
Within China, there are three main types of churches that are recognized by the government.
The first type is the government-run Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM). These churches must operate within the framework of Chinese laws and regulations, as dictated by the government.
The second type is the house church network, which involves small churches or religious groups that are unregistered with the government. These services are often held in homes and involve worship sessions that remain outside the purview of the government-sanctioned church.
The third type is Protestant or Catholic “underground” churches. These are churches that do not conform to the political or religious expectations of the government and operate outside of the official Three-Self churches.
Christians in Popular Culture
While Christianity is not often openly depicted in Chinese popular culture, there has been a surge of Christian-themed entertainment over the past decade. For instance, popular films such The Love Letter (2001), The Message (2009), and The Cross (2010) focus on Christian faith and values. Similarly, television shows such as the 2017 web series The Apostles are devoted to topics such as Jesus’s ministry and the spread of Christianity. There have also been some musicians and art groups such as the China Soul Choir, the Choir of Love, and Royal Jewels that perform inspirational music about faith and Christianity.
Legislative Inclusiveness
The Chinese government has been making steps towards inclusivity of Christianity within its society. In 2018, the Chinese government officially recognized the Catholic Church established Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and the Chinese Catholic Bishops College, granting the religions a certain level of autonomy from the Vatican and providing the opportunity for the government to work together with religious organizations to develop policies. This has given Christian believers more freedom within the country, allowing them to practice their faith without fear of repercussion. This, in turn, has helped to foster a deeper understanding and tolerance of the religion.
Government Restrictions
Despite the inclusivity of Christian churches, the Chinese government still has placed certain restrictions on how Christianity is practiced. For instance, churches still must adhere to the TSPM and various regulations, and they are limited in terms of size and location. Additionally, there are sometimes issues with Bible distribution within China, as there are often heavy restrictions on where and to whom certain religious materials can be given. The government also has outlawed certain Christian organizations and places of worship, as well as succeeded in censorship and control of Christian communities, further preventing freedom of belief.
Future of Christianity in China
Despite the restrictions and regulations in place, the future of Christianity in China remains bright. With an estimated 70-100 million followers, it’s obvious that it’s a religion that’s deeply rooted within society. Additionally, strides are being made in terms of inclusivity, autonomy, and even entertainment. As the Christian community continues to grow, it’s likely that more progress will be made in terms of freedom of belief and even exploration of the faith through different forms of media.
Christianity in China has been a part of the country’s history for centuries. It’s estimated that there are 70-100 million followers of some Christian denomination, making it a significant influence in the country’s society. While the government has made strides towards inclusivity and autonomy of the religion, there are still certain restrictions and regulations in place. The future of Christianity in China remains bright, however, with plenty of potential for further freedom of belief and integration of Christian themes in popular culture.