Protestantism in China: A Dilemma for the Party-State
Author(s)
Schak, David
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2011
Metadata
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Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between the Chinese state and Protestantism. It demonstrates that it varies widely from place to place; moreover, the actual relationship between individual churches and the local authorities that are supposed to govern them paints a quite different picture from that implied by the laws and regulations. The pa- per also argues that the state faces a dilemma: On one hand it feels threatened by the appearance of autonomous organizations such as un- regis-tered churches, while on the other it values the contributions they make to society and recognizes that subjecting them to the ...
View more >Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between the Chinese state and Protestantism. It demonstrates that it varies widely from place to place; moreover, the actual relationship between individual churches and the local authorities that are supposed to govern them paints a quite different picture from that implied by the laws and regulations. The pa- per also argues that the state faces a dilemma: On one hand it feels threatened by the appearance of autonomous organizations such as un- regis-tered churches, while on the other it values the contributions they make to society and recognizes that subjecting them to the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and China Christian Council would require a good deal of force and be very socially disruptive.
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View more >Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between the Chinese state and Protestantism. It demonstrates that it varies widely from place to place; moreover, the actual relationship between individual churches and the local authorities that are supposed to govern them paints a quite different picture from that implied by the laws and regulations. The pa- per also argues that the state faces a dilemma: On one hand it feels threatened by the appearance of autonomous organizations such as un- regis-tered churches, while on the other it values the contributions they make to society and recognizes that subjecting them to the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and China Christian Council would require a good deal of force and be very socially disruptive.
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Journal Title
Journal of Current Chinese Affairs
Volume
40
Issue
2
Subject
Sociology not elsewhere classified
Policy and Administration
Political Science