China on course to become 'world's most Christian nation' within 15 years

[LibCampFireClub 635]

So the red text seems in conflict with the blue text.

I understand the appearance of the conflict that Chinese government keeps a close eye on all religions in China and will openly repress what they deem to be radical elements. China is governed by the Chinese communist party. And then, there are the people of China who live largely unaffected by that governance. People of the US live in fear of violating rules of political correctness that can ruin lives. Most of us recognize mean people who have mal-intent. But demonizing people who mis-spoke, speak off-color comments, and this sort of thing has gone to crazy levels in this country. Chinese people do not live of think in terms of political correctness. They will however watch and digest repeated behaviors rather than allowing a single event define a human being.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Oh the religious freedom in China. I didn't realize you meant that in a Janis Joplin kind of way - you know, where freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose. In that sense of the word, Chinese Christians do indeed appear to enjoy a lot more freedom than American Christians.

Chinese Christians urge Communist Party to halt church 'demolition campaign'

Officials in eastern China must abandon plans to demolish churches and crosses and stop their "gross interference" in the lives of worshippers, say Christian leaders and churchgoers

Tom Phillips in Shanghai

3:24PM BST 08 Apr 2014

Christians in eastern China are calling on Communist Party leaders to abandon what they say is an "ill-conceived" and invasive campaign to tear down local churches.

At least 10 places of worship in Zhejiang province are currently threatened with demolition or having crosses that were deemed too prominent removed from their roofs, religious activists say.

The exact cause of the alleged demolition campaign is unclear. However, opponents believe it is part of a deliberate attack on the region's Protestant church by senior members of Zhejiang's officially atheist Communist Party. Senior officials are said to object to the Church's growing visibility in what is often described as China's most Christian region.

A petition circulating among religious leaders this week accused officials of "gross interference" in religious freedoms.

"We call on to the Zhejiang government to immediately terminate its "Cross and Church Demolition" campaign," it says.

"Christianity has been practiced in China for more than 1,000 years and has become a part of society. The sudden government order... represents a gross interference in the beliefs and practices of worshippers."

Edited April 22, 2014 by Mr. Big Dog

[Danno 1,228]

Religion is awesome!

Touching photos but they kinda made my point more than yours.

911, the vast majority of Muslims have not blown up anything or anyone.

The vast majority of Christians would never demonstrate at a funeral to make a political/ social point.

Yet EVERY Gov't which holds Atheism as a principle has had the same result, countless dead and untold numbers of people persecuted. And why not if people are no more than grass to be used according to the grand purpose.

I have asked before and I still wait for the answer....

Where are the great civilizations based on Atheism?

Even the Communist in China have figured out, people who have faith in God typically have other attributes too which are a benefit to society.

And isn't that true here also?

Seriously, how many houses has Habitat 4 humanity build by teams of Atheists? Bro you could lead the first one!!!

How many Orphanages have been started by those with no faith in god? Or Hospitals or food pantries.

My friend you better hope and pray (yes pray) that People of Faith keep right on believing.... if you really care for the unfortunate in the world.

Once I posted a list of Christian orphanages and schools in Africa, even I was surprised at how long the list was.

Look at all our greatest institutions of learning, all were the fruit os religion.

Look at the greatest building in history, all inspired by religion. Music, art, culture science. All historically intertwined with religion.

It only stands to reason when terrible things went on in history they too would have a religious connection but to pretend that is the norm is a shallow view in my opinion.

You have a perfect right not to believe in God, I actually respect your honesty.

What I don't appreciate is this tone that so many seem to take as if they are somehow more "advanced" or enlightened or open minded than believers.

Too often believers allow this type of social bullying without uttering a peep, not me, I rather enjoy the engagement.

Often times I learn something new.

“He who is unaware of his ignorance will be only misled by his knowledge”.

