In 1949 when Chairman Mao took over and soon chased out or put to death the leaders and clergy of the church it seemed like the end of an era. Maybe the end of time for Chinese Christians. Yet today, millions and millions of new Chinese are embracing the Christian faith like never before, says the World Council of Churches (WCC).
Three days ago Christian Today reported that Mathews George Chunakara, Director of WCC's International Affairs and Public Witness, said there had been a "unique and explosive growth" of Christianity among the Chinese people.
"I have been visiting China for the last 15 years. I am astounded to see the tremendous growth there. Their worship places are now overflowing," Chunakara told Christian Today.
"It is not just the poor you see in churches, even the rich and educated are embracing Christianity. Beijing and Shanghai are the proof,” he added.
The ecumenical leader compared freedom of religion in the country now to a decade ago, when the church kept a tight grip on the goings on in churches. He said the situation had "much improved" and that the government was now starting to "favour" religious people.
"The Chinese government will not raid unless provoked. Now being the fastest growing economy, they know the importance of a harmonious society. To promote such a society, they are giving religion a special role," says Chunakara.
For instance, the Communist Government amended the Constitution two years ago to accommodate the role of religion.
"You could not expect such a thing to happen 15 years ago," Chunakara said.
When you read about the explosive growth of Christianity in China, do you ever wonder... why? What is it about the Christian faith that is so attractive to Chinese? What do so many Chinese "see" in Jesus that they don't see in Budhism, or Shintoism, or Hinduism?
The answers may be a no-brainers for Christians, but it's still a cultural phenonmenon that one can't help but sit up and take notice, no matter what your religious views or background.
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