Over the past 2,000 years, the Christian Church has evolved through numerous challenges and transformations, with its believers forming a growing “cloud of witnesses.” This column takes a monthly look at key figures and events that have shaped the Church’s journey to its current form.
The narrative of Christianity in mainland China since 1949 is one of upheaval, near destruction, and unexpected revival. From being a small yet influential minority, Christianity faced persecution under Mao’s revolutionary regime, only to emerge as one of the fastest-growing religious movements of the 21st century, albeit under strict state control.
This story mirrors the shifting priorities of the Chinese Communist state, from ideological purity to pragmatic governance, and more recently, renewed efforts at ideological control.
The State of the Chinese Christian Church in 1949
In 1949, just before the Communist takeover, China’s Christian community was small but influential. Out of a 540 million population, there were about four to five million Christians, predominantly Roman Catholics. Despite forming less than 1% of the population, Christians had a notable presence through institutions they established, such as schools and hospitals, primarily situated in urban centers and coastal provinces.
Catholic missions operated under Rome’s authority, while Protestant churches were linked to denominations in Europe and the US. These foreign-established institutions played significant roles in education and public welfare, thereby earning Christianity a respected place in Chinese society.
The Impact of Civil War and Communist Rule
The history of foreign involvement in Chinese Christianity raised sensitivities after the Chinese Communist Party’s victory over the Kuomintang (KMT) in a civil war from 1945 to 1950. The earlier phase of the civil war, from 1927 to 1937, was interrupted by the Second World War, during which the KMT and CCP united against Japanese invasion. However, hostilities resumed post-war, culminating in a CCP victory.
Christianity’s foreign ties made it vulnerable amidst rising nationalism. Many Chinese viewed it as entangled with Western imperialism and linked to the “century of humiliation”—a period from the First Opium War to the end of WWII characterized by foreign domination.
Christianity Under Communist Pressure
The Communist victory in 1949 intensified pressure on Christianity. The state, under an atheist government, viewed religion as a feudal remnant and a potential tool for foreign influence. Initial efforts focused on controlling rather than eradicating Christianity. During the 1950s, foreign missionaries were expelled, and the state established religious organizations to align Christianity with socialist principles.
Protestants were organized under the “Three-Self Patriotic Movement” emphasizing self-governance, while Catholics were placed under the “Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association” to sever Vatican ties. These changes required churches to register with the state and demonstrate political loyalty, with non-compliance leading to persecution.
The Cultural Revolution and its Aftermath
The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) marked the peak of religious repression, aiming to eliminate old customs and ideas, including religion. Churches were closed, religious materials destroyed, and believers persecuted. Despite this, small groups of Christians continued clandestinely, maintaining their faith through quiet resilience.
Revival and Growth Post-Mao
Mao’s death in 1976 ushered in reforms under Deng Xiaoping, shifting focus to economic development and social stability. This led to a partial relaxation of religious policies in the late 1970s, allowing churches to reopen and religious services to resume, albeit under strict state oversight.
Christianity witnessed significant growth from the late 1970s onwards, with millions joining the faith. A major factor was the rise of “house-churches,” informal congregations operating outside state-sanctioned systems, which spread rapidly due to their decentralized nature.
Christianity in Modern China
By 2000, Christianity in China had become diverse and dynamic, yet its relationship with the state remained complex. State-approved churches operate under surveillance, while house-churches face increasing pressure. The government promotes “Sinicization” to align religion with socialist values.
Despite recent slowdowns in growth, China is poised to have one of the largest Christian populations globally. This enduring presence highlights the resilience of religious belief amidst state constraints.
Martyn Whittock, an historian and Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England, is the author of numerous books on historical and theological themes. He contributes to various media platforms and discusses the intersection of faith and politics in his work.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
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