House churches cannot politicize religion

Source:Global Times Published: 2011-4-11 4:41:00

The police on Sunday stopped an illegal meeting of a group of Christians in Beijing's Zhongguancun area, which is under their remit to maintain social order. However, once again, the move has been seen by Western media as being a major event.

As is widely known, Chinese laws are clear that every religious group in China needs legal registration. However, this "house church" is unregistered. To be exact, it is not a legal group. However, since religious issues are involved in this sensitive matter, the Chinese government has adopted a tolerant attitude toward "house churches." By maintaining a low profile, these "house churches" are clear about their illegal status. 

No matter the rationale, the public gathering of this group inappropriate. The location of their gathering was not a religious site. With the many passers-by around, it had become a public disturbance. Even open churches in China would not behave in this manner.

Chinese society attaches great importance to harmony, and those with religious beliefs should adhere even more strongly to this harmony. They should not cause any public disturbances through their own religious activities, which will put them at odds with society.

The location of this gathering having been at a local Carrefour supermarket, it became an event unseen by  local Beijingers before.

Those house churches that currently have this tendency should thoroughly reflect on the consequences of their gatherings. 

There are many open Christian churches in China, the Chinese government encourages Christians to worship in legal manners. However, the religion's power overseas eagerly hopes to bring Chinese Christians beyond Chinese law, and so attempt to twist Chinese society by politicizing religion. 

All the Christians, as well as those of other faiths, are Chinese citizens first and foremost. It is their obligation to observe discipline and abide by the law. All those related to yesterday's event should reconsider the reasons they attended the gathering.

It is said that many intellectuals were present. These people benefit from a orderly society and should not complain blindly.

The Western media has paid close attention to the development of house churches in China, which is abnormal. Those taking part in yesterday's gathering should reflect why they attend, for their own salvation, or to be the attention of Western media.

The source of this attention is obviously beyond religion itself.



Posted in: Editorial

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