The Church and China

[smac97]

I just came across this article about negotiations between the Vatican and China, which suggests the negotiations may have implications for other religious groups, including the LDS Church.

Some excerpts:

Quote

China Could Get a Lot More Than We Think from a Deal with the Vatican
A possible deal between the Holy See and Beijing could have wide-ranging consequences.

By Gabriel Alvarado and Greg Levesque
May 04, 2018

The ongoing negotiations between the Holy See and Beijing on the selection of Catholic bishops in China is problematic for reasons beyond the fact that it is occurring as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is signaling it is tightening control over the management of religious affairs in general. Negotiations were troubled from the outset, as both sides entered into talks with different mindsets. The Vatican appears to be negotiating with a focus on its ecclesiastical objectives, while Beijing almost certainly considers a deal as a means to help meet China’s key political objectives, including legitimizing the CCP’s handling of religious affairs and setting the conditions for reestablishing formal diplomatic relations with the Vatican at Taiwan’s expense.

I wonder if one key element here is the duality of the Vatican's function.  It is negotiating with China both as to its objectives regarding the Catholic Church, but also in its capacity as a sovereign country and government.  

In contrast, the LDS Church has no sovereignty.  It's just a private religious group.

Quote

The deal being discussed between China and the Vatican would allow Beijing to propose candidates for bishop in China and the Vatican to select candidates from the list presented by the Chinese. This, on paper, would appear to effectively give the Holy See veto power, but any bishop that is put forward by Beijing will almost certainly be thoroughly vetted to ensure that no matter who is selected their allegiance will be first and foremost to the CCP.

Yet another key element.  The relationship between the Catholic Church (and Catholics) in China and the Chinese government is . . . complex.  There is a "state-controlled Catholic Patriotic Association where bishops are appointed by the government in collaboration with local Church communities," but also "'underground [Catholic] communities that recognize the pope" (see here).  The ongoing negotiations described above would still have the Chinese government in charge of selecting Catholic bishops, but the Vatican would have some measure of "veto power."

In contrast, I can't envision a situation in which the LDS Church would cede authority to the Chinese government to select local/regional leaders of the Church within China.  The Catholics have, I think, been in a tough spot because they had members of their Church in China before the Communist takeover, thus leading to the government-controlled church and the "underground" church.

Back to the article:

Quote

There is, therefore, little hope that an agreement will accord the Holy See substantially more access to Catholics or a say in the management of its religious affairs in China. Further, recent reshuffling in China’s bureaucracy also does not bode well for a positive outcome. The incorporation of China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs into the United Front Work Department (UFWD) signals the CCP’s intention to consolidate issues of religion under its purview. 

Hmm.  Consolidation and strengthening of governmental control over religious groups.  Yeah, not a good sign.

Quote

The recent issuance of a policy document — Religious Affairs Ordinance, No. 686 (宗 教 事 务 条 例, 国令第686号) — and a white paper titled “China’s Policy and Practice of Guaranteeing Freedom of Religious Belief” (中国保障宗教信仰自由的政策和实践) confirms the CCP still approaches its management of religious affairs from the perspective that religion is a potential conduit for foreign forces to undermine its rule, making it highly unlikely the Vatican could secure any substantial concessions.

Religion as "a potential conduit for foreign forces to undermine" the rule of the Communists may have different implications for the LDS Church, which has had a pretty consistent "We're going through the front door" approach to introducing the Church to China.  The Catholics were already in China 70+ years ago, so they've had to make the best of a bad situation.  Plus the Catholics are seen - more or less correctly - as being led by a sovereign foreign government (the Vatlican).  Thus the Catholics may be viewed with more suspicion.

Quote

There are additional consequences of empowering the UFWD to manage religious affairs. This agency is best known for its work abroad, where it seeks to promote a positive narrative of China. These activities typically translate into ensuring overseas Chinese communities tow the CCP line and entails recruiting them to advocate for pro-Chinese policies in their countries of residence. This is why the UFWD has popped up in recent discussions on Chinese influence operations overseas. The CCP, through the UFWD, might very well strike a deal with the Vatican and broadcast it as legitimizing its management of religious affairs.

