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In recent decades, Chinese popular religion – sometimes called folk religion – has staged a massive comeback, especially in the countryside. In a land where religions of all sorts were banned and apparently banished forever during the Great Cultural Revolution (1966 -1976), things have returned to “normal,” with the added presence of Christianity.
One of the principal streams of Chinese culture is Confucianism in its many forms and expressions. After reading several chapters on the interplay between Confucianism and Christianity in Christianity and Chinese Culture, I am even more convinced of its pervasive presence not only in Chinese society but in the Chinese church. Allow me to explain.
Inside China’s House Church Network, by Yalin Xin, describes a remarkable movement of believers who were willing to sell all for the pearl of great price, and to sacrifice everything for the Kingdom of God. Guided by the Word of God and empowered by his Spirit, they built a movement that brought millions to saving faith and new life.
The many apparent similarities between Buddhism and Christianity offer useful points of departure for conversations that reflect genuine respect but also move towards greater clarity. Though they do not have to make unnecessary concessions to Buddhism in the process, Christians may move from these points of contact to a presentation of their faith that answers the longings, and even some of the God-given insights, of their Buddhist friends.