-Richard Whately

[Peikko 1,575]

I understand the appearance of the conflict that Chinese government keeps a close eye on all religions in China and will openly repress what they deem to be radical elements. China is governed by the Chinese communist party. And then, there are the people of China who live largely unaffected by that governance. People of the US live in fear of violating rules of political correctness that can ruin lives. Most of us recognize mean people who have mal-intent. But demonizing people who mis-spoke, speak off-color comments, and this sort of thing has gone to crazy levels in this country. Chinese people do not live of think in terms of political correctness. They will however watch and digest repeated behaviors rather than allowing a single event define a human being.

That is your definition of government suppression? Actually, it's not funny set against the cruel and tyrannical treatments that governments have meted out to people for all kinds of religious and political infractions, this is pathetic. Lives are not ruined because you say something off color in the work place. You may be disciplined if you say something offensive to a college and rightly so, but you will not be persecuted for being insensitive. the suggestion that people in the US are worse off than their Chinese counterparts is, well, extraordinary and not based in reality.

[Danno 1,228]

I understand the appearance of the conflict that Chinese government keeps a close eye on all religions in China and will openly repress what they deem to be radical elements. China is governed by the Chinese communist party. And then, there are the people of China who live largely unaffected by that governance. People of the US live in fear of violating rules of political correctness that can ruin lives. Most of us recognize mean people who have mal-intent. But demonizing people who mis-spoke, speak off-color comments, and this sort of thing has gone to crazy levels in this country. Chinese people do not live of think in terms of political correctness. They will however watch and digest repeated behaviors rather than allowing a single event define a human being.

I hear what you are saying.

In China would a leader in business and science be removed from his position for expressing support for traditional marriage?

Are people free to express their views on such topics without their livelihoods being destroyed?

[LibCampFireClub 635]

That is your definition of government suppression? Actually, it's not funny set against the cruel and tyrannical treatments that governments have meted out to people for all kinds of religious and political infractions, this is pathetic. Lives are not ruined because you say something off color in the work place. You may be disciplined if you say something offensive to a college and rightly so, but you will not be persecuted for being insensitive. the suggestion that people in the US are worse off than their Chinese counterparts is, well, extraordinary and not based in reality.

Worse, better, good, bad, indifferent, happy and sad are subjective. There is one form of elightenment that happens to most US citizens who move to another country and begin to learn about what people think about the US and its people. Perception is reality. In many ways I felt more free in China than I ever did in the US. There are however things in the US that have made us leaders in the world. The rule of law, emergency services the right to vote, hospitals, doctors, clean air, and so on. Good things that have promoted high degree of perceived American arrogance.

As for being persecuted for insensitivity, that is also subjective. I can say what I believe and feel at the moment and invariably someone will get their feelings hurt. US people are being raised with skin that is way too thin.

[Peikko 1,575]

I hear what you are saying.

In China would a leader in business and science be removed from his position for expressing support for traditional marriage?

Are people free to express their views on such topics without their livelihoods being destroyed?

That was a government decision? Wowzer, the US totally sucks!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

That was a government decision? Wowzer, the US totally sucks!

That's news to me, too.

[Peikko 1,575]

Worse, better, good, bad, indifferent, happy and sad are subjective. There is one form of elightenment that happens to most US citizens who move to another country and begin to learn about what people think about the US and its people. Perception is reality. In many ways I felt more free in China than I ever did in the US. There are however things in the US that have made us leaders in the world. The rule of law, emergency services the right to vote, hospitals, doctors, clean air, and so on. Good things that have promoted high degree of perceived American arrogance.

As for being persecuted for insensitivity, that is also subjective. I can say what I believe and feel at the moment and invariably someone will get their feelings hurt. US people are being raised with skin that is way too thin.

Experiencing the joys of learning about different cultures is wonderful, and it is good to realise that the US is not the only place in the world that encourages and supports individual freedoms, far from it but this idea that a country that has no political freedom and not much religous freedom is more 'free' than the US is simply bizarre. What freedoms did you enjoy? Could you call a chinese dude a chink and get away with it? I am really not sure what you are getting at at all with all this US citizens are whiny and thin skinned. What would you like to be able to say that you simply can't because of 'political correctness'? I simply do not recognise your version of the US.

[LibCampFireClub 635]

I hear what you are saying.

In China would a leader in business and science be removed from his position for expressing support for traditional marriage?

