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Throughout China's rapidly growing cities, a new wave of unregistered house churches is growing. They are developing rich theological perspectives that are both uniquely Chinese and rooted in the historical doctrines of the faith. To understand how they have endured despite government pressure and cultural marginalization, we must understand both their history and their theology.
In this volume, key writings from the house church have been compiled, translated, and made accessible to English speakers. Featured here is a manifesto by well-known pastor Wang Yi and his church, Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, to clarify their theological stance on the house church and its relationship to the Chinese government. There are also works by prominent voices such as Jin Tianming, Jin Mingri, and Sun Yi. The editors have provided introductions, notes, and a glossary to give context to each selection.
These writings are an important body of theology historically and spiritually. Though defined by a specific set of circumstances, they have universal applications in a world where the relationship between church and state is more complicated than ever. This unique resource will be valuable to practical and political theologians as well as readers interested in international relations, political philosophy, history, and intercultural studies.
Innehållsförteckning
Foreword by Ian Johnson
Acknowledgments
Introduction by Hannah Nation
Abbreviations
Timeline of Important Dates
Part I: Our House Church Manifesto
1. Why We Are a House Church, Wang Yi
2. The Spiritual Legacy of the House Church, Jin Tianming
3. Tradition of the House Church in China: Nonconformist, Wang Yi
4. Rise of House Churches and Urban Churches, Jin Mingri
5. Why Didn’t We Join the National TSPM? Sun Yi
6. Christian Rightists of 1957, Wang Yi
7. Raising Our Voices to End Sixty Years of Religious Persecution, Wang Yi
8. Ninety-Five Theses: The Reaffirmation of Our Stance on the House Church, Wang Yi and Early Rain Covenant Church
Part II: The Eschatological Church and the City
9. The Mission and Labor Camp of the Gospel, Wang Yi
10. The City of God on Earth, Wang Yi
11. The Way of the Cross, the Life of the Martyrs, Wang Yi
12. The Cross and the Landfill, Wang Yi
13. Twenty Ways Persecution Is God’s Way to Shepherd Us, Wang Yi
14. History Is Christ Written Large, Wang Yi
15. An Opportunity for Churches to Walk the Way of the Cross, Wang Yi
16. ’Christ Is Lord. Grace Is King. Bear the Cross. Keep the Faith.’ Wang Yi
Part III: Arrest and the Way of the Cross
17. A Joint Statement by Pastors: A Declaration for the Sake of the Christian Faith, The Leadership of Early Rain Covenant Church
18. In the Face of Persecution, What Will I Do? Wang Yi
19. My Declaration of Faithful Disobedience, Wang Yi
20. How Should the Church Face Persecution? Li Yingqiang
21. This Is Also Where I Stand! Jin Tianming
22. Letter for All Christian Churches to Pray, Western China Presbytery
Conclusion by Hannah Nation
Glossary
Further Reading
General Index
Scripture Index
Om författaren
J. D. Tseng (pseudonym) is a prolific writer and editor who has worked in Chinese Christian journals and publications for many years.