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Christian Living

chinaconnection 06/23/08

"Jesus in China"

While it's nearly impossible to know the exact number of Christians in China the growth of Christianity in officially atheist China/st1 :country-region> has been a tremendous development over the past twenty years.  Estimates generally range between 50 and 100 million Chinese Christians, making Christianity China's second most popular religion after Buddhism./span>

Even according to the more conservative government estimates, in just ten years the number of Christians has doubled to about 21 million believers in officially-sanctioned Three Self or Catholic Patriotic Association churches.  While the number of Chinese Christians continues to grow, how is this growth influencing Chinese society?   /span>

In a new Frontline/World documentary, "Jesus in China," Chicago Tribune Beijing Bureau Chief Evan Osnos traveled throughout China/st1 :country-region>, investigating many different house churches nationwide.  According to Osnos, "Christianity is thriving in part because it offers a moral framework to citizens adrift in an age of Wild West capitalism that has not only exacted a heavy toll in corruption and pollution but also harmed the global image of products "Made in China/st1 :country-region>."/span>

He further looks into the concept of authority, and how that shifting paradigm could provide some insight into China/st1 :country-region>'s future.  /span>

I haven't yet watched the documentary, since it airs tomorrow at 9 PM EST on PBS.  If this slideshow and this interview with The China Beat are any indication, this documentary should provide a unique view into China/st1 :country-region>'s Christian community. 

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