The CCP also is likely to use an agreement with the Holy See to pressure it and Taiwan’s other allies to drop diplomatic ties with Taipei in favor of establishing official relations with Beijing. It is not impossible to imagine a situation where, after striking a deal on the appointment of bishops, the discussion eventually turns to how the Vatican must consider dropping ties with Taiwan if it wants to expand activities or else lose its gains in China. Most countries maintaining official diplomatic ties with Taiwan are in Latin America and the Caribbean, an area that is also home to significant Catholic populations.

Wow.  So a lot of political/diplomatic elements in play here.

Here is where the analysis turns to other religious groups:

Quote

Other faiths also should take note of these developments as the structure of an agreement may serve as a benchmark for future potential ecclesiastical accords. This could be particularly problematic for organizations such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (“LDS Church” or informally “Mormons”), which is not one of the five recognized religions in China. The LDS Church has “developed [a] relationship of trust with Chinese officials,” and, like some other religious groups, has adopted a long-term perspective for operating in China. In March 2013, the LDS Church launched a website for Chinese nationals who have joined the church while residing outside China. While it does not have missionaries operating in China, missionaries do serve in Taiwan and Hong Kong. In early April, the LDS Church announced the appointment of its first ethnic Chinese apostle, Gerrit W. Gong.

As is the case with many other foreign religious groups, the LDS Church strictly tailors its activities in China to ensure alignment with Chinese laws and regulations. For example, foreign passport holders may not jointly attend church meetings with Chinese nationals. The hope is that eventually Beijing will come around to allowing religious organizations to expand their activities in the country. However, allowing Beijing to select LDS church leaders in the country would be anathema to LDS doctrine. A China-Vatican agreement on the appointment of bishops as currently laid out might set such a precedent, likely hindering future efforts by the LDS church, among others, in China.

The Church is playing a long game ("a long-term perspective for operating in China").  Interestingly, there is a doctrinal angle to this perspective that is perhaps unique to the LDS Church.  Christians generally espouse evangelization as an important - perhaps central - component of the faith.  This belief is based on the Great Commission, "the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to his disciples to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world."

Latter-day Saints obviously join in this belief, as evidenced by our missionary efforts.  However, our doctrines also provide for missionary work to take place after death.  This means that we believe that the Great Commission extends over a greater period of time, not just this life.  Other religious groups, in the absence of this belief, feel a sense of urgency and anxiety about fulfilling the Great Commission now.  This is probably why smuggling Bibles into China is such a big deal.  I understand and appreciate that sentiment.  However, this sort of thing appears to create a downward spiral in China.  The government distrusts foreign religious groups ("a potential conduit for foreign forces to undermine" the Chinese government).  Representatives of foreign religions do things like organize the smuggling of Bibles into China in contravention of the government.  The Chinese government feels vindicated in their distrust of foreign religious groups, so it cracks down on religious liberty (see, e.g., this recent story on CNN: Bibles pulled from online stores as China increases control of religion).  Rinse, lather, repeat.

I understand and admire the zeal of Christians who desire to spread the Gospel in China.  And I certainly have no affection for many elements of the communist control of that great country and its wonderful people (I served my mission in Taiwan, so I have come to have a great love for Chinese culture and people).  However, in the end I think the LDS Church's "long-term perspective" and efforts to develop rapport with the Chinese government (as have other religious groups) may prove to be the more effective way to go.

Thoughts?

-Smac

Edited May 4, 2018 by smac97

[Kenngo1969]

I remember when I was relatively young that not a few people predicted that the Berlin Wall would not fall for decades.  Then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gained approval and built a temple in what was then East Germany.  And just a few years after that, the wall fell.  Elder-cum-President Thomas S. Monson, and before him Elder-cum-President Ezra Taft Benson played key roles in laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ in Germany.  President Russell M. Nelson has good relationships with at least a few people in China, thanks largely to the fact that he was invited to go to China to perform heart surgery on a high-ranking government official there.

For what it's worth.

[Kenngo1969]

Duplicate.  Mea maxima culpa.

Edited May 4, 2018 by Kenngo1969

[Danzo]

There is a missionary in our mission serving from mainland china

[theplains]

On 5/4/2018 at 12:01 PM, smac97 said:

I understand and admire the zeal of Christians who desire to spread the Gospel in China.  And I certainly have no affection for many elements of the communist control of that great country and its wonderful people (I served my mission in Taiwan, so I have come to have a great love for Chinese culture and people).  However, in the end I think the LDS Church's "long-term perspective" and efforts to develop rapport with the Chinese government (as have other religious groups) may prove to be the more effective way to go.

