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Can’t beat ’em? (Pseudo) join ’em

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Written by Kristin Chapman

December 12, 7:33 AM

In a surprise twist, the Chinese government is now planning to allow select Christian groups to distribute Bibles to athletes and visitors during the Beijing Olympics. The move comes after religious and human rights groups have voiced concerns about China serving as a venue for the Olympics in light of the country’s poor record on religious freedom.

Ye Xiaowen, head of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, said the government respected and protected religious freedom of all people. It also supports the printing and distribution of the Bible in China.

Oh, really? Well then what about this recent case, or how about this one?

Topic: Religion, WorldMagBlog

Keywords: bibles, china, Olypmics

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back to top4 Comments to “Can’t beat ’em? (Pseudo) join ’em”

BY outkast 12.12.07 AT 10:21 AM

I’ve smuggled Bibles into China, and am still in contact with leaders of house churches in China who have to meet secretly to avoid arrest and imprisonment.

For that nation to boast that they “protect religious freedom” is laughable to everyone except the anti-religion crowd. But then again, what do you expect from an Atheistic government like that of China — or from the anti-religion crowd?
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BY janie 12.12.07 AT 12:29 PM

The co-pastor of our church is from a house church in China. He has traveled back and forth some over the past eight years and has so far not had any problems. He tells us that some he knows are suffering persecution, and that it tends to be worse in certain regions and better in others, according to who is in charge in that area.

My theory is that it somewhat goes in “fits and starts” when authorities get nervous about how Christianity is spreading like wildfire throughout China.
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BY Stephen 12.12.07 AT 2:26 PM

My guess is that it tends to be a matter of the local authorities, with Beijing focusing on other priorities.
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BY Random Name 12.12.07 AT 8:32 PM

I am a bit mystified what the Communist Party of China is supposed to “stand for” besides maintaining its own power.

They have managed to incorporate a kind of fascist capitalism into their “communism.”

Perhaps some creative party member is trying to figure out how to come up with a Chines Communist “Christianity” to be manufactured at a low wage factory in the hinterlands.
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