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£67.99

Misperceptions of Christianity in China and Their Impact on China–US Relations

Bridging the Divide
Esther Shao

£67.99

China–US relations are reshaping the world, but discourse overlooks the crucial roles of misperception and American Christian ideologies. This book introduces a unique religious perspective, critically examining the Western narrative of Christian persecution in China.

China–US relations are reshaping the world. Public discourse on the contest for global geopolitical and economic hegemony, however, overlooks the crucial escalating roles of misperception…
£67.99
£67.99
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China–US relations are reshaping the world. Public discourse on the contest for global geopolitical and economic hegemony, however, overlooks the crucial escalating roles of misperception and American Christian ideologies. This timely book introduces a unique religious perspective on China–US relations since the Reform and Opening-up Policy (ROP) was launched in 1978. The author critically examines the anachronistic and misperceived Western narrative of the persecution of Christians and churches in China.
Engaging with the modern Chinese context, the book’s multilevel analysis reveals American evangelical influence in forming anti-communist theology and praxis within Christian groups in China.
Building a bridge between China and the West, this ground-breaking work will dispel misunderstandings and promote clarity in today’s polarised world. It provides insights for scholars of China–US relations and Christianity, seminaries, evangelical missions involved with China, and peace-making organisations.

Esther Shao is a Research Associate at Wesley House, Cambridge, UK. She earned her MA in America and her PhD in Britain, with a focus on Christianity in contemporary China–US relations. Her research interests also include world Christianity and intercultural dialogue.

Hardback

  • ISBN: 1-0364-6962-X
  • ISBN13: 978-1-0364-6962-7

Subject Codes:

  • BIC: HRC, JPS, JH
  • BISAC: REL084000, REL116000, REL015000, POL011000, POL054000, POL062000
  • THEMA: QRM, JPS, JH
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  • “China’s religious policy would have to balance the need to safeguard its national security with the reality of a culturally and religiously diverse society. However, Western societies often have a one-sided and negative view of China’s religious situation following the reforms and opening up, which frequently leads to criticism of China’s religious policies. This phenomenon has influenced, in particular, the United States’ foreign policy towards China, which is partly based on American model of religious freedom and human rights. This book employs a multi-layered analytical approach that integrates macro, meso, and micro perspectives to systematically examine the interactions between Christianity in China and the country’s social changes, as well as its international environment since the reforms and opening up. Through empirical research, the author offers a unique perspective on the so-called “persecuted Chinese Christianity” narrative prevalent in the mainstream Western discourse. This study not only helps scholars and Christian groups in the West better understand the complexities of Christianity’s development in China during the period of social transformation but also provides valuable insights for academic and religious organizations dedicated to promoting Christian missions of peace and development. Additionally, it contributes to the study of U.S.–China relations from a religious perspective.”
    - Dr Yihua Xu, Professor, Department of International Relations; Director, Center for the Study of Religion and International Relations, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
  • “In her incisive study, the author demonstrates the influence of misperception in the complex relationship between China and the United States. She examines the way in which religion, American evangelicalism in particular, has complexified this dynamic situation. The case study she presents is essential reading for all those who seek a deeper understanding of the interaction of culture, religion, and the quest for peace. Read this book. Listen carefully. Open your eyes and prepare to learn from a wise and perceptive student of life.”
    - Dr Paul W. Chilcote, Research Fellow, Wesley House, Cambridge, UK
  • “The relationship between the state and churches in China is not easy to define, yet this book provides a thorough analysis of its complexities. For Western readers, it offers not only an excellent starting point for exploring Christianity in modern China but also a renewed perspective on the Chinese socio-cultural context in the era after the reform and opening-up.”
    - Dr H. C. Peng Liu, Former Research Fellow of the Institute of American Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Honorary Member of the Chinese Association for Religious Studies; Vice Chairman of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Role of Faith

Meet The Author

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