Of the many social arenas that have undergone turbulent change since Reform and Opening Up, religion has undoubtedly been among the most dramatic. And within this category, it would be hard to find a more complex evolution than that of Christianity. What was effectively banned just four decades ago is now experiencing an unprecedented revival.

But the faith’s relationship with authorities remains precarious. While some quarters of the government are taking a keen interest in the benefits it can bring society, others remain suspicious of the “Western” religion. So what does the overall situation for Chinese Christians look like today?

To help us answer that question, we’ve invited Gerda Wielander, Principal Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Westminster and author of Christian Values in Communist China. Together we look past the headlines to explore the evolving relationship between Christianity and the People’s Republic.

Have a question you’d like to hear discussed in a future episode? Record a brief Mp3 and send it to chinahangup@gmail.com.

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Links:

Gerda Wielander (The China Story) – Researching Chinese Christianity: (Mis)conceptions and revelations
Yuan Zhiming – The Cross: Jesus in China
Daily Nation – China Seeks Tips on How to Boost Christianity
Eric Fish (Economic Observer) – Missionaries in the Middle Kingdom