A Look At The History And Growth Of Christianity In China

China's Growing Christian Population

A Look at the History and Growth of Christianity in China

Introduction

Christianity has a long and complex history in China. It was first introduced to the country during the early medieval period and became a significant presence during the early modern era. Today, Christianity is one of the fastest-growing religions in China, with an estimated 8% of the population identifying as Christian.

The Three Major Entities of Chinese Christianity

Chinese Christianity is overseen by three major entities: the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, the China Christian Council, and the Chinese Communist Party. The Three-Self Patriotic Movement is a Protestant organization that was founded in 1954. The China Christian Council is a Protestant organization that was founded in 1980. The Chinese Communist Party is the ruling party of China and has a long history of persecution of religious groups, including Christians.

The Growth of Christianity in China

Historically, Christianity has faced many challenges in China. However, it has also experienced periods of significant growth. One of the most notable periods of growth was in the 1980s, after former leader Deng Xiaoping opened China to the outside world. During this time, many churches were built and the number of Christians increased significantly.

The Future of Christianity in China

The future of Christianity in China is uncertain. The Chinese government continues to restrict religious freedom and the growth of Christianity could face challenges in the years to come. However, Christianity is a resilient religion and it is likely that it will continue to grow in China in the years to come.