Thoughts?

-Smac

Those churches who make special arrangements with the government are the Christ-less, cross-less
churches because they preach a watered down gospel.  A similar thing is happening in Russia where
the Russian Orthodox Church wields considerable power.  It is posing difficulties for various groups
under 'Christendom', especially Jehovah's Witnesses.  The real Christ-based churches are thriving
underground despite severe persecution.  

If the rumors of a one world religion come about, expect persecution of the Latter-day Saints too
if you form unholy alliances with the state.

Jim

Edited May 5, 2018 by theplains

[Kenngo1969]

1 hour ago, theplains said:

... If the rumors of a one world religion come about, expect persecution of the Latter-day Saints too if you form unholy alliances with the state.

Jim

I haven't seen anyone here suggest that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should form, would form, or has formed "an unholy alliance with the state," Sunny Jim, but perhaps I'm simply slow on the uptake and/or I lack necessary reading comprehension skills.  Could you point out to me where anyone has made such a suggestion, Sunny Jim?  When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints goes somewhere, Sunny Jim, it goes in through the front door, just as it did in Russia, in East Germany, and in other places where full religious freedom might not exist.  Perhaps such a process takes longer and is, in some ways, less efficient, but it pays huge trust dividends in the long run, Sunny Jim.

Edited May 5, 2018 by Kenngo1969

[6EQUJ5]

I've always felt that the Church should be more like evangelicals when it comes to China. Evangelicals smuggle bibles in while their covert missionaries teach at illegal house Churches. These missionaries know what is at risk when they choose to share Christianity but they do it anyway which to me is a sign of incredible faith. I think Latter-day Saints have that same faith and that the Church should stop waiting for evil governments to change before introducing the Gospel.  

[6EQUJ5]

On 5/4/2018 at 9:01 AM, smac97 said:

Other religious groups, in the absence of this belief, feel a sense of urgency and anxiety about fulfilling the Great Commission now.

Latter-day Saints should also feel this urgency. This kind of complacency is a big factor in how convert baptisms have slowed way down since I served.

On 5/4/2018 at 9:01 AM, smac97 said:

The government distrusts foreign religious groups

As they should. The Gospel message is the most dangerous thing to evil and autocratic governments who abuse and censor their people.

On 5/4/2018 at 9:01 AM, smac97 said:

Representatives of foreign religions do things like organize the smuggling of Bibles into China in contravention of the government.  The Chinese government feels vindicated in their distrust of foreign religious groups, so it cracks down on religious liberty (see, e.g., this recent story on CNN: Bibles pulled from online stores as China increases control of religion).  Rinse, lather, repeat.

Would you describe the earliest Christians in this same dismissive way? Because they were in the exact situation but this didn't stop them from preaching the Gospel.

On 5/4/2018 at 9:01 AM, smac97 said:

I understand and admire the zeal of Christians who desire to spread the Gospel in China. 

I doubt this. You just spent two paragraphs denigrating their faith and blaming Christians for the persecution of Christians.  This is like saying that the Saints in Missouri brought their persecution on themselves. If Brother Joseph had only been willing to work more closely with Governor Boggs, just think of all the misery that could have been avoided.

On 5/4/2018 at 9:01 AM, smac97 said:

However, in the end I think the LDS Church's "long-term perspective" and efforts to develop rapport with the Chinese government (as have other religious groups) may prove to be the more effective way to go.

Can you share with me any scriptures to support the idea that what Jesus really meant to say was "Take my Gospel to the whole world, but only if you can do so effectively."  Our mandate is to preach the Gospel in the face of opposition. Not even give the appearance of evil by giving any legitimacy to an antichrist regime.

Edited May 5, 2018 by 6EQUJ5

[Avatar4321]

1 hour ago, theplains said:

Those churches who make special arrangements with the government are the Christ-less, cross-less
churches because they preach a watered down gospel.  A similar thing is happening in Russia where
the Russian Orthodox Church wields considerable power.  It is posing difficulties for various groups
under 'Christendom', especially Jehovah's Witnesses.  The real Christ-based churches are thriving
underground despite severe persecution.  

