Beijing's Clampdown on Registered and Underground Churches

The Chinese are really engaged in big clampdown right now. I'm not sure if many Americans are able to figure out why. There is an aspect of this related to Xi Jinping's attempt to consolidate power and assert his authority but there's a larger context too. China is feeling threatened. Trump's moves vis-à-vis Taiwan, trouble brewing in Xinjiang and Western reporting about it, trade war with the United States, uncertainty about North Korea, growing tensions in the South Pacific, confrontations with Japan, a standoff with the Vatican and the list goes on.

To put it another way, Beijing is putting out small fires, checking the windows, battening down the hatches and preparing for trouble on the horizon. Sadly, Chinese Christians are caught up in this. The Three-Self Patriotic (TSPM) registered churches are under pressure and the many congregations of the underground are feeling some intense heat right now. 

Of course in America, congregations voluntarily put the imperial flag up in their 'sanctuary' and all too often fly them out in front of their buildings. During the Patriot Season of the Liturgical Calendar, patriotic decor is ubiquitous and hymns to the nation are sung. I've heard some so bold as to put it that way.

I'm not sure if it happens any more but years ago during Sunday School kids in Fundamentalist churches would say the pledge to the so-called Christian Flag along with the Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag.

I guess the only difference is this. Americans think it's all okay because their country is a 'Christian' country.

What if it's not? What if there is no such thing? Think about the implications of that. What then can we say about American Christianity?

For the Chinese I pray for perseverance. For the American Church I pray for brokenness and repentance.

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