David Aikman: Jesus in Beijing
Luke’s account of the initial surge and spread of Christianity accents Evangelical and Pentecostal/charismatic theology and spirituality (cf. Acts 1:8). Aikman places Evangelicalism at the heart of Chinese Christianity (pp. 136-37), and Pentecostal-Charismatic movements at Evangelicalism’s forefront (pp. 81-82). The vitality of Chinese Christianity, existing under harsh conditions, is attributable to the energy of an unapologetically Christ-centered and emphatically Spirit-filled version of the faith. I am personally persuaded this is true beyond the borders of China or any other national or cultural boundary. With all the available theological agendas operative today, one that holds much promise for the future of Christian faith offers a hurting world the help of the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord with the Holy Spirit’s empowering and uplifting presence. As John Wesley said, the gospel is about “Christ dying for us and Christ living in us.”
Christianity’s tendency to break loose from boundaries and overflow into avenues of the wider world is well attested (e.g., Acts 17:6). Aikman argues that “Christianity will change the nature of China in many different ways over the next several decades, and in doing so, will change the world in which we live” (p. 292). Christianity’s transforming influence may help China emerge economically and politically as a global superpower wearing a friendlier face in the network of nations. Also, millions of Chinese Christians interacting freely with the rest of the world will change the face of Christendom from a western oriented entity to a truly global world religion (pp. 285-92). And Chinese Christians are intensely committed to evangelizing the world, especially Muslim nations traditionally resistant to western influence (pp. 202-05). Doubtless trans-cultural globalization of Christianity is an interesting and exciting possibility for the faith’s future identity and ministry in and to this world. Christianity could be poised on the brink of global revival and renewal!
David Aikman’s Jesus in Beijing is highly recommended for anyone interested in the future of Christian faith in China and the world.
Reviewed by Tony Richie
Editor’s Note: Since its publication, hard-line communists in China have reacted to Aikman’s research by reinvigorating their campaign against “unpatriotic” groups which includes the unregistered house church movement.
Preview Jesus in Beijing: http://books.google.com/books/about/Jesus_in_Beijing.html?id=RNjT63iGdy8C
Read David Aikman’s “The Story Behind Jesus in Beijing” http://www.davidaikman.com/speech_jesusinbeijing1.php
Category: Church History, Winter 2006
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