If the rumors of a one world religion come about, expect persecution of the Latter-day Saints too
if you form unholy alliances with the state.

Jim

The Lord has commanded us to obey the laws of the land. Are we to ignore His commandments? Can we ignore them and say we are doing His will?

[Avatar4321]

12 minutes ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

I've always felt that the Church should be more like evangelicals when it comes to China. Evangelicals smuggle bibles in while their covert missionaries teach at illegal house Churches. These missionaries know what is at risk when they choose to share Christianity but they do it anyway which to me is a sign of incredible faith. I think Latter-day Saints have that same faith and that the Church should stop waiting for evil governments to change before introducing the Gospel.  

Again the Lord has explicitly commanded us to obey the laws of the land. How does disobeying the Lord help His work progress?

We will preach the Gospel in China with much success, when He opens the way. I suspect this will come sooner than most expect

 

 

[Hamba Tuhan]

Two weeks ago, the stake president and I performed a ministering visit to a young couple in our stake who are dual nationals. They recently returned from two years back in China to care for the wife's sick mother. They attended a Chinese branch in China during their residence there. They said that each branch includes a Communist Party member assigned to monitor it. In some cases, these government officials get baptised, but no one really knows if that's part of their cover or not. I found it all interesting.

Edited May 6, 2018 by Hamba Tuhan

[strappinglad]

China's looming demographic problems will be difficult if not impossible to adjust their society to without much turmoil . It will be ' dynasty rending ' .

 

[mfbukowski]

On 5/4/2018 at 10:00 AM, Kenngo1969 said:

Duplicate.  Mea maxima culpa.

No.

You have demonstrated imperfection.

Off with your head!! 👺

 

 

 

[mfbukowski]

1 hour ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

I've always felt that the Church should be more like evangelicals when it comes to China. Evangelicals smuggle bibles in while their covert missionaries teach at illegal house Churches. These missionaries know what is at risk when they choose to share Christianity but they do it anyway which to me is a sign of incredible faith. I think Latter-day Saints have that same faith and that the Church should stop waiting for evil governments to change before introducing the Gospel.  

That's because the others can't catch them on the other side like we can.   

No particular urgency- they will learn the gospel better there than we can teach it anyway.  All they have to do is look around.    

"Every knee shall bow... "

 

 

[pogi]

1 hour ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

I've always felt that the Church should be more like evangelicals when it comes to China. Evangelicals smuggle bibles in while their covert missionaries teach at illegal house Churches. These missionaries know what is at risk when they choose to share Christianity but they do it anyway which to me is a sign of incredible faith. I think Latter-day Saints have that same faith and that the Church should stop waiting for evil governments to change before introducing the Gospel.  

 You call it faith, I call it stupidity.

[pogi]

1 hour ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

I've always felt that the Church should be more like evangelicals when it comes to China. Evangelicals smuggle bibles in while their covert missionaries teach at illegal house Churches. These missionaries know what is at risk when they choose to share Christianity but they do it anyway which to me is a sign of incredible faith. I think Latter-day Saints have that same faith and that the Church should stop waiting for evil governments to change before introducing the Gospel.  

Some people think that holding poisonous snakes is a sign of faith too...

[6EQUJ5]

2 hours ago, Avatar4321 said:

The Lord has commanded us to obey the laws of the land. Are we to ignore His commandments? Can we ignore them and say we are doing His will?

The Lord only requires civil obedience if the government is legitimate. Both the Book of Mormon and D&C are clear on this.

Or, were the Founding Fathers guilty of going against the will of the lord by disobeying the English King?  King George is an absolute Saint compared to the communist regime in China.

[6EQUJ5]

1 hour ago, pogi said:

 You call it faith, I call it stupidity.

Were the early Christians stupid?

Peter, Paul?  What about believers who continued to meet and preach even when the serious persecution began?

[6EQUJ5]

1 hour ago, mfbukowski said:

No particular urgency ....

The scriptures disagree.

 

[pogi]

15 minutes ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

Were the early Christians stupid?

Peter, Paul?  What about believers who continued to meet and preach even when the serious persecution began?

