According to the government, there is now religious liberty in China. Chinese citizen have a choice of three religions: Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam. The official church is run by the state, but there are also many "underground" house churches. To attend the official church, a Chinese person must register. A registered Christian is barred from certain occupations, such as K-12 and university teaching. This is because people in high profile positions are supposed to be aligned with the Communist Party's positions, which include atheism.
The government regulates the content of religious services to some extent-- Communists like to regulate things. No preaching from the book of Revelation; the government thinks it's dangerous. The Lord's Prayer and Apostle's Creed must be recited at every service. A Chinese person may not receive communion until he or she has been a registered Christian for at least a year.
Not only is this offensive-- it's weird. Why should a government care which prayer or which creed you use in a service? Makes you really value the separation of church and state.
Above: The door of the Weihai Church
Below: Weihai Church, English Speaking service.
1 comment:
I understand there is separation of church and state in the USA but I do not understand why Christianity is so abused by republicans. I don't get it.
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