David Aikman: Jesus in Beijing
David Aikman, Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity is Transforming China and Changing the Global Balance of Power (Washington, DC: Regenery, 2003), 344 pages.
Remarkably, this book is simultaneously profoundly spiritual and provocatively political. Its main thesis is that Christianity is slowly but surely changing China and a changed China may change the world. In readable journalistic style Aikman overviews the history of Christianity in China, analyzes its diversity, introduces us to many of its exciting personalities, and outlines political and cultural complexities in the story of Christianity in China. Hands-on experience and research enhance Aikman’s effectiveness. The suffering and strength of many persecuted Christians pervade the whole work. An inexorable forward march of the Christian faith in China against incredible opposition builds throughout to a climactic finish with an optimistic future. Balanced, objective discussions of distinctive Christian groups and their differences are insightful and helpful.
Four assertions of this work call for more detailed dialogue: an inseparable interconnectedness of Christianity, culture, politics, and economics in China; Christianity in the Chinese context is most effective when it assumes an indigenous and inclusivist air; Evangelicals and Pentecostals are at the heart and forefront of Chinese Christianity; and, the story of Christianity in China has national and global consequences.
Dynamic relationships between religion, culture, politics, and economics certainly exist (cf. Dan. 2:46-49). Aikman notes that changing fortunes of the Christian faith in China reflect simultaneous fluctuations of socio-political-economic factors. From the beginnings of Christianity in China until contemporary times the vicissitudes of frequent and often contradictory cultural changes have affected Christianity’s status almost as much as it’s own spiritual qualities (pp. 19-45). Not a new idea (Max Weber explored relations between religion and economics), it nevertheless needs acknowledging that Christianity is part of a complex of components, secular and sacred, that cannot be adequately understood in isolation. Religion is not only an attempt to relate well to the eternal world beyond but also to this temporal world below.
Paul employed intentionally indigenous (original culture) and inclusivist (openness to others) approaches to witnessing relations with non-Christians (1 Co. 9:19-23; Acts 17:16-34). According to Aikman, historically missionaries who appreciated and appropriated China’s native dress, customs, and language were consistently more effective than those who did not, in spite of attendant controversy (pp. 30-41). Furthermore, contemporary Chinese Christians able to connect their message and mission with China’s non-Christian religious heritage are making headway with thoughtful moderns (pp. 245-49). In a time of increasing awareness of religious diversity and plurality Christian witness that refuses to compromise its own convictions but yet affirms and embraces the cultural history and spiritual heritage of others (in the tradition of C. S. Lewis) may be the most effective way to evangelize.
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
