Persecution ploy
Sources in the United States have cited China as having the highest growth rate of Christians in the world.
However, the Christian right in the US and the news media are always accusing the Chinese Government of 'persecution' of Christians.
If they are being persecuted so much, why is there such a dramatic growth in their numbers?
It appears that 'persecution' is defined as the prohibition of unlicensed 'house churches' - namely, people congregating in residential quarters.
In US cities, a licensing application is a common zoning requirement for congregations in residential neighbourhoods. Presumably, it is the same in the PRC. How can this be construed as persecution? Why does the Christian right want to support unlicensed house churches which are in violation of zoning, fire and safety codes? The Christian right is just playing politics and trying to confuse the public.
It is a known fact that the number of Christians in the US has been declining for decades. American Christians should feel ashamed that they are not trying hard enough to keep the faith in their own county.
STEVE LAU
Huntington Beach, California, US
