Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity Is Transforming China And Changing the Global Balance of Power

Even though I fancy myself a semi-alert follower of global news, this book took me completely by surprise. Here's the short version of the surprise: there may be as many as 100 million Christians in China. (Does that mean there are more Christians in China than in Europe??)The long version of the surprise is WHY. And the answer comes from the Chinese intelligentsia, in the person of one "Dr. Wu" (not his real name)."One of the things we were asked to look into was what accounted for the success, in fact the pre-eminence of the West all over the world. We studied everything we could from the historical, political, economic, and cultural perspective."At first, we thought it was because you had more powerful guns than we had. Then we thought it was because you had the best political system. Next we focused on your economic system."But in the past twenty years, we have realized that the heart of your culture is your religion: Christianity. That is why the West has been so powerful. The Christian foundation of social and cultural life was what made possible the emergence of capitalism and then the successful transition to democratic politics. We don't have any doubt about this."So said Dr. Wu, in a statement which is beginning to be heard around the world. Chinese society has an aching gap where "Mao Thought" used to be. Nobody believes in Marxism, Leninism, or Maoism any more. Confucius is respected, but regarded as a bit behind the times, and unfamiliar with global competition. So what is going to fill that gap?Well, there are 100 million Chinese Christians, and I don't think they spend much time listening to our village atheists.This book was a complete surprise for me, a stunning surprise.-----UPDATE-----China is now the world's largest producer of Bibles: 100 million.

Eye opening history of the move of God in China. I loved reading and seeing how so many pockets of culture and Christian denominations have developed unity and grown in China during period of history that the western world didnt have much access to see or know what was going on.

This book provides a detailed account of God at work in China. It is full of details-- facts, figures, places, events, people, and so forth. The reporter has clearly seen many things and interviewed many people.It is exciting to see how God is at work in China, causing rapid growth of the Church in spite of persecution that at times and at certain places has been tragically severe. The Chinese Church not only envisions-- and is working toward- bringing all of China to faith in Jesus Christ, but is also working toward bringing the whole Muslim world to Christ. The Chinese believe they are better able to do this than the western Church, and that it is their turn to spread the Gospel, just as it has been the west's turn to do so for the last few centuries.This book is a fascinating account of past history, present history being made, and a glimpse of the future Christian world. It is not only informative, but exciting and uplifting for a Christian to read this.

Good information on the growth of the underground church in China. I was surprised to read how many government officials are members.

Aikman turns a reporters eye to a careful analysis of the incredible move of God in Mainland China over the past 30 years. Three significant movements are identified and explored -- the Underground Church -- the Revival within the Three Self Church -- and the unusual influence of Christian scholars in Chinese culture. Captivating reading -- but apparently the naming of names and inclusion of pictures of famous Christians in China has led to some increased persecution.Aikman's assertion that some day the critical mass of Christianity will reach the tipping point and bring sweeping social change has proven to be an embarassment to the government, And if there is one thing the government of China won't stand for, it's being embarrassed. Read it with discretion.

Fascinating history of the spread of Christianity in China. Aikman has a unique perspective because of the many contacts he made during his years there working and traveling as a journalist. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in the truth (as opposed to the official Chinese government doctrine) of either subject - China or Christianity.

Mr. Aikman has presented an excellent picture of the development of Christianity in China, right up to the present. It is very well written, enjoyable to read, and very informative. Having traveled to China on numerous occasions in recent years, I have found that my experiences have been confirmed by what he writes. This book is the best I have come across if you are looking for a picture of the recent development and situation of the church in China.

good quality copy

Great book, well-written, a valuable insight into the paradox that is modern China. Research is extremely good and very readable.