The former leader of one of the five largest house church networks in China has penned a story that gripped and moved me greatly. Endorsed by prominent Chinese Christians who know the author, this fast-paced narrative covers the decades from the dark days of the Cultural Revolution, to the continued outreach, even to foreign countries, along with government pressure, of recent years.
Read MoreThis masterful biography is a loving and skillfully written portrait of the Lin family, spanning five generations. The author also provides an authentic survey of the historical events that overtook the family members during these decades.
Read MoreThis volume contains discussions of Chinese Roman Catholic and Protestant writings from the sixteenth century to the early twenty-first century. In her later chapters, Chloe Starr presents the work of both “Mainline” and “House church” writers, with sections on church and academic publications, popular hymns, and blogs by church leaders.
Read MoreStarr’s work displays a mastery of an impressive array of Roman Catholic and Protestant writings, an ability to spot pivotal issues, and a remarkable balance and civility of tone.
Read MoreAs a genuine “outsider,” the author has given us an unnecessarily truncated and distorted view of the missionary movement in China. Perhaps it is time for a critical “insider” to write the story.
Read MoreFontana gives ample reasons for Ricci’s continued reputation as the “gold standard” for missionaries who want to earn the respect and affection of Chinese. She also sheds valuable light on this crucial first major cultural encounter between the civilizations of China and Europe.
Read MoreThis comprehensive telling of the basic dynamics of U.S.-China relations is not only highly accurate but beautifully-written, with intriguing detail and photos and cartoons of key personalities and incidents. The excellent writing is delightful, if not surprising given the author’s career as a highly-respected journalist with both study and reporting from China as a Washington Post China correspondent and China editor.
Read MoreI highly recommend Missionary for education within and well beyond Christian circles. The central theme of God’s everlasting love for the Chinese people is a message relevant to all nations.
Read MoreI have nothing but praise for Kaiser’s achievement. This is missions history at its best – comprehensive, balanced, fair, accurate, nuanced, enlightening, and very edifying. Above all, he shows how, in the “rushing on of the purposes of God,” both foreigners and Chinese have contributed to the solid growth of a church that is finally fully Chinese, despite the government’s persistent attempts to label Christianity as a foreign religion.
Read MoreThe history of Christianity in Shanxi deserves more recognition, says the author, as the setting of a number of notable incidents: the first Christian multi-agency international relief effort; the deaths of more expatriate and Chinese Christians during the Boxer turmoil; and especially fierce resistance to Japanese aggression, in which Chinese and foreign Christians were caught up.
Read MoreThese trends, though they may slow in pace and decrease in intensity, do not seem to be in danger of stopping; if anything, they will continue to grow and to permeate more and more corners of Chinese culture and society.
Read More[These] articles and reviews span both Roman Catholicism and Protestantism from the sixteenth century to the present, and they touch upon history, theology, evangelism and social action, the impact of Christianity upon Chinese society, and challenges facing the Chinese church today. . . . The result is a rich sampling of voices on a wide variety of issues concerning Christianity in China, and it will be of interest to an equally broad range of readers.
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