Different measures for different times.  It should be noted however that the apostles were all killed and the church didn’t survive.

furthermore, we have the modern injunction to obey the law of the land and to be subject to kings, etc. until he returns:

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1973/02/the-rule-of-law?lang=eng

 

Edited May 6, 2018 by pogi

[smac97]

3 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

Latter-day Saints should also feel this urgency. This kind of complacency is a big factor in how convert baptisms have slowed way down since I served.

I agree.  

3 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

Quote

Representatives of foreign religions do things like organize the smuggling of Bibles into China in contravention of the government.  The Chinese government feels vindicated in their distrust of foreign religious groups, so it cracks down on religious liberty (see, e.g., this recent story on CNN: Bibles pulled from online stores as China increases control of religion).  Rinse, lather, repeat.

Would you describe the earliest Christians in this same dismissive way?

I'm not dismissing anything.  I am trying to characterize the situation in relatively objective terms.

3 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

Quote

I understand and admire the zeal of Christians who desire to spread the Gospel in China. 

I doubt this.

You are speaking from ignorance.  I am not. 

I understand and admire the zeal of Christians who desire to spread the Gospel in China.

3 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

You just spent two paragraphs denigrating their faith

No, I didn't.

3 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

and blaming Christians for the persecution of Christians. 

I'm not allocating blame.  I'm trying to present the situation is fairly objective terms.

In subjective and emotional terms, I despise communism, its tyrannical misuse of power, its horrific effects on society and individuals, its offenses against human liberties, and so on.

3 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

Can you share with me any scriptures to support the idea that what Jesus really meant to say was "Take my Gospel to the whole world, but only if you can do so effectively." 

I'm not particularly inclined to enter into a protracted or substantive discussion with you.  You unnecessarily personalize things.

Please stop it.

3 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

Our mandate is to preach the Gospel in the face of opposition. Not even give the appearance of evil by giving any legitimacy to an antichrist regime.

Our mandate also includes "render[ing] unto Caesar" (Matt. 22:21, D&C 63:26).

Our mandate also includes "being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."  (AoF 1:12).

I think the Brethren are going about this the right way.

Thanks,

-Smac

[smac97]

3 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

The Lord only requires civil obedience if the government is legitimate.

Was the Roman conquest of Judea, by your reckoning, "legitimate?"

Quote

Both the Book of Mormon and D&C are clear on this.

Hmm.

See D&C 134:1: "We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society."

And verse 5: "We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience."

Anarchy is condemned in verse 6: "We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man; and divine laws given of heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his Maker."

General Authorities have condemned and taught against anarchy.  See here: 

Quote

Elder Erastus Snow explained: “Anarchy—shall I say, is the worst of all governments? No: Anarchy is the absence of all government; it is the antipodes [opposite] of order; it is the acme of confusion; it is the result of unbridled license, the antipodes of true liberty. The Apostle Paul says truly: ‘For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.’ At first this is a startling statement. Even the monopoly of the one-man-power as in Russia [the Czar], or the monopoly of the aristocracy as in other parts of Europe, or the imbecility and sometimes stupidity of a republic like our own, is far better than no government at all. And for this reason, says the Apostle Paul, ‘The powers are ordained of God,’ not that they are always the best forms of government for the people, or that they afford liberty and freedom to mankind but that any and all forms of government are better than none at all, having a tendency as they do to restrain the passions of human nature and to curb them, and to establish and maintain order to a greater or less degree. One monopoly is better than many; and the oppression of a king is tolerable, but the oppression of a mob, where every man is a law to himself and his own right arm, is his power to enforce his own will, is the worst form of government.” (In Journal of Discourses, 22:151.)

...

Many leaders of the Church have spoken on the importance of Church members choosing righteous leaders. In January 1928 the First Presidency (Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, and Charles W. Nibley) issued a statement that read in part:

...

“Without beneficent laws, righteously administered, the foundations of civilization crumble, anarchy reigns, decay and dissolution follow.

“We call upon all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world to honor the laws of God, and obey and uphold the law of the land; and we appeal to good men and women everywhere, regardless of creed, party affiliation, race or condition to join with us in an effort to put into operation the words of Lincoln, the great emancipator, that our country may continue to be a light to the world, a loyal, law-abiding, God-fearing nation.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1928, p. 16.)

"Even the monopoly of the one-man-power as in Russia [the Czar], or the monopoly of the aristocracy as in other parts of Europe, or the imbecility and sometimes stupidity of a republic like our own, is far better than no government at all."