Are people free to express their views on such topics without their livelihoods being destroyed?

Good question. The people of China would never consider open display of homosexuality. This is in line with most of the world. Chinese people can and do enjoy openly expressing themselves in public and online. Believe it or not they are much more vocal than many Americans when it comes to expressing opinions. The Chinese government, just like the US government monitors all online postings and when they find open threats to the personal safety of others, or suggestions to organize an event to protest the Chinese government then they will be quickly met by Chinese secret police who will warn them to cease and desist. If they refuse, they may disappear for a long period of time.

[Peikko 1,575]

Good question. The people of China would never consider open display of homosexuality. This is in line with most of the world. Chinese people can and do enjoy openly expressing themselves in public and online. Believe it or not they are much more vocal than many Americans when it comes to expressing opinions. The Chinese government, just like the US government monitors all online postings and when they find open threats to the personal safety of others, or suggestions to organize an event to protest the Chinese government then they will be quickly met by Chinese secret police who will warn them to cease and desist. If they refuse, they may disappear for a long period of time.

Is not being able to be openly homosexual in public a freedom now? What do you consider a 'display of homosexuality'? Is being locked up without trial/indefinitely by the Chinese secret police a good thing?

[LibCampFireClub 635]

Is not being able to be openly homosexual in public a freedom now? What do you consider a 'display of homosexuality'? Is being locked up without trial/indefinitely by the Chinese secret police a good thing?

Newsflash. There are people in the world who do not believe as you do. They think you are wrong. So, what's the answer? Genocide?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Newsflash. There are people in the world who do not believe as you do. They think you are wrong. So, what's the answer? Genocide?

No. Just live and let live. Freedom, if you will. China lacks that. We lack it some as well, but to a much lesser degree.

[deleted-05292014 331]

One of the most specific freedoms that have been denied American Christians in recent years is to freely practice their religion without fear of government suppression of their personal beliefs and freedoms. These days, the political police of America have moved to the private citizen groups who openly attack Christians from displaying anything Christian like in the workplace or objecting to certain lifestyles because their Christian faith objects to it.

Now, let me first state that I am a graduate student of Theology from a Christian University in the US. However, I am no longer a Christian, but I have great respect for all religions who practice their faith in a peaceful manner. It's a very difficult line to draw as to where religion and faith begin to intrude upon the personal freedoms of others, but it's easy to separate intolerance.

There are radical elements in any religion who attempt to force their point of view upon others. I strongly object to these behaviors. The believe as I do or your condemned sort of thing. The freedom to celebrate and worship in a peaceful way are the root and core of religion. Sadly, there are many who believe themselves to be enlightened and others to live in darkness.

While I worked in China, I was free to display a Christmas tree and decoration in my office. I did it to be festive, rather than represent a deep belief. I am prevented from doing that in many workplaces in the USA.

What does a Christmas tree have to do with Christianity? Does your workplace disallow pictures of the Easter bunny too?

I have never seen a company disallow Christmas trees - maybe because that is absurd. Quantify "many" workplaces in the USA. Furthermore when you are employed by a company you have to abide by their rules and regulations. If you don't like them then you can leave and work for a company that allows Christmas Trees and lights in your cubicle. I'd much rather work for a private company than for a company owned by the government and not really having a choice in where I work in the first place.

I "love" how some folks on here praise China and Russia/Putin so much. No one here is putting out, don't need to impress us with your love of your significant others country at the expense of downing America.

[LibCampFireClub 635]

What does a Christmas tree have to do with Christianity? Does your workplace disallow pictures of the Easter bunny too?

I have never seen a company disallow Christmas trees - maybe because that is absurd. Quantify "many" workplaces in the USA. Furthermore when you are employed by a company you have to abide by their rules and regulations.

The Magic Kingdom ain't so magical dear. All employees are forbidden from displaying or speaking anything in their workplace away from public view, or in public view about having a Merry Christmas. No trees, or otherwise. It comes down to tolerance. You're willing to accept the rules and regulations imposed upon you just because. So, you go ahead and do that. If I agree, I will. If I do not. I won't. So there!