Interesting comments, these.

And here:

Quote

President Smith, who had witnessed the mob violence of Nauvoo, often spoke of the importance of the rule of law in a civilized society. He and his Counselors in the First Presidency urged the Saints to be law-abiding and loyal citizens wherever they lived and to be faithful in their allegiance to their governments.1 On one occasion when a government official expressed contempt for the United States Constitution, President Smith countered: “Latter-day Saints cannot tolerate such a spirit as this. It is anarchy. It means destruction. It is the spirit of mobocracy, and the Lord knows we have suffered enough from mobocracy, and we do not want any more of it. … We cannot afford to yield to that spirit or contribute to it in the least degree. We should stand with a front like flint against every spirit or species of contempt or disrespect for the constitution of our country and the constitutional laws of our land.”

Here's an interesting article from the June 1976 Ensign: Eternal Principles of Government, by Edwin Brown Firmage.

Thanks,

-Smac

Edited May 6, 2018 by smac97

[Anijen]

I like both Smac and 6EQUJ5's remarks and both have some good points. I think 6EQUJ5's point is we should not be blind followers of the law, specifically I believe he was referring to bad laws. Our military is trained to follow orders, however, they are not suppose to follow orders that contradict moral principles (e.g. shooting a surrendering enemy). He [6EQU5s], makes the point that our founding fathers broke the law in the fight for establishing this country. Smac, always, (I have not seen a single comment of his I have yet to disagree with), he makes rational, and logical points. 

Christianity is the fastest growing religion in China right now. I too, (like Smac), believe the Church is doing it the right way. However, there are fanatical other church missionaries who believe they are justified in breaking Chinese laws to further their missionary efforts. I believe that this will hinder all missionary efforts, not just LDS ones. 

I was in Chunqing about 2 years ago for Comparative Law between China and the United States, without knowing any Chinese, I was able to travel 400 miles to the nearest LDS branch (by bullet train) to Chengdu (and back to Chunqing later). It was a wonderful experience to bear my testimony in Communist China. the people are wonderful. They are ready for the gospel! Their natural respect for their ancestors and general obedience to the Word of Wisdom makes it a prime time to teach the gospel there. My hope is that other religions do not mess that up by trying to skirt China law. It will hinder the missionary effort not help.

Edited May 6, 2018 by Anijen

[Rajah Manchou]

On 5/4/2018 at 11:01 PM, smac97 said:

Representatives of foreign religions do things like organize the smuggling of Bibles into China in contravention of the government.  The Chinese government feels vindicated in their distrust of foreign religious groups, so it cracks down on religious liberty (see, e.g., this recent story on CNN: Bibles pulled from online stores as China increases control of religion). 

There's a simple solution that has been used by Christians in China since the 7th century: adapt.

"In 638 Alopen (a Christian missionary) with the help of Chinese associates completed the first Christian book in Chinese The Sutra of Jesus the Messiah. It was not a translation but rather a free adaptation to meet the needs of the mission in Chang-an...In this first Christian book in Chinese, Alopen took pains to show that Christianity contained nothing subversive to China's ancient traditions . He pointed out that loyalty to the state and filial piety to one 's parents were not contrary to Christian teaching. The portrait of the Emperor T'ai Tsung (627-649), as we learn from the Nestorian Monument of 781, was in fact painted on the wall of the Nestorian monastic church, reminiscent of the portrait of the Emperor Justinian (483-565) in the Byzantine church in Ravenna.

But this early Chinese Christian classic was not only an apology. It was an introduction to the Christian faith. The life of our Lord from the Nativity to the Passion was presented for the first time to Chinese readers. The Emperor was pleased with Alopen 's achievement. An imperial decree proclaimed the virtue of the Nestorian religion and ordered a Nestorian monastery to be built. During the reign of Kao Tsung (649-693), Nestorian Christianity was further favoured by the court. By Imperial decree, Alopen was promoted to be great Spiritual Lord, Protector of the Empire, i.e. Metropolitan of Chang-an."

[Kenngo1969]

5 hours ago, mfbukowski said:

No.

You have demonstrated imperfection.

Off with your head!! 👺

 

 

 

And it's only just now that